The following is the syllabus for the American Legal History Class for Fall 2011:

AMERICAN LEGAL HISTORY

Fall 2011 Prof. Hoeflich

The basic textbook for the course is Lawrence Friedman, A History of American Law. You can use either the second or third edition. Used and new paperback copies are easily available from online booksellers. There will also be additional readings assigned in class. All are available online. There is no examination in the course. You will be required to do a research paper due on the last day of class. If you are taking the course for writing credit and three hours you will be expected to do a more substantial paper with at least one preliminary draft.

29 Aug.: Introduction: Sources & Methods in Legal History

6 Sept.: Material Culture & American Legal History

12 Sept.: Colonial Legal History

19 Sept.: Legal History of the American Revolution

26 Sept.: The Legal Profession in the Nineteenth Century

3 Oct.: Law Books & Legal Publishing

10 Oct.: Contract Law

17 Oct.: Torts

24 Oct.: Property Law & Testamentary Transactions

31 Oct.: Law of Status: Slavery, Marriage, Adoption

7 Nov.: Business Associations: Railroads, Steel, & Barbed Wire

14 Nov.: Agricultural Law

21 Nov.: Legal Ethics

28 Nov. Legal Education