“The Worst Instrument of Arbitrary Power”

Abstract

George Grenville’s program of “reform” was first and foremost a legal one—a thorough review of colonial law, the enforcement of old laws and the passage of new laws adapted from older models. It was thus natural and proper for revolutionary lawyers in the making to take the lead in protesting these laws, at least insofar as they seemed a break with precedent as well as sound policy. It was natural and proper as well for lawyers attached to the crown interest to defend Grenville’s policies, for surely Parliament, which Grenville led, was a legitimate source of new legislation. Thus the lawyers on both sides of the issue joined combat in the court of public opinion.