Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1880-05-11
Prof: rheo. Parsons New Law Book.

1.-THE Personal and Property Rights Of q Citizen
of the United States" ~
This is the title of q new work, by an emf
nent author. and many will regret that it is the
last book that will proceed from the pen of this
eminent Law Writer. Every lawyer knows
who Theophilus Parsons is, as he is the author
| of score or more of works which have become
classical in the profession, OF these. perhaps,
the most important and familiar to the "gen-
tleman Of the gown" is the 1.-THE Law of Con-
tracts" which is as well an almost universal
textbook in our law schools as an authority in
our courts.
Political events and civil and business trans
actions are so shaping themselves that the es-
tablished legal definition of the Rights of an
American Citizen is likely to become more
frequently quoted and standard ground Of &C.
ton and governme emf than was ever the ancient
system of Roman law in the eyes of other ma
tions. 1t seemed to Prof. Parsons therefore,
that the time had come in this country for a
Legal Hand Book on 1.-The Political, Personal
and Property Rights of Citizen of the United
Statas," the task of which he has taken upon
himself, and which he now offers his brethren
in the shape of large octave volume of near
ly 800 pages, Containing from to IL lines more
on page than other works, making it equal
to $50 pages.) with three full indexes, and as the
result Of all his previous experience as a prac-
ticing lawyer. legal writer and lecturer on law.
He uses the word Political" in its original
and true meaning, which refers to civil gov
eminent, without the slightest relation to par
tisan politics of any kind whatever.
To secure convenience of reference, and a
clear and ready comprehension of the differ
ent topics. the present work is divided into
Three Books, to which is added an exhaustive
Glossary or Dictionary of Law Terms in COM
fAop use. Practitioners will appreciate the
great yalHe of the Glossary by considering how
frequently the import of legal writing hinges
on the Interpretation Of q single word or
phrase.
To the volume is also appended Treatise on
the Rules of Organization and Procedure in
Deliberative Assemblies, which is the result Of
centuries of experience in England and in this
country, and said to be the clearest and most
complete ever framed.
Book First traces the origin and history of
the Constitution of the United States, and
gives complete Commentary on the Constitu-
ton itself, section by section, exhibiting its
provisions and principles fully and clearly,
| Analysing the origin, nature, functions and
limitations of the Federal government and its
a consideration Of all the State Constitutions,
pointing out their pecEliarities, and the tenure
of the legislative. executive and judicial offices,
and suggests the means by which our institu-
| tions may be made most productive of good,
and guarded from the dangers which most
| nearly threaten them. A
The Second Book is devoted TO the Personal
Rights of Citizen-such as Freedom of Speech
| and Writing, Religious Faith and Profession
Military Rights and Duties, Rights of Suffrage
| Trial by Jury, Habeas Corpus, etc.
TINS Third Book, and most elaborate of ALL
presents an expedition of Mercantile Law, with
a copious Digest Of all Coa9Eaerc.al Law and
the Laws Of Property, to which are added near
| ly 200 Of the most serviceable Forms that could
ka compiled. The author says: HE must be a
bold i+Tyer who would undertake to prefer
Forms of his GWn make to those which the
courts and common use haye sanctioned. This
| have not done, but have selected these from
the widest collection could make ,of Forms
sanctioned by use in various parts of the coun-
try, and wIici. hGye been tested in courts OF
law. In them have made changes and addi-
| tons, with suggestions for use No one but
lawyer knows how necessary 1t is to use the
technical, customary and established language
of Forms. every phrase of which has been
through repeated litigation, and has thus ac-
quired certain meaning
This is the only work of tn kind ever brought
out in this country under the authority of so
high name in jurisprudence as that of The
ophilH3 Parson LII. D., late Professor of Law
in Harvard University, We observe that it is
| highly commended by eminent legal gentle
men almost everywhere among whom are
Hon. Thos. ]. Freeman, Judge Supreme Court