Bouvier’s Law Dictionary 1856

Bouvier’s Law Dictionary 1856: A Foundational Legal Reference

Bouvier’s Law Dictionary 1856 is a seminal work in American legal literature. Specifically, it delivers clear, concise definitions tied to the Constitution and the laws of the United States and its individual states, as compiled by John Bouvier, a French-American jurist. Moreover, the entries align with nineteenth-century usage, giving readers historically accurate context. Historically, the 1839 first edition was refined through later printings, and the 1856 release reflects Bouvier’s ongoing effort to adapt legal language to an evolving system.

Topics at a glance include American law, legal definitions, historical legal terms, and nineteenth-century practice—useful to legal scholars, researchers, and students alike. Consequently, this edition functions both as a study tool and as a window into period-specific interpretation. Additionally, it helps modern readers compare historical meanings with contemporary legal usage. For example, older definitions illuminate how courts and commentators once framed rights, remedies, and procedures.

📘 Introduction to Bouvier’s Law Dictionary 1856

Fundamentally, the dictionary distills complex concepts into accessible entries to clarify terminology. In addition, it maps definitions to contemporary statutes and constitutional principles of the era. As a result, readers can trace how meanings shifted as the American legal system matured. Notably, concise cross-references connect related concepts without unnecessary legalese.

🧭 Why Choose the 1856 Edition?

• Historical accuracy: Presents definitions as understood in the mid-nineteenth century, offering reliable context for period texts and case law.
• Comprehensive coverage: Includes a broad range of terms, statutes, and principles relevant to the time.
• Scholarly value: Serves legal historians, researchers, and practitioners who require precise historical usage.

🏛️ About John Bouvier

John Bouvier (1787–1851) immigrated to the United States at an early age and became a citizen in 1812. Afterward, he was admitted to the bar in 1818, practiced in Philadelphia, and recognized the need for a dictionary tailored to American law. Consequently, he compiled A Law Dictionary Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America in 1839, refining it through subsequent editions. Additionally, his work influenced generations of lawyers who needed consistent, American-focused definitions. Learn more about John Bouvier.

📚 Features of the 1856 Edition

• Detailed definitions: Each entry reflects the legal understanding of the period with careful distinctions.
• State-specific notes: References to various state laws illustrate the diversity of practice across the Union.
• Legal citations: Provides references to authorities—statutes, cases, and treatises—where applicable for further study.