Behalf Quote by James Otis

Be the responsibility on their heads who raise this novel and extraordinary question of reception, going to the unconstitutional abridgment, as I conceive, of…

— Caleb Cushing

I maintain that the House is bound by the Constitution to receive the petitions; after which, it will take such method of deciding upon…

— Caleb Cushing

Obedience of the law is demanded; not asked as a favor.

— Theodore Roosevelt

The States should be watchful to note every material usurpation on their rights; to denounce them as they occur in the most peremptory terms;…

— Thomas Jefferson

The right to defy an unconstitutional statute is basic in our scheme. Even when an ordinance requires a permit to make a speech, to…

— Potter Stewart

I will look, your Honor, and endeavor to find a precedent, if you require it; though it would seem to be a pity that…

— Rufus Choate

Shall we upon the footing of our land Send fair-play orders, and make compromise, Insinuation, parley, and base truce, To arms invasive?

— William Shakespeare

The right of petition is an old undoubted household right of the blood of England, which runs in our veins.

— Caleb Cushing

Do all you have agreed to do, and do not encroach on other persons or their property.

— Richard J. Maybury

If there be any plausible reason for supposing that we have the right to legislate on the slave interests of the District, you cannot…

— Caleb Cushing

The people shall not be restrained from peacefully assembling and consulting for their common good, nor from applying to the legislature by petitions, or…

— James Madison

We're going to protect and honor the Constitution, and I don't have the authority to set it aside.... If I had the authority to…

— John Ashcroft