The English works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury, Volume 06 (of 11)

Description

"Fatal fingers" by William Le Queux is a novel written in the early 20th century. It likely delivers a fast-paced mystery-thriller of crime and intrigue, with a resourceful protagonist drawn into a perilous conspiracy marked by ominous clues and sudden violence. The opening of the provided text presents a rigorous dialogue between a Philosopher and a Lawyer about the nature of law, reason, and sovereign power. They dispute Sir Edward Coke’s claims about “legal reason,” argue that authority—not mere wisdom—makes law, and weigh statute versus common law and equity. The conversation presses the case for the monarch’s supremacy in legislation, judicature, and control of the militia and revenue, especially in crises, while critiquing parliamentary resistance during the civil wars. It defines justice and property as products of sovereign settlement, distinguishes law from right (obligation from liberty), and contends that equity is the law of reason under the crown. The speakers also survey English courts (King’s Bench, Common Pleas, Chancery, Admiralty), review how errors and judgments are corrected, and cite Bracton and other authorities to reinforce royal prerogative. Overall, the opening is a pointed constitutional debate about obedience, security, and the machinery of English justice. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Subjects

• Philosophy, English -- 17th century
• B