Skip to main page content
Ideas
  1. Course Search
  2. LAW 3420

“The Spirit of the Laws” and American Law
LAW 3420

Course Information

Description

Prerequisite: None

Exam Type: No Exam

“The Spirit of the Laws,” published by Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu in 1748, was arguably the most influential juristic work for the founding generation, and has since retained a central place in American constitutionalism for its insights on the separation of powers, federalism, republicanism, and other topics. We will read selections from the work, look at its influence on the Federalist Papers, and read cases and secondary literature in and around the themes of the book.

Note: This reading group will meet on the following dates: TBD.

School Harvard Law School
Credits 1
Cross Reg

Available for Harvard Cross Registration

Department Law School
Course Component Reading Group
Subject Law
Grading Basis HLS Credit/Fail