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United States Law
Browse United States Law as a public-domain reading list on Rivro, with free classics, authors, subjects, and related books.
The Federalist Papers
Alexander Hamilton
The Federalist Papers
"The Federalist Papers" by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison is a collection of 85 essays written between 1787-1788. Published under the pseudonym "Publius," these articles aimed to persuade New York voters to ratify the newly proposed Constitution. The essays tackle fundamental questions about republican government, from preventing majority tyranny to establishing checks and balances. They explore federalism, judicial review, and executive power—arguments that would shape American constitutional interpretation for centuries. Historian Richard B. Morris called them an "incomparable exposition of the Constitution, a classic in political science unsurpassed."
The Common Law
Oliver Wendell Holmes
The Common Law
"The Common Law" by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. is a legal treatise written in the late 19th century. This comprehensive work explores the development and underlying principles of the common law system, examining how laws have evolved from historical practices to their modern interpretations. The author emphasizes the role of historical context, societal needs, and the evolution of moral and political theories in shaping legal principles, presenting law as a living system interconnected with human experience. At the start of the text, Holmes sets the stage for his examination of the common law by discussing the notion of liability—both civil and criminal—and its historical roots. He outlines how early legal systems were influenced by human emotions, particularly the desire for vengeance, and how this influenced the development of legal principles over centuries. The opening portion delves into the transformation of liability concepts, tracing the progression from barbaric customs rooted in revenge to more nuanced understandings instilled in contemporary legal frameworks. Holmes seeks to illustrate that modern legal doctrines have grown from these early forms, often adapting once-primal impulses into elaborate rules that both reflect and serve the needs of society.
The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America
Thomas Jefferson
The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America
"The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America" by Thomas Jefferson is a founding document adopted in 1776. Written primarily by Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, it formally explains why the Thirteen Colonies declared independence from British rule. The document lists 27 grievances against King George III and asserts natural rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Its ratification on July 4, 1776, marked an act of treason against the Crown, transforming colonial delegates into America's Founding Fathers.
The United States Constitution
United States
The United States Constitution
"The United States Constitution" by United States is a foundational document drafted in 1787 and operational since 1789. Born from the failures of the Articles of Confederation, it establishes the supreme law of America through seven original articles defining federal government structure. Influenced by Enlightenment philosophy and English common law, it separates power among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Twenty-seven amendments have since expanded individual rights and modified governmental processes, making it the world's oldest written national constitution still in force.
The United States Bill of Rights The Ten Original Amendments to the Constitution of the United States
United States
The United States Bill of Rights The Ten Original Amendments to the Constitution of the United States
"The United States Bill of Rights" by United States comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, proposed in 1789 and ratified in 1791. Born from fierce debate over constitutional ratification, these amendments address Anti-Federalist objections by guaranteeing personal freedoms including speech, religion, and assembly. Championed by James Madison, who initially opposed such enumeration, the Bill of Rights explicitly limits federal power while reserving unenumerated rights to states and citizens—establishing foundational protections that would later extend beyond federal governance.
The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation Annotations of Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of the United States to June 30, 1952
Unknown
The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation Annotations of Cases Decided by the Supreme Court of the United States to June 30, 1952
"The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation" is a congressional publication first issued in 1913. Popularly known as the Constitution Annotated, this comprehensive guide presents the U.S. Constitution alongside scholarly analysis by the Congressional Research Service and annotations of Supreme Court cases. Updated regularly since its inception, the centennial edition references nearly 6,000 cases across more than 2,300 pages, serving as an essential resource for understanding constitutional interpretation and case law.
The Declaration of Independence of The United States of America
Thomas Jefferson
The Declaration of Independence of The United States of America
"The Declaration of Independence of The United States of America" by Thomas Jefferson is a founding document adopted in 1776. Written primarily by Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, it formally explained why the Thirteen Colonies considered themselves independent from British rule. The document lists 27 grievances against King George III and asserts natural rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Its signing was an act of treason punishable by death, yet delegates ratified it unanimously on July 4, 1776.
The Magna Carta
Anonymous
The Magna Carta
"The Magna Carta" by Anonymous is a royal charter sealed in 1215. When rebel barons forced King John of England to limit royal power and protect their rights, they created a document that would become one of history's most influential legal texts. Though initially annulled and historically misunderstood, this medieval agreement between monarch and nobility evolved into a powerful symbol of liberty, shaping constitutional thought across centuries and continents, from England's Parliament to America's founding documents.
John Marshall and the Constitution, a Chronicle of the Supreme Court
Edward Samuel Corwin
John Marshall and the Constitution, a Chronicle of the Supreme Court
"John Marshall and the Constitution, a Chronicle of the Supreme Court" by Edward S. Corwin is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the life and impact of John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States, and examines his role in establishing the authority of the Supreme Court and the principles embodied in the Constitution. The opening of the book sets the context for Marshall's significance within the framework of American governance, likening the judicial system to an ecclesiastical hierarchy, with Marshall as its pivotal figure, akin to a great Pope. It lays the groundwork for understanding the early struggles of the U.S. judiciary, detailing the foundational decisions made during the Constitutional Convention and the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation. This chapter also hints at the conflicts between state and federal powers, which became prominent during Marshall's tenure, foreshadowing the battles he would have to navigate in asserting the supremacy of federal law and the judicial review that would cement the Court's central role in American democracy.
Business Hints for Men and Women
A. R. (Alfred Rochefort) Calhoun
Business Hints for Men and Women
"Business Hints for Men and Women" by A. R. Calhoun is a practical guide to understanding various facets of business, likely written in the early 20th century. The book covers a wide array of topics essential for both men and women in the business world, including finance, documentation, farming economics, and effective communication, offering actionable advice aimed at helping individuals improve their business acumen. The opening portion introduces the reader to the fundamental principles of wealth production, emphasizing the importance of land, labor, and capital in farming. Calhoun argues that successful farmers must be both skilled laborers and effective businesspeople, capable of adapting to modern practices and utilizing efficient methods for production. The introduction also conveys that a good businessperson is knowledgeable about business laws and practices, promoting the notion that understanding these rules is crucial for success across various professions. Overall, the beginning of the book lays a solid foundation for the themes and lessons that will follow, aimed at instructing individuals on how to navigate the business landscape thoughtfully and effectively.
The Constitution of the United States A Brief Study of the Genesis, Formulation and Political Philosophy of the Constitution
James M. (James Montgomery) Beck
The Constitution of the United States A Brief Study of the Genesis, Formulation and Political Philosophy of the Constitution
"The Constitution of the United States" by James M. Beck is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work offers an insightful analysis of the origins, development, and political philosophy underpinning the American Constitution, highlighting it as a pivotal achievement in governance that reflects the ideals and struggles of the English-speaking world. At the start of the book, Beck introduces his motivations for delivering the lectures that form the basis of this text. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the American Constitution, which emerged from a unique set of challenges faced by the framers in the wake of the Revolutionary War. The text captures the historical context, detailing how the founders navigated various political pressures and ideologies to craft a governing document designed to balance power between the states and the federal government. Beck further narrates the significance of the constitutional convention, the debates among the framers, and the subsequent challenges of ratification, all while asserting the ongoing relevance of the Constitution in contemporary governance.