Studies in American Elementary Law . By John C. Townes , LL. D., Professor of Law, University of Texas. (Austin, Texas: Published by the Author, 1903. 8vo, pp. xx+490; sheep.)

It was the purpose of the author of this book to state in plain language the elementary principles of law for the use of the beginner. He has done the work in an admirable manner. A short synoptical review of the book will show the scope of the subject. The introductory chapter states some general principles of law relating to sovereignty and government, and to persons and things and treats of legal rights and duties; after which the book is divided into four parts. Part One treats of the different elements of political power and elucidates the scheme of municipal government in the United States. Part Two is devoted to a closer and more analytical view of the Federal and State governments and their relation to each other. Part Three enunciates the rules regulating the conduct of individuals and elaborates and discusses the body of municipal law formed by these rules showing special phases of conduct and relations affecting legal rights and duties, and defining property and its use and ownership including the law of contracts and torts and a brief view of criminal law. Part Four deals with procedure, showing the necessity of legal sanction for the administration of which courts are devised. The organization and jurisdiction of the courts are defined and the trial of causes, including pleading and evidence, receive general treatment.

Such is the scope of this valuable work. The purpose of the author to write the basic principles of the law in plain language has been adhered to with fidelity. He has not been led by the anticipation of objections and exceptions into an exploration of principles growing out of unusual conditions. The introductory chapter is a philosophical statement of fundamental principles applied to American institutions. There are certain basic or fundamental principles of law which affect all society and the relations of men to each other under all forms of government and are incorporated into the law of a particular form of government with such modifications only as make them adapted to it. These principles as modified by the system of government in this country form American elementary law. After a clear and succinct statement of the principles of law entering therein the author develops the scheme of government, and the legal fabric is built up. So also are the principles affecting the private relations of individuals first stated, and the rules of conduct and property are then deduced.

Whatever may be said of other works on elementary law, Judge Townes has written a book that sets forth in good English and clear style and in a philosophical and logical manner the living first principles of the law so that the student may easily grasp them without becoming entangled in the perplexities of obsolete fictions. The work is well adapted to the use of the law student as well as of those who desire a knowledge of the legal principles upon which the government of this country is established and conducted and which control the affairs of its inhabitants.

C. C. Garrett .

How to cite:
Garrett, C. C., "Studies in American Elementary Law", Volume 007, Number 3, Southwestern Historical Quarterly Online, Page 240 - 241. http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/publications/journals/shq/online/v007/n3/review_15.html
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