Laws of the State of New York Comprising the Constitution, and the Acts of the Legislature since the Revolution

5RR New York, 1789. First Edition In 2 Volumes. Belonging to and Inscribed by James Wilson.

Notes

Laws of the State of New York, Comprising the Constitution, and the Acts of the Legislature since the Revolution was first published in 1789. This compilation was an important work that collected the New York State Constitution, which had been adopted in 1777, along with the various acts and laws passed by the state legislature since the American Revolution. The book provided a comprehensive reference for understanding the state's legal and political framework during its formative years, as New York transitioned from a British colony to an independent state. It included laws covering a range of issues, such as governance, land distribution, and civil rights, offering a snapshot of the state's evolving legal system in the post-revolutionary period.

This publication played a vital role in codifying the state's legal principles and offering clarity to legal professionals and citizens alike on the laws that governed New York. It reflected the broader political changes in America following independence, influenced by Enlightenment ideals and the principles of the American Revolution. As New York established its own legal identity, this volume became an essential tool for understanding the structure of its government, and it has remained a key historical document for scholars and historians seeking to understand the development of New York’s legal system in the early years of statehood.

James Wilson (1742–1798) was an important figure in the early history of the United States, recognized for his significant contributions to the founding of the nation. Born in Scotland and moving to America in 1766, Wilson became a highly respected lawyer and political thinker. He was a key representative of Pennsylvania at the Second Continental Congress, alongside other notable figures like John Dickinson and Benjamin Franklin. At this Congress, Wilson firmly supported independence from Britain and was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. His legal acumen and strong arguments in favor of independence helped shape the intellectual foundation for the new nation.

Wilson's importance extended far beyond his role in signing the Declaration. As one of the most influential delegates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he was a key architect of the U.S. Constitution, advocating for a strong central government, the protection of individual rights, and the concept of popular sovereignty. After the Constitution's ratification, Wilson became one of the first justices appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he played an important role in shaping the early judicial system. Despite facing financial difficulties later in life, his intellectual contributions, particularly his ideas about government and the legal system, have left an indelible mark on American history. Wilson is remembered as one of the most important Founding Fathers, a legal theorist, and a staunch defender of the principles upon which the United States was built.

Description

Brown canvas binding with gilt lettering on the spine. Minimal scuffing to the upper and lower boards. Minimal foxing with some browning throughout. James Wilson’s signature on the title pages of both Volume 1 and 2. Very fine condition.