Volume 1 of The Cambridge History of Law in America begins the account of law in America with the very first moments of European colonization and settlement of the North American landmass. It follows those processes across two hundred years to the eventual creation and stabilization of the American republic. The book discusses the place of law in regard to colonization and empire, indigenous peoples, government and jurisdiction, population migrations, economic and commercial activity, religion, the creation of social institutions, and revolutionary politics. The Cambridge History of Law in America has been made possible by the generous support of the American Bar Foundation.

'This volume is an original and extensive study of an area of colonial history that has been given less prominence than it deserves. I thoroughly recommend it.'

Source: The Historical Association

'This book is a synthesis of much good empirical scholarship.'

Source: The Edinburgh Law Review

‘Grossberg and Tomlin present this fine edited collection of essays on the law in the US...The chapter authors, leading experts in their fields, present lively, well-written pieces...Of great value is each volume's long, comprehensive bibliographic essay, which is over 120 pages in each book. A very good and enriching treatment of the topics covered, as well as a good general survey.'

Source: Choice