Posted on 10/20/2011 12:07:53 PM PDT by FritzG
Was the Declaration of Independence legal?
In Philadelphia, American and British lawyers have debated the legality of America's founding documents.
On Tuesday night, while Republican candidates in Nevada were debating such American issues as nuclear waste disposal and the immigration status of Mitt Romney's gardener, American and British lawyers in Philadelphia were taking on a far more fundamental topic.
Namely, just what did Thomas Jefferson think he was doing?
Some background: during the hot and sweltering summer of 1776, members of the second Continental Congress travelled to Philadelphia to discuss their frustration with royal rule.
By 4 July, America's founding fathers approved a simple document penned by Jefferson that enumerated their grievances and announced themselves a sovereign nation.
Called the Declaration of Independence, it was a blow for freedom, a call to war, and the founding of a new empire.
It was also totally illegitimate and illegal.
At least, that was what lawyers from the UK argued during a debate at Philadelphia's Ben Franklin Hall.
American experiment
The event, presented by the Temple American Inn of Court in conjunction with Gray's Inn, London, pitted British barristers against American lawyers to determine whether or not the American colonists had legal grounds to declare secession.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
At the time it was quite illegal. High treason, to be exact.
It also changed the world.
No kidding. Something out of Douglas Adams.
We won. We recognize it as our law. Therefore it is legal. If we had not backed it up with our guns, it would have been treason. History is won by the aggressive use of force.
Of course it was illegal. What a stupid debate.
I see the Brits (liberal ones) are still butthurt. LOL!
*no offense to my British buds on here*
I dunno, but we can certainly replay that little skirmish again if the Brits want.
These are people with too much time on their hands. They need to be directed into somethin constructive.
By the treaty of peace in 1783 King George III recognized the independence of the United States (naming all 13 states). Case closed.
When the Signers pledged their lives in support of the Declaration they did so because they knew they could be hung for treason.
Rule 303 permitted the Declartion.
“...well, they’re legal now.”
And what if they are not? What’s Britain going to do? Repossess the continent? Idiots!
The Brits need to focus their attention on more important matters, like importing more dentists and creating a more appetizing cuisine. (Kidney pie? No thanks, I’ll just have a glass of water and some crackers.)
I’ve read dumber and more stupid articles before, but this is right up there with the most stupid things I have ever read....................
actually, the way the Crown treated the colonies is what was illegal...the Declaration set things right again.
Tell you what. Send in the Red Coats and let’s settle the matter.
“legal” according to what?!?!
Of course the Brit’s didn’t think it was “legal”!
The point is, AMERICA REVOLTED!
The DoI said, we don’t much care what you think and we’re going to go our own way!
The Brit’s didn’t like it, they attacked us, and we kicked their butt, and they went home!
America has been operating independantly, as a sovereign nation for over 235 years.
So, “legal” has little bearing on the subject!
Do the objectors assert it was necessary to have a British grant of freedom, in order for the process to have been “legal”?
Wanna fight about it again?!?!
Could this be a preview of worse things to come when Muslim lawyers will force the issue that acceptance of Sharia Law is constitutionally valid?
Obama to the Queen:
“Here, your majesty, as our separation wasn’t legal, there’s this little $14 TRILLION tab we’d like you to clear up.....”
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