University of Virginia Library

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
acts of legislation, and the student is warned against such as tend to 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 7—Three times a week.

Text-Books.—Cooley's Principles of Constitutional Law (3d ed.); Davis' International
Law (2d ed.); The Professor's Notes.