The Unconstitutionality of Slavery

A strikingly clear essay from the mid‑1800s, this work opens by asking a simple yet profound question: what truly constitutes law? The author argues that law is not a mutable edict of power but a natural, immutable principle rooted in human nature and universal justice. By grounding his definition in the rights that arise from each individual’s existence, he sets the stage for a rigorous moral analysis.

From that foundation, he turns his focus to the American Constitution, examining how its language aligns—or fails to align—with the natural law he has outlined. He contends that the institution of slavery directly violates the unalterable principles of natural justice and the civil rights inherent to every person. The early sections lay out a logical, philosophical case that challenges readers to reconsider the legal and ethical foundations of their society.