Subject
Law -- England Books
Best books
William Blackstone
Commentaries on the Laws of England, Book the First
"Commentaries on the Laws of England, Book the First" by Sir William Blackstone is a legal treatise published in 1765. This groundbreaking work made English common law accessible to ordinary readers for the first time since the Middle Ages. Book the First examines the rights of persons, exploring individuals' freedoms, Parliament's authority, the monarchy's powers, and the relationships between masters and servants, husbands and wives, parents and children. Blackstone's readable approach transformed legal education in Britain and America, shaping the development of the American legal system.
Ranulf de Glanville
A translation of Glanville
"A translation of Glanville" by Ranulf de Glanville is a legal treatise written between 1187-1189. This groundbreaking work systematically codified English law for the first time, defining legal processes and introducing writs that remain influential today. Written for Henry II after years of chaos, it served as the foundation of English common law. The treatise consists of fourteen books covering jurisdictions and procedures in the King's Court, fundamentally transforming how justice was administered throughout the kingdom.
Edward Abbott Parry
The Law and the Poor
"The Law and the Poor" by Sir Edward Abbott Parry is an analytical examination of the legal system's treatment of the poor, written in the early 20th century. The text explores the historical evolution of legal practices affecting the impoverished classes, focusing on themes of injustice, social inequality, and the fallacies of contemporary legal protections. Parry draws on his own experiences in County Courts to illuminate the systemic flaws and the need for reform aimed at the disadvantaged. The opening of the work lays the groundwork by emphasizing the significant divide between the rich and poor within the legal framework. Parry introduces the reader to his motivations for discussing this subject, tracing back to historical injustices and the evolution of laws that continue to burden the impoverished. He critiques the existing systems that perpetuate inequality, highlighting the legacy of past laws and their impact on present-day society. Parry sets the stage for a deeper exploration of various aspects of law relevant to the poor, encouraging readers to reconsider their perceptions of justice and the practical implications of existing legal practices.
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