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James Otis

            Gordon Wood in his research on the American Revolution describes it as radical as any revolution in modern history based on the fact that it produced a society that was free and democratic beyond the expectations of the nation's founding fathers. One of the most passionate spokesmen for that movement to create a nation free from empirical rule was James Otis. Otis helped in the fight to change the governmental system and bring a fundamental change for a structured society. John Adams described Otis" passionate arguments against the Writs of Assistance as watching kindling burst into flames (Langguth, 26).
             To understand James Otis and his passion for the ideals that embodied the American Revolution it is important to understand the man and the reasons that many believe fostered his radical opposition to British rule. Otis even when growing up was prone to unpredictable moods and bursts of energy. He graduated from Harvard after seven years, although he had been accepted at the early age of fourteen. Otis was slow to begin his legal career due in part to his indifference about money, although he would eventually garner large legal fees in Boston. It was not uncommon for him to take cases free of charge if he believed in the cause or more likely the defendant's right to assemble and voice their discontentment. For example Otis defended a gang of youths who paraded through town in a ceremony called Pope's Day that commemorated a Catholic plot to blow up King James I and the Parliament in 1605. Even though violence had erupted between opposing gangs Otis contented that the youths were simply exercising their right to free speech and that there was intention of malice. Otis won an acquittal, which was typical (Langguth, 21).
             It was with the same exuberance that Otis lobbied for a position for his father as Chief Justice. James Otis Sr. was the Speaker of the House of Representatives in Massachusetts but was viewed by the political elite as having too many ties to the lesser class.


Essays Related to James Otis

1. Comparative Analysis - James Otis and Thomas Paine

The following essay is a comparative analysis work done on Thomas Paine's Common Sense against James Otis' the rights of the British colonies, Asserted and proved. ... James Otis makes a similar remark regarding the duties of a government however, he adds that as long as there is a society, a government needs to be there regulating the "contests" between people whom are living dependently on each other. ... Otis delivers this part in co-ordination with religious teachings by saying that the law of nature from the divine gave the power in every one of the people; power ...

  • Word Count: 1192
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

2. James Madison

In James Madison's "Federalist number 10", he gives his views on how a new government should be put. ... However, Mercy Otis Warren, an Anti-federalist, had a little bit of a different view on the matters of the constitution. ... She and James Madison had some same views and those were that they both wanted and looked for the best interest of the country. ... Overall, James Madison and Mercy Otis Warren were very good people that help form our country today. James Madison article helped our constitution, and Mercy Otis Warren helped by giving a different view. ...

  • Word Count: 404
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

3. Punishing Criminals and the Death Penalty

He hired a hit man, James Perry, who shot the victims and a private nurse. ... "What punishment do you think fits the crime that James Perry and Lawrence Horn committed?... In the article, Otis is focusing a lot on the abolishment of the death penalty. ... Otis wants it back on track whilst Bronner sees it from another perspective. ... Some Americans might tend to think like William Otis, and believe that somehow the capital punishment saves lives of innocent people. ...

  • Word Count: 939
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

4. The Causes of the Revolutionary War

The causes of the Revolution spawned from many different ideas and beliefs. Most of the main disputes from which we have the development of a revolution are disputes over taxes. It was not so much of the colonies paying the taxes; because it was not an issue of whether they wanted to pay or if they ...

  • Word Count: 398
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

5. The Westing Game

James Shin Hoo was born in Chicago. ... Otis Joseph Amber is a 62 year old delivery boy. ... In her heir pair is James Shin Hoo. ... Ford and Alexander McSouthers - SKIES AM SHINING BROTHER Gracie Windkloppel Wexler and James Hoo - FRUITED PURPLE WAVES FOR SEA Berthe Erica Crow and Otis Amber - THY BEAUTIFUL MAJESTIES WITH Douglas Hoo and Theo Theodorakis - HIS N ON TO THEE FOR Sydelle Pulaski and Angela Wexler - GOOD GRACE FROM HOOD SPACIOUS In my opinion, I think it was mainly Turtle who solved the mystery. ...

  • Word Count: 1075
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Revolutionary War's envability

Issue: Was the Revolutionary War inevitable? Paraphrase: Was there no way around getting into the Revolutionary War? Position Statement: The Revolutionary War was inevitable. Support: 1. The British tried to restrict the growth of westward expansion into Canada and the Mississippi va...

  • Word Count: 1351
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Grade Level: High School

7. The Early Colonies and Independence from Great Britain

James Otis Jr., a Harvard-educated lawyer, argued that Parliament had no right to tax the colonies. ... Otis believed that all British subjects are equal and are entitled to all essential civil rights under the supreme power of God. ... Otis questioned the rights of freemen, as the colonists property were sometimes deprived from them without their consent. ...

  • Word Count: 2045
  • Approx Pages: 8
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

8. Patriots

James Otis The Revolutionary War brought out dynamic personalities of men, which have made freedom a reality for us. One such man was James Otis who had a sincere concern for liberty and who believed in man's singular sovereignty, while publicly guarding against the practice of absolutism in government found in England under the rule of Charles II and James II. Otis argued that every man lived in a state of nature and was subjected to laws "engraved in his hearts."" ...

  • Word Count: 2505
  • Approx Pages: 10
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

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