James Otis Jr. (1725–83) was an American lawyer, activist, and legislator, known for his early opposition to British policies and influence on Revolutionary-era thought. He is often credited with popularizing “taxation without representation is tyranny.”
Born in Barnstable, Massachusetts, Otis graduated from Harvard College (1743) and quickly rose in Boston’s legal profession. Appointed Advocate General of the Admiralty Court (1760,) he resigned in protest against the Writs of Assistance, which allowed British officials to search private property without cause. His 1761 speech against the writs was pivotal in colonial resistance.
Notable works include The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved (1764,) advocating self-governance, and Considerations on Behalf of the Colonists (1765,) criticizing British taxation. His writings influenced John Adams and other Revolutionary leaders.
Otis suffered from mental illness, worsened by a 1769 assault by British officials. His erratic behavior diminished his influence in the 1770s, though he remained an early resistance symbol.
Two notable studies on Otis include John Clark Ridpath’s James Otis: The Pre-Revolutionist (1898,) exploring his role in American resistance, and William Tudor’s James Otis and the American Revolution (1823,) examining his impact on Revolutionary thought.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by James Otis Jr.
The people’s safety is the law of God.
—James Otis Jr.
Topics: One liners, Law
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