Ruins of Time Exemplified in Sir Matthew Hale's History of the Pleas.

1856. London: V. and R. Stevens and G.S. Norton, 1856. London: V. and R. Stevens and G.S. Norton, 1856. Amos, Andrew, [1791-1860]. Hale, Matthew, [1609-1676]. Ruins of Time Exemplified in Sir Matthew Hale's History of the Pleas of the Crown. London: V. and R. Stevens and G.S. Norton, 1856. xxviii, 268 pp. Original blind stamped green cloth with gilt stamped spine. Deckle edges. Worn and rubbed. Darkening to page edges. Hinges slightly cracked, but holding. Ex-library with bookplates to front pastedown. Bookseller's ticket "Burn" to rear pastedown. Property stamps to front free endpaper and title page. Some pencil annotations to verso rear free endpaper, otherwise internally clean. $250. * This work explores the legacy and historical significance of Sir Matthew Hale's original, monumental contributions to English criminal law. Amos uses the book to advocate for a codified criminal law in England. He argues for a consolidation of the Common Law and Statute Law into a "Code of Criminal Law" that is scientifically arranged and amended based on modern standards of justice and expediency. By framing his work around Hale's History, Amos highlights what he sees as the "ruins of time"-the outdated or problematic aspects of the centuries-old legal principles established by Hale. This book provides insight into the intellectual foundations of English law during the 19th century and is a culturally important text for understanding the history of legal thought and reform.