 | University of Virginia March, 1907 |  |
6. Theory of Government; Constitutional Law; International Law.
Professor Minor.
The first lectures of this course are devoted to the Theory and Practice
of Government. It is traced from its generally accepted origin—the
family—through its various stages to the modern forms, and effort is
made by reasoning and comparison to point out the benefits of good government,
the dangers of the bad.
This is followed by Constitutional Law, in the study of which close
attention is given to the judicial interpretation of the Federal Constitution,
and to the great constitutional principles prevailing throughout the
Union. As occasion demands, attention is called to the policy of various
exceed the limits of safe and constitutional restrictions. The checks and
balances of the constitution are pointed out, and by comparing it with
other constitutions, notably that of England, its weak as well as strong
points are developed. Especial attention is given to such important subjects
as ex post facto laws, laws impairing the obligation of contracts,
due process of law, trial by jury, the power of taxation and of eminent
domain, the police power, interstate commerce, etc.
In the lectures upon Public International Law are considered the
various rules which regulate the intercourse of one nation with another
—such as the principles governing the origin, recognition, and equality
of States; their rights in time of peace, and the means whereby they
peaceably procure the enjoyment of those rights; the laws of war, and
the rights and duties of belligerents, and the rules regulating the relations
of neutral and belligerent States.—January 20 to May 8—Three
times a week.
Text-Books.—Cooley's Principles of Constitutional Law (3d ed.); Davis's
International Law (2d ed.); The Professor's Notes.
| University of Virginia March, 1907 | |