A concise history of American law William E. Nelson

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Nelson, William E. (William Edward), 1940- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Law--United States--History.

Law.

Law--History.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

Oxford University Press, 2026.

New York, NY Oxford University Press [2026]

Summary:

This resource traces the development of the US legal order from the colonial era to the 21st century. Emphasizing the essential role of the common law, derived from judicial precedent, rather than legislation, eminent legal historian William E. Nelson examines the foundations of the American rule of law and its interactions over time with political, economic, and societal transformations. Synthesizing the broad structural, institutional, and ideological changes embedded within American legal history illuminates the significant role courts have played in structuring politics and society. Nelson's accessible chronological narrative details how the rule of law has both facilitated change, by protecting the rights of those who advocate for it, and inhibited change, by acting as a conservative bulwark protecting the rights and property of the rich and powerful

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description based on online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on June 05, 2026)

Other Format:

Print version :

ISBN:

9780197831175

0197831176

9780197831168

0197831168

OCLC:

1591397071

Publisher Number:

CIPO000391562

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license