Lot 230
Vermont Proposes a Constitutional Amendment To Limit the Power of the Courts, 1807
VERMONT PROPOSES A CONSTITUTIONAL. Manuscript document, 2pp, 9¾ x 7¾", "In council November 6th 1807," attested by the clerk and the ecretary of state. being a true copy of a proposed amendment to the constitution. Fragile and toned, with fold splits, edge chips, and show-through from verso. While appearing reasonable, the State of Vermont is here proposing an amendment to :"…empower the President of the United States to remove any of the judges of the Courts of the United States upon address to him made for that purpose by a majority of the House of Representatives and two thirds of the Senators in Congress assembled…". While the intentions of this bill are good, it is apparent in hindsight that the adoption of this amendment would severely weaken the power of the judiciary branch. The Supreme Court, for example, now makes decisions concerning the constitutionality of cases brought before it, knowing that they are appointed for life, and that their decisions will not jeopardize their position in the court. With the passage of this amendment,however, a party possessing strong majorities in both houses could remove any and all judges opposed to its policies. A fascinating look into "what might have been".
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
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| Realized $230 |
