Law of the Twelve Tables
A good legal system slows judgment so claims can be tested fairly. Think well by asking not just what was ruled, but how the claim was tested.
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Significant historical, legal, or instructional texts such as legal codes, charters, wisdom literature, and other important records.
Code of Hammurabi
The Code of Hammurabi shows one of humanity’s early attempts to turn power into public law: written rules, visible standards, and punishments tied to social order.
13th Amendment
After the Civil War, the 13th Amendment ended slavery as a legal institution in the United States.
11th Amendment
One state cannot sue another. US courts cannot hear cases nor make decisions against a state if it is sued by someone who lives in another state or country. 12th Amendment: Procedure to elect a president and VP, then updated in 20th Amendment.
English Bill of Rights
The 1689 English Bill of Rights was a precursor to our Bill of Rights and is referred to in our law. For example, it is referred to in Scalia’s Heller opinion. The bill outlined specific constitutional and civil rights and ultimately gave Parliament power over the monarchy. The monarchy cannot rule without consent of the
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The Constitution of the United States
The Constitution is a merger uniting the original 13 states with different cultures and laws. Under America’s first constitution, the Articles of Confederation, the states acted together only for specific purposes. The final Constitution of 1887 united all the states as members of a whole, vesting the power of the people in a Federal government.
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Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence expresses the ideals on which the United States was founded and the reasons for separation from Great Britain. The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (among others). People have a say in their government.
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Patent for Providence Plantations, Roger Williams
The first TRUE democracy in America. From the charter largely drafted by Roger Williams who was influenced by his mentor Sir Edward Coke who relied heavily on the Magna Carta in legal proceedings. From Roger Williams’ 1643/4 charter: …full Power and Authority to rule themselves…by such a Form of Civil Government, as by voluntary consent
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Magna Carta
The Magna Carta in 1215 established the following principles: everyone is subject to the law, even the King, individuals have rights, everyone has the right to justice, and everyone has the right to a fair trial. The Magna Carta recognized individual responsibility in all, including the King, and it established that the law “should” be
Founder, Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
In July 1663, King Charles II granted a Royal Charter to the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations uniting Providence, Warwick, Newport and Portsmouth. It became the State of Rhode Island after the Revolutionary War. John Clarke, who stayed behind after Roger returned in 1654, worked hard and deserves much of the credit.
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