Category Archives

This Month in Legal History: One Form of Action

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure first became effective seventy-five years ago, on September 16, 1938.[1]  Subject to frequent but relatively minor amendments, the FRCP remain in force today.  The new rules culminated decades of creeping reform, with dramatic effect.  Upon enactment, the FRCP at once unified civil practice in the federal district courts.  They also implemented a particular ...

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure first became effective seventy-five years ago, on September 16, 1938.[1]  Subject to frequent but relatively minor amendments, the FRCP remain in force today.  The ...

This Month in Legal History: William Cranch

William Cranch was born on July 17, 1769.  He served with distinction on the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, first as Judge (1801-06) and then Chief Judge (1806-55).[1]  From the bench Cranch had occasion to decide, among many other things, whether John Quincy Adams had been elected President in accordance with the federal constitution, a treason case against ...

William Cranch was born on July 17, 1769.  He served with distinction on the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia, first as Judge (1801-06) and then Chief Judge (1806-55).[1]  From ...

This Month in Legal History: Who Says Corporations are People?

On May 10, 1886, the United States Supreme Court decided County of Santa Clara v. Southern Pacific Railroad Co.[1]  The main issue presented by the parties was whether certain taxes assessed by a state agency against the railroad company defendants violated the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.  The Supreme Court sidestepped that issue, ...

On May 10, 1886, the United States Supreme Court decided County of Santa Clara v. Southern Pacific Railroad Co.[1]  The main issue presented by the parties was whether certain taxes ...