The nation … has no right to expect that it will always have wise and humane rulers, sincerely attached to the principles of the Constitution. Wicked men, ambitious of power, with hatred of liberty and contempt of law, may fill the place once occupied by Washington and Lincoln; and if this [broad power of martial law] be conceded, the dangers to human liberty are frightful to contemplate.
from Ex Parte Milligan (71 U.S. 1, 1866)
[See http://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/initiatives_awards/students_in_action/milligan.html]
Does this remind you of anyone, like maybe the former "constitutional law professor" who currently fills the place once occupied by Washington and Lincoln?
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