Today we look into Black’s Law Dictionary, First Edition, 1891 at the definition of ‘License’. Don’t chuckle when you read this, as the first couple times I had this definition read to me in class, I laughed. Here we go … A permission, accorded by a competent authority, conferring the right to do some act which without such authorization would be illegal, or would be a trespass or tort.

Huhhh?

As a private citizen, not operating in commerce, think of all the ‘licenses’ you NEED. Hunting license, fishing license, driver’s license, license plate, just to name a few:

Who made these acts, endeavors, activities, which you wish to participate in, illegal IN THE FIRST PLACE?

The same entities to whom you now have to PAY … for permission!

Let that sink in.