United States Legal History

Catalog description

(AM) This course explores the development of American law and its interaction with broader society during the long nineteenth century (1787-1933). Topics include the creation of the U.S. Constitution; the legal promotion and regulation of economic life; slavery, antislavery, and the law; the changing legal status and activism of women, African Americans, immigrants, and workers; the emergence of the modern American state; and struggles over civil rights and civil liberties. No prior knowledge of the law is required.