Commentaries on the Laws of England, Book the First

The author collects a series of lectures into a systematic exposition of English law, beginning with the study and nature of law and moving to the laws specific to England and its jurisdictions. It analyzes rights and duties of persons and public institutions, explaining the constitution of parliament and monarchy, royal prerogative and revenue, councils and magistracy, clergy and civil relations, and private legal relations such as master and servant, marriage, parentage, guardianship, and corporations, with attention to origins, principles, and practical application.