American Legal History, 1760-1900

William Fisher

Fall 2001

Part I: The Organization of the Polity

A. Judicial Review and Constitutional Law

B. The Differentiation of Authority: State, City, and Private Corporation

Part II: The Development of Legal Doctrine

(You should read all of the "methodological interludes" plus the materials under four of the six doctrinal headings)

A. Contracts

Methodological Interlude: The Legitimation Argument

B. Torts

Methodological Interlude: The Economic Interpretation

C. Criminal Law

Methodological Interlude: Functionalism

D. Family Law

Methodological Interlude: Storytelling

E. Property

Methodological Interlude: Intellectual History

F. The Law of Slavery

Methodological Interlude: Intellectual History (continued)

Part III: The Legal Profession