He refused to pay the import duty on currants imposed by James I, claiming that this imposition was illegal unless approved by Parliament.
Ordinary power, which exists for the purpose of civil justice, is unalterable save by consent of Parliament.
[1]It followed that the Crown could impose a duty on imported currants if this was done to regulate foreign trade, and not simply to raise revenue.
[3][4] In the long run, if the Crown could levy taxes without resorting to Parliament, one of the main reasons for that body's existence might disappear, thus perhaps allowing the King to dispense with Parliaments altogether, although this did not really become apparent until the reign of Charles I.
[6] Chief Baron Fleming, who came from a family of merchants, displayed a notable contempt for the business community in his opinion.