The Acme Of Judicial Distinction

A Legislative Act Contrary To The Constitution Is Not Law.

Whether A Law Be Void For Its Repugnancy To The Constitution, Is, At All Times, A Question Of Much Delicacy, Which Out Seldom, If Ever, To Be Decided In The Affirmative, In Doubtful Case. ... But It Is Not On Slight Implication And Vague Conjecture That The Legislature Is To Be Pronounced To Have Transcended Its Powers, And Its Acts To Be Considered As Void. The Opposition Between The Constitution And The Law Should Be Such That The Judge Feels A Clear And Strong Conviction Of Their Incompatibility With Each Other.

The Institution Of Masonry Ought To Be Abandoned As One Capable Of Much Evil, And Incapable Of Producing Any Good Which Might Not Be Affected By Safe And Open Means.

Let The End Be Legitimate, Let It Be Within The Scope Of The Constitution, And All Means Which Are Appropriate, Which Are Plainly Adapted To That End, Which Are Not Prohibited, But Consist With The Letter And Spirit Of The Constitution, Are Constitutional.

The Power To Tax Is The Power To Destroy.