Lawyers in Early Modern Europe and America

Lawyers in Early Modern Europe and America, published in 1981, provides a comprehensive overview of the legal professions in early modern Europe, Scotland, France, Spain, and Colonial America, with a comparative perspective before the Industrial Revolution. It explores the status, number, vocational functions, social origins, education, career patterns, relations with clients, other occupations, and the state, as well as legal professionalization and the role of lawyers as modernizers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Lawyers in Early Modern Europe and America, first published in 1981, is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the legal professions in early modern Europe, Scotland, France, Spain, and Colonial America. Its primary objective is to offer a convenient overview of these professions, while also providing a comparative perspective on their role in Western societies before the Industrial Revolution. The book is divided into several chapters, each authored by a distinguished scholar in the field.

The contributors to Lawyers in Early Modern Europe and America delve into various themes central to understanding the status, number, and vocational functions of different classes or groups of lawyers. They explore the social origins of lawyers, including their educational backgrounds, career patterns, and relationships with clients, other occupations, and status groups. They also examine the extent of legal "professionalization" and the role of lawyers as "modernizers" in cultural, economic, political, and social terms.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the status of lawyers in different societies. Contributors examine the hierarchical structures within the legal profession, the privileges and responsibilities associated with different legal titles, and the social and economic implications of legal status. They also consider the impact of legal education and training on the professionalization of lawyers and the development of specialized legal fields.

Another important theme is the number and vocational functions of lawyers. Contributors examine the growth of the legal profession in different regions and the changing nature of legal work. They explore the various roles played by lawyers, including advocacy, litigation, counseling, and administration. They also consider the impact of technological advancements and the globalization of legal services on the profession.

The social origins of lawyers are also explored in the book. Contributors examine the social and economic backgrounds of lawyers, including their family, education, and social networks. They explore the ways in which lawyers were recruited, trained, and promoted within the legal profession and the factors that influenced their career choices.

Education and career patterns of lawyers are also examined in detail. Contributors discuss the educational requirements for becoming a lawyer, the different types of legal education available, and the career paths that lawyers followed. They explore the role of legal education in shaping the professional identity of lawyers and the development of legal theory and practice.

Relationships between lawyers and clients, other occupations, and status groups are another important theme explored in the book. Contributors examine the dynamics of power and authority.

The extent of legal 'professionalization and the role of lawyers as 'modernizers in cultural, economic, political and social terms. This book will be of interest to students of history, law and political science.

Lawyers in Early Modern Europe and America is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and practitioners interested in the history of law, legal professions, and social change. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the legal professions in different regions and periods, while also offering a comparative perspective on their role in Western societies. The book's rich scholarship and interdisciplinary approach make it an essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of the legal history and the development of modern legal systems.

In conclusion, Lawyers in Early Modern Europe and America is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the legal professions in early modern Europe, Scotland, France, Spain, and Colonial America. Its primary objective is to provide a convenient overview of these professions, while also providing a comparative perspective on their role in Western societies. The book's rich scholarship and interdisciplinary approach make it an essential read for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of the legal history and the development of modern legal systems.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032630755