Title: Heroes, rascals, and the law : constitutional encounters in Mississippi history /
Authors: Robertson, James L. 1940-
Year: 2019
Subjects: Law Mississippi History.; Law.; Manners and customs; Politics and government.; Mississippi History Anecdotes.; Mississippi Social life and customs Anecdotes.; Mississippi Politics and government.; Mississippi Constitution.; Mississippi.
Abstract: "James L. Robertson focuses on folk encountering their constitutions and laws, in their courthouses and country stores, and in their daily lives, animating otherwise dry and inaccessible parchments. Robertson begins at statehood and continues through war and depression, well into the 1940s. He tells of slaves petitioning for freedom, populist sentiments fueling abnegation of the rule of law, the state's many schemes for enticing Yankee capital to lift a people from poverty, and its sometimes tragic, always colorful romance with whiskey after the demise of national Prohibition. Each story is sprinkled with fascinating but heretofore unearthed facts and circumstances. Robertson delves into the prejudices and practices of the times, local landscapes, and daily life and its dependence on our social compact. He offers the unique perspective of a judge, lawyer, scholar, and history buff, each role having tempered the lessons of the others. He focuses on a people, enriching encounters most know little about. Tales of understanding and humanity covering 130 years of heroes, rascals, and ordinary folk--with a bundle of engaging surprises--leave the reader pretty sure there's nothing quite like Mississippi history told by a sage observer." Provided by publisher.
Contents: We the people, the courthouse, and the constitution -- Only people were slaves -- Judicial review comes to Mississippi -- Mississippi bank wars -- Agricultural liens and related policy products of police power -- Advent of the regulatory state in Mississippi -- The police power of the state moves to the Piney Woods -- The coming of the common law in Mississippi -- The Governor and the "Gold Coast" -- Balancing industry with the constitution.