Cooley’s Constitutional Limitations (8th Edition)

Description

Cooley’s Constitutional Limitations (8th Edition), revised by Walter Carrington, is a foundational and historically significant treatise that meticulously explores the inherent and explicit boundaries placed upon governmental power by constitutional frameworks. Building upon the seminal work of Thomas M. Cooley, this edition delves into the core principles of American constitutional law, examining how constitutional provisions safeguard individual liberties, define the scope of legislative authority, and ensure due process. The book provides deep insights into the philosophical underpinnings of constitutionalism and the practical application of limitations on state action, offering a comprehensive analysis of landmark cases and legal precedents. As an updated edition of an enduring classic, it remains an invaluable reference for legal scholars, practitioners, and students seeking to understand the bedrock principles that protect citizens from governmental overreach.

Author Biography

Thomas M. Cooley (1824–1898) was an exceptionally influential American legal scholar, judge, and professor, widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in the development of American constitutional law. His magnum opus, “A Treatise on the Constitutional Limitations Which Rest Upon the Legislative Power of the States of the American Union” (commonly known as “Cooley’s Constitutional Limitations”), first published in 1868, revolutionized the understanding of constitutional restraints on government. Cooley’s work emphasized the protection of individual rights against legislative majorities and judicial overreach, profoundly shaping American jurisprudence. He also served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan and was the first chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission.

Walter Carrington was a legal scholar and editor responsible for revising and updating significant legal texts in the early 20th century. His work on the 8th Edition of “Cooley’s Constitutional Limitations” played a crucial role in ensuring the continued relevance and accessibility of this foundational legal treatise for new generations of lawyers and scholars. Through his meticulous editorial efforts, Carrington helped to integrate contemporary legal developments and judicial interpretations into Cooley’s enduring framework, maintaining the book’s status as a cornerstone of constitutional legal study.