Quotes from James Otis

Every one with this writ may be a tyrant; if this commission be legal, a tyrant in a legal manner, also, may control, imprison, or murder any one within the realm.

I have accordingly considered it, and now appear not only in obedience to your order, but likewise in behalf of the inhabitants of this town, who have presented another petition, and out of regard to the liberties of the subject.

I pray God I may never be brought to the melancholy trial; but, if ever I should, it will then be known how far I can reduce to practice principles which I know to be founded in truth.

It is a clear truth that those who every day barter away other men's liberty will soon care little for their own.

Every man may reign secure in his petty tyranny, and spread terror and desolation around him, until the trump of the Archangel shall excite different emotions in his soul.

The supreme power cannot take from any man any part of his property, without his consent in person, or by representation.

One of the most essential branches of English liberty is the freedom of one's house. A man's house is his castle.

A man is accountable to no person for his doings.

Can there be any liberty where property is taken away without consent?