Roman and Civil Law and the Development of Anglo-American Jurisprudence in the Nineteenth Century

by Michael H. Hoeflich

Seeking to fill a gap in our knowledge of the legal history of the nineteenth century, this volume studies the influence of Roman and civil law upon the development of common law jurisdictions in the United States and in Great Britain. M. H. Hoeflich examines the writings of a variety of prominent Anglo-American legal theorists to show how Roman and civil law helped common law thinkers develop their own theories.

Intellectual leaders in law in the United States and Great Britain used Roman and civil law in different ways at different times. The views of these lawyers were greatly respected even by nonlawyers, and most of them wrote to influence a wider public. By filling in the gaps in the history of jurisprudence, this volume also provides greater understanding of the development of Anglo-American culture and society.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Michael H. Hoeflich, J.D. (Yale Law School, 1979; Ph.D., Cambridge University, 2001; B.A., M.A., Haverford College, 1973) is John H. & John M. Kane Distinguished Professor of Law, University of Kansas School of Law, a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and a member of the American Antiquarian Society. He taught at the University of Illinois 1980–1988, was dean of the Syracuse University College of Law 1988–1994, and was dean at the University of Kansas School of Law 1994–2000.