John Fabian Witt

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Lincoln's Code

    The Laws of War in American History

    The book explores the development and impact of the Lieber Code, a set of guidelines for the conduct of Union soldiers during the American Civil War. It delves into how these rules, crafted by legal scholar Francis Lieber, sought to balance military necessity with humanitarian concerns, influencing the laws of war globally. Through historical narratives, the book examines the challenges and moral dilemmas faced by leaders and soldiers, highlighting the evolution of wartime legal principles and their enduring significance in shaping modern international humanitarian law.

  2. 2. The Accidental Republic

    Accident, Insurance, and the Birth of the Modern American State

    This insightful book delves into the transformation of American law and governance during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on the emergence of the modern administrative state. It explores how industrial accidents and the resulting legal challenges prompted a shift from traditional common law principles to a more regulatory approach, highlighting the interplay between legal, political, and social forces. The narrative examines key legal cases and reforms that reshaped the landscape of American liability law, illustrating the complex evolution of the nation's legal system in response to the demands of an industrializing society.

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