In a remarkable book based on prodigious research, Morton J. Horwitz offers a sweeping overview of the emergence of a national (and modern) legal system from English and colonial antecedents. He treats the evolution of the common law as intellectual history and also demonstrates how the shifting views of private law became a dynamic element in the economic growth of the United States.
Horwitz's subtle and sophisticated explanation of societal change begins with the common law, which was intended to provide justice for all. The great breakpoint came after 1790 when the law was slowly transformed to favor economic growth and development. The courts spurred economic competition instead of circumscribing it. This new instrumental law flourished as the legal profession and the mercantile elite forged a mutually beneficial alliance to gain wealth and power.
The evolving law of the early republic interacted with political philosophy, Horwitz shows. The doctrine of laissez-faire, long considered the cloak for competition, is here seen as a shield for the newly rich. By the 1840s the overarching reach of the doctrine prevented further distribution of wealth and protected entrenched classes by disallowing the courts very much power to intervene in economic life.
This searching interpretation, which connects law and the courts to the real world, will engage historians in a new debate. For to view the law as an engine of vast economic transformation is to challenge in a stunning way previous interpretations of the eras of revolution and reform.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 3.50
Within U.S.A.
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Seller Inventory # Wizard0674903714
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # newMercantile_0674903714
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New. Fast Shipping and good customer service. Seller Inventory # Holz_New_0674903714
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Prompt service guaranteed. Seller Inventory # Clean0674903714
Book Description Condition: new. Seller Inventory # FrontCover0674903714
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # think0674903714
Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. Seller Inventory # 0674903714-2-1
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # ABLIING23Feb2416190098824
Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: new. This item is printed on demand. Seller Inventory # 9780674903715
Book Description Condition: new. Questo è un articolo print on demand. Seller Inventory # 62381f18539a9e97e6e73608946ea9b7