“The Spirit of the Laws” and American Law

Harvard HLS

Prerequisite: None Exam Type: No Exam “The Spirit of the Laws,” published by Charles de Secondat, Baron de Montesquieu in 1748, was arguably the most influential juristic work for the founding generation, and has since retained a central place in American constitutionalism for its insights on the separation of powers, federalism, republicanism, and other topics. We will read selections from the work, look at its influence on the Federalist Papers, and read cases and secondary literature…