Description
Book Synopsis: The theory of natural law grounds human laws in the universal truths of God’s creation. Until very recently, lawyers in the Western tradition studied natural law as part of their training, and the task of the judicial system was to put its tenets into concrete form, building an edifice of positive law on natural law’s foundations. Although much has been written about natural law in theory, surprisingly little has been said about how it has shaped legal practice. Natural Law in Court asks how lawyers and judges made and interpreted natural law arguments in England, Europe, and the United States, from the beginning of the sixteenth century to the American Civil War.
R. H. Helmholz sees a remarkable consistency in how English, Continental, and early American jurisprudence understood and applied natural law in cases ranging from family law and inheritance to criminal and commercial law. Despite differences in their judicial systems, natural law was treated across the board as the source of positive law, not its rival. The idea that no person should be condemned without a day in court, or that penalties should be proportional to the crime committed, or that self-preservation confers the right to protect oneself against attacks are valuable legal rules that originate in natural law. From a historical perspective, Helmholz concludes, natural law has advanced the cause of justice.
Details
Are you interested in learning about the fascinating history of legal theory in practice? Look no further than Natural Law in Court: A History of Legal Theory in Practice. This insightful book explores the concept of natural law and its impact on the development of human laws throughout history. Discover how lawyers and judges interpreted and applied natural law in England, Europe, and the United States from the sixteenth century to the American Civil War. By studying the past, we gain a deeper understanding of the principles that have shaped our modern legal system.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Natural Law in Court is its examination of the consistency in how natural law arguments were made and interpreted across different jurisdictions. Despite the variations in their judicial systems, English, Continental, and early American jurisprudence all recognized natural law as the foundation of positive law. This remarkable consistency demonstrates the enduring influence of natural law on legal practice.
What makes this book particularly valuable is its exploration of the legal rules that originated from natural law. The idea that every person deserves their day in court, the principle of proportionate penalties for crimes committed, and the right to self-defense are just a few examples of the enduring legal principles derived from natural law. These principles have not only advanced the cause of justice but also shaped our understanding of fundamental human rights.
If you want to delve into the rich and complex history of legal theory in practice, Natural Law in Court is a must-read. Gain insights into how natural law has shaped our legal system, explore fascinating legal cases, and deepen your knowledge of the principles that underpin our modern laws. Don't miss out on this enlightening journey through the evolution of legal theory – purchase your copy now!
Discover More Best Sellers in Legal History
Shop Legal History
Treatise on Law: Summa Theologica, Questions 90-97
Legal History - Treatise on Law: Summa Theologica, Questions 90-97
My Lai: Vietnam, 1968, and the Descent into Darkness (Pivotal Moments in American History)
Legal History - My Lai: Vietnam, 1968, and the Descent into Darkness (Pivotal Moments in American History)
Beyond Freedom’s Reach: A Kidnapping in the Twilight of Slavery
Legal History - Beyond Freedom’s Reach: A Kidnapping in the Twilight of Slavery
The Justice and the Mare's Ale: Law and Disorder in Seventeenth Century England
Legal History - The Justice and the Mare's Ale: Law and Disorder in Seventeenth Century England
Legal History - Burying SM: The Politics of Knowledge and the Sociology of Power in Africa (Social History of Africa (Paperback))
Servants of the Damned: The Dark Side of American Law
Legal History - Servants of the Damned: The Dark Side of American Law
Lochner v. New York: Economic Regulation on Trial
Legal History - Lochner v. New York: Economic Regulation on Trial



