The American Legal History Podcast

In episode four we will examine the extraordinary story of the creation of the Corpus Juris Civilis at the direction of the emperor Justinian I in the sixth century. This work was and is the foundational template for all civil law countries today. I will also discuss the lose and rediscovery in Western Europe and the birth of the university. Finally, you will learn about the merger of Roman law, canon law, and feudal law to form a common legal culture the ius commune across continental Europe.

In this episode we will explore American law between the Revolution and the Civil War. Sometimes referred to as the Golden Age of American Law, it featured some of the most celebrated lawyers and judges in our history. We will also take a close look at the development of the common law of contracts and torts. I will tell you about John Marshall's successor as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Roger Brooke Taney and his very different judicial outlook. Lastly we will examine the extraordinary story of the birth of the business corporation and its impact on American life.

In episode twenty-six we will continue our discussion with Professor Professor Vernon Burton and Civil Rights attorney Armand Derfner, on their brilliant book, Race and the Supreme Court. We will examine the slow evolution of the US Supreme Court on issues of social justice in the mid-20th century, culminating with it’s full-throated support in the 1950’s and 60’s. This was followed by a steady decline in that support, especially in the last ten years under Chief Justice John Roberts.

In this episode we will discuss legal education and the legal profession between the Revolution and the Civil War. In this period the profession matured and truly came into its own. It was a time of tremendous growth in the profession when lawyers exercised ever increasing influence over the political and economic life of the nation. During this time the principle method of educating lawyers was the the apprentice system or more commonly known as "reading the law". It was also a time when the first law schools were founded in the United States. Lastly we will discuss the law practice of Abraham Lincoln.

This podcast will trace the history and evolution of American Law from its most ancient roots, through the birth of the Common Law in medieval England, the early colonial and revolutionary era, through the early days of the Supreme Court, the Civil War years, the tumultuous twentieth century, and on to the present day. Although legal theory and philosophy will be discussed it is not a podcast on jurisprudence. The entire podcast should have about 60 installments, with each episode approximately 30 minutes in length.