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Speaking Up!
The Stamp Act Congress, held in New York City from October 7 to October 25, 1765, passed a declaration of “Rights and Grievances” claiming that the colonists had the same rights as British citizens and therefore could not be taxed without representation in Parliament. It made the following pronouncements:
- Colonists owe “the same allegiance” to the crown as those owed by “subjects born within the realm.”
- Colonists owe Parliament "all due subordination."
- Colonists possessed all the rights of Englishmen.
Stamp Act Congress - Trial by Jury is a right.
- The use of Admiralty Courts was abusive. (King appointed judge, no jury)
- Without voting rights, Parliament could not represent the colonists.
- There should be no taxation without representation
- Only the colonial assemblies had the right to tax the colonies.
