Product Description
“At a time when the role of the legal profession, the jury system and other key aspects of American law are under much dispute, Imagining the Law provides a historical perspective on these critical public issues. Historian Norman Cantor explains how and why common law developed out of Roman law, in response to the needs and assumptions of English society and culture from 1000 to 1780, and how it became the basis of the American legal system. Professor Cantor shows … More >>
Imagining the Law: Common Law and the Foundations of the American Legal System
Tags: American, Common, common law, critical public issues, foundations, historian, historical perspective, Imagining, jury system, Legal, legal profession, norman cantor, professor cantor, roman law, society and culture, System
#1 by Lisa Yu on May 7, 2010 - 1:01 pm
This is such a well written book. Great for a beginner like myself. It was actually very entertaining and funny at times.
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by Anonymous on May 7, 2010 - 2:55 pm
A fascinating introduction to what I once considered a dull subject. Cantor presents an engaging and sometimes humorous look at the social, economic, cultural and religious background to English common law. I hope the paperback version includes a glossary and chronology.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Anonymous on May 7, 2010 - 4:27 pm
This is one of those rare history books that doesn’t read like one. And given the subject matter that is a great accomplishment. This book gives both a broad survey of Anglo-American jurisprudence and insightful comparisons with the Roman law traditions of the rest of Europe. And without being partisan it highlights the good and bad aspects of America’s legal tradition. I have a background in the subject, yet enjoyed this book as much as the other reviewers.
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by C. Zodrow on May 7, 2010 - 5:26 pm
Excellent writing from Cantor (as usual). Incisive, informative and even life changing. Why? If you have ever wondered why our culture behaves as it does, this book may give you some clues. It is a book that gets at the very core of our social foundations and explains in many ways who we are as Americans, descendants of the Brits, brothers in the Common Law system.
One you will want to read and, read again. Get a copy. I purchased a library cast off (good grief!) in hardback for 3.00. A gem. Law students: do not miss this one. You will have one up on your class mates.
Rating: 5 / 5