About the book
Based on a detailed examination of New York case law, this pathbreaking book shows how law, politics, and ideology in the state changed in tandem between 1920 and 1980. Early twentieth-century New York was the scene of intense struggle between white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant upper and middle classes located primarily in the upstate region and the impoverished, mainly Jewish and Roman Catholic, immigrant underclass centered in New York City. Beginning in the 1920s, however, judges such as Benjamin N. Cardozo, Henry J. Friendly, Learned Hand, and Harlan Fiske Stone used law to facilitate the entry of the underclass into the economic and social mainstream and to promote tolerance among all New Yorkers.
Ultimately, says William Nelson, a new legal ideology was created. By the late 1930s, New Yorkers had begun to reconceptualize social conflict not along class lines but in terms of the power of majorities and the rights of minorities. In the process, they constructed a new approach to law and politics. Though doctrinal change began to slow by the 1960s, the main ambitions of the legalist reformation — liberty, equality, human dignity, and entrepreneurial opportunity — remain the aspirations of nearly all Americans, and of much of the rest of the world, today.
Editions of The Legalist Reformation
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807825914
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807855041
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807875568
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890872920
Read an Excerpt
Based on a detailed examination of New York case law, this pathbreaking book shows how law, politics, and ideology in the state changed in tandem between 1920 and 1980. Early twentieth-century New York was the scene of intense struggle between white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant upper and middle classes located primarily in the upstate region and the impoverished, mainly Jewish and Roman Catholic, immigrant underclass centered in New York City. Beginning in the 1920s, however, judges such as Benjamin N. Cardozo, Henry J. Friendly, Learned Hand, and Harlan Fiske Stone used law to facilitate the entry of the underclass into the economic and social mainstream and to promote tolerance among all New Yorkers.
Ultimately, says William Nelson, a new legal ideology was created. By the late 1930s, New Yorkers had begun to reconceptualize social conflict not along class lines but in terms of the power of majorities and the rights of minorities. In the process, they constructed a new approach to law and politics. Though doctrinal change began to slow by the 1960s, the main ambitions of the legalist reformation — liberty, equality, human dignity, and entrepreneurial opportunity — remain the aspirations of nearly all Americans, and of much of the rest of the world, today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Legalist Reformation about?
Based on a detailed examination of New York case law, this pathbreaking book shows how law, politics, and ideology in the state changed in tandem between 1920 and 1980. Early twentieth-century New York was the scene of intense struggle between white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant upper and middle classes located primarily in the upstate region and the impoverished, mainly Jewish and Roman Catholic, immigrant underclass centered in New York City. Beginning in the 1920s, however, judges such as Benjamin N. Cardozo, Henry J. Friendly, Learned Hand, and Harlan Fiske Stone used law to facilitate the entry of the underclass into the economic and social mainstream and to promote tolerance among all New Yorkers.
Ultimately, says William Nelson, a new legal ideology was created. By the late 1930s, New Yorkers had begun to reconceptualize social conflict not along class lines but in terms of the power of majorities and the rights of minorities. In the process, they constructed a new approach to law and politics. Though doctrinal change began to slow by the 1960s, the main ambitions of the legalist reformation — liberty, equality, human dignity, and entrepreneurial opportunity — remain the aspirations of nearly all Americans, and of much of the rest of the world, today.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Legalist Reformation?
Law > Jurisprudence and general issues > Legal history
Where can I read a sample of The Legalist Reformation?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807825914
How long is The Legalist Reformation and how many pages does it have?
The Legalist Reformation has 472 page(s)
Is The Legalist Reformation part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Studies in Legal History
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Legalist Reformation?
William E. Nelson
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Legalist Reformation is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807825914) and paperback(ISBN 9780807855041) and ebook(ISBN 9780807875568) and pdf(ISBN 9798890872920)
Where can I buy The Legalist Reformation online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Legalist Reformation from below
Where can I buy The Legalist Reformation?