American Leviathan

American Leviathan

The Argument That Made a Revolution

James Otis stood up in a Boston courtroom in 1761 and lost. John Adams said American independence was born in that room.

Oct 06, 2026
∙ Paid

The case was about search warrants.

Specifically it was about writs of assistance — general warrants issued by the Crown that allowed customs officers to enter any house, shop, or warehouse, at any ti…

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