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Which was the last country to abolish slavery?
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Which is the only amendment to the U.S. Constitution ever to be
repealed?
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How did King Henry II of England provide a procedural blueprint for
criminal law?
These are just a few of the thought-provoking questions addressed in
this beautifully illustrated book. Join author Michael H. Roffer as he
explores 250 of the most fundamental, far-reaching, and
often-controversial cases, laws, and trials that have profoundly changed
our world--for good or bad. Offering authoritative context to ancient
documents as well as today's hot-button issues, The Law Book presents
a comprehensive look at the rules by which we live our lives. It covers
such diverse topics as the Code of Hammurabi, the Ten Commandments, the
Trial of Socrates, the Bill of Rights, women's suffrage, the insanity
defense, and more. Roffer takes us around the globe to ancient Rome and
medieval England before transporting us forward to contemporary accounts
that tackle everything from civil rights, surrogacy, and assisted
suicide to the 2000 U.S. presidential election, Google Books, and the
fight for marriage equality.
Organized chronologically, the entries each consist of a short essay and
a stunning full-color image, while the "Notes and Further Reading"
section provides resources for more in-depth study. Justice may be
blind, but this collection brings the rich history of the law to light.