The Constitution Of No Authority, Vices Are Not Crimes, and Natural Laws Of Congress

The Constitution of the United States is often regarded as the bedrock of American governance. It outlines the fundamental principles and sets the framework for the functions of the government. However, there are differing perspectives on the authority and validity of the Constitution itself. One such perspective is elaborated in "The Constitution Of No Authority" by Lysander Spooner, who argues that the Constitution lacks real authority. Let's explore Spooner's ideas and delve into the concepts of vices not being crimes and the natural laws of Congress.

The Constitution Of No Authority

In "The Constitution Of No Authority," Lysander Spooner challenges the prevailing belief that the Constitution holds legitimate authority over individuals. Spooner asserts that the Constitution is simply a contract between the government and some individuals, which cannot establish authority over those who never consented to it. He argues that if an individual did not explicitly consent to the Constitution, they should not be bound by its rules. Spooner's argument questions the very foundation of the government's power and invites us to reconsider the nature of our social contract.

Vices Are Not Crimes

Another controversial concept explored by Spooner is the idea that vices are not crimes. Spooner argues that vices, such as gambling, drug use, or prostitution, do not involve a violation of anyone's rights and, therefore, should not be considered criminal offenses. He believes that individuals have the freedom to engage in vices as long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others. Spooner's perspective challenges the societal norms that often criminalize personal choices and behaviors that are deemed immoral but do no harm to others.

The Complete Works of Lysander Spooner: The Unconstitutionality of Slavery, No Treason: The Constitution of No Authority, Vices are Not Crimes, Natural ... Laws of Congress, Prohibiting Private Mails

by Shane Read(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3264 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1872 pages

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The idea that vices are not crimes raises compelling questions about the role of law in regulating personal behavior. Should the government intervene to impose moral standards, or should individuals be granted the freedom to make their own choices, even if those choices are considered vices by society? Spooner's arguments emphasize the importance of personal liberty and individual autonomy in a just society.

Natural Laws Of Congress

Lysander Spooner further elaborates on the natural laws of Congress, asserting that Congress, as the legislative body, does not have the authority to legislate morality or individual behavior. He argues that natural law, which encompasses the basic principles of justice and fairness, stands above any man-made laws, including those created by Congress. Spooner believes that individuals have inherent rights derived from natural law that cannot be infringed upon by any governing body, including Congress.

Spooner's ideas raise important questions about the limits of governmental power and the extent to which individuals should be bound by man-made laws. If natural laws govern human actions, what should be the role of Congress in shaping societal norms? Does Congress have the authority to determine what is right or wrong, or should individuals have the freedom to follow their own moral compass?

The Constitution Of No Authority, the concept that vices are not crimes, and the natural laws of Congress all challenge our conventional understanding of governance and the role of legislation in society. Lysander Spooner's thought-provoking arguments invite us to critically evaluate the nature of our social contract, the limits of governmental authority, and the importance of personal liberty.

The Complete Works of Lysander Spooner: The Unconstitutionality of Slavery, No Treason: The Constitution of No Authority, Vices are Not Crimes, Natural ... Laws of Congress, Prohibiting Private Mails

by Shane Read(Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3264 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	1872 pages

FREE

Madison & Adams presents this meticulously edited collection of Lysander Spooner's political, economics, legal and constitutional works, as well as writings on religion and works on slavery and abolition.
Contents:
Political Works
No Treason, No. I
No Treason. No II - The Constitution
No Treason. No VI - The Constitution of No Authority
Vices are Not Crimes: A Vindication of Moral Liberty
No. 1. Revolution
Natural Law; or the Science of Justice
A Letter to Thomas F. Bayard
A Letter to Grover Cleveland
Writings on Economics:
Poverty: Its Illegal Causes and Legal Cure
A New System of Paper Currency
Our Mechanical Industry as Affected by our Present Currency System
Considerations for Bankers, and Holders of United States Bonds
A New Banking System: The Needful Capital for Rebuilding the Burnt District
Our Financiers: Their Ignorance, Usurpations, and Frauds
The Law of Prices
Gold and Silver as Standards of Value: The Flagrant Cheat in Regard to Them
Universal Wealth Shown to be Easily Attainable
Law & Constitution :
"To the Members of the Legislature of Massachusetts." Worcester Republican
Supreme Court of United States, January Term, 1839. Spooner vs. M'Connell, et al.
Constitutional Law Relative to Credit, Currency, and Banking
The Unconstitutionality of the Laws of Congress, Prohibiting Private Mails
Illegality of the Trial of John W. Webster
An Essay on the Trial by Jury
The Law of Intellectual Property
Articles of Association of the Spooner Copyright Company for Massachusetts
A Letter to Scientist and Inventors, on the Science of Justice, and their Right of Perpetual Property in their Discoveries and Inventions
Works on Religion:
The Deist's Immortality, and an Essay on Man's Accountability for his Belief
The Deist's Reply to the Alleged Supernatural Evidences of Christianity
Works on Slavery and Abolition:
A Defence for Fugitive Slaves
A Plan for the Abolition of Slavery
Address of the Free Constitutionalists to the People of the United States
The Unconstitutionality of Slavery