Lysander Spooner

Lysander Spooner
Lysander Spooner (1808–1887) was an American political philosopher, abolitionist, and legal theorist known for his strong advocacy of individual liberty and natural law. He is best remembered for his pamphlet "No Treason: The Constitution of No Authority," where he argued that the U.S. Constitution was not a legitimate contract. Spooner also founded the American Letter Mail Company, challenging the government monopoly on mail delivery, though it was eventually shut down by the state. His writings greatly influenced libertarian and anarchist thought, particularly in opposing slavery and promoting voluntaryism.

Author's Books:


CHAPTER I. THE RIGHT OF JURIES TO JUDGE OF THE JUSTICE OF LAWS. SECTION I. For more than six hundred years—that is, since Magna Carta, in 1215—there has been no clearer principle of English or American constitutional law, than that, in criminal cases, it is not only the right and duty of juries to judge what are the facts, what is the law, and what was the moral intent of the accused; but that it... more...

WHAT IS LAW? Before examining the language of the Constitution, in regard to Slavery, let us obtain a view of the principles, by virtue of which law arises out of those constitutions and compacts, by which people agree to establish government. To do this it is necessary to define the term law. Popular opinions are very loose and indefinite, both as to the true definition of law, and also as to the... more...

CHAPTER I. A NEW BANKING SYSTEM. Under the banking system—an outline of which is hereafter given—the real estate of Boston alone—taken at only three-fourths its value, as estimated by the State valuation—is capable of furnishing three hundred millions of dollars of loanable capital. Under the same system, the real estate of Massachusetts—taken at only three-fourths its estimated value—is... more...