of the division of Private Law into the five heads of Persons, Family, Succession, Property and Obligations which I learned at Leipzig from that great teacher, Windscheid. Although not original with him, he probably popularized it when he made it the basis of his well known Pandektenrecht. That all of these except Obligations relate to Status is perhaps more emphasized in these lectures than elsewhere. Obligations, it may be observed, are considered under their two divisions of Contracts and Torts as more familiar to Common Lawyers. The two lectures on Trespass and Assumpsit should probably have a sub-head of the Jury system, for that developed and is treated in this connection. For completeness there should be a fuller treatment of the Leges Barbarorum and of the Canon Law, but at least they receive careful attention as far as space permits. Opportunity may offer in future for a more detailed exposition of these two great factors in the development of all Western law. No one knows better than myself that this book is at best only an introduction, but a good introduction to law has a real place to fill. The authorities before each lecture are themselves only a selection, a selection which individual tastes would perhaps vary, but at least they will enable students to go further into the subjects discussed. Space compelled the limitation of cases to those in the Supreme Court. The Tables are useful, but necessarily brief and probably omit some men and events which others would think appropriate; they can be enlarged at will. Special thanks are due to Mr. Harwood Hull for venturing to publish these lectures in the "Progress" and for kindness during the whole work. Typographical errors occur; these are to be regretted, but are unavoidable in printing in Porto Rico, where English is as yet an acquired language. The printer has done his best under the circumstances and I do not think any error occurs which does not, so to speak, correct itself. I want to thank also Rachel VII B. Hamilton, my wife, not only for the inspiration and sympathy which makes every work a pleasure, but suggestions made and used in every lecture. I should also thank the Harvard Law Review for permission to use articles which I have published in that review. The one on Civil and Common Law is reprinted almost verbatim. Peter J. Hamilton. San Juan, P. R., Nov. 15, 1922. IX TABLE OF CONTENTS Page TABLES I.-Important Legal Events. II.-British regnal years. III.-Chief Justices of the United States. 1151 1164 1200 Liber Feudorum. Decretum of Gratian codifies Canon Law. Constitutions of Clarendon. 1349 1453 Statute of Laborers. Fall of Constantinople. 1492 Discovery of America. 1497 Ordinance for publication of Coutumes. |