An Essay on the Early History of the Law Merchant

This 1904 volume discusses the early history of the Law Merchant, an international body of rules and principles created by medieval western merchants.

W. Mitchell (Author)

9780521233231, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 November 2011

186 pages
20.3 x 12.7 x 1 cm, 0.2 kg

First published in 1904, this volume discusses the early history of the Law Merchant, an international body of rules and principles created by western merchants during the medieval period, distinct from the common law of the areas in which it operated. Mitchell puts forward the argument that, far from being set in stone, the system had a large number of local discrepancies and was based upon a pragmatic attitude to solving disputes. Nevertheless, it is seen as non-local in its capacity to create a common grounding for international trade. This concise account, which was the Yorke Prize Essay for the year 1903, will be of value to anyone with an interest in medieval history, economics and law.

1. General characteristics
2. The rise of the law merchant
3. The courts of the law merchant
4. Persons
5. Sales and contracts
Conclusion
Appendices
Authorities
Index.

Subject Areas: Legal history [LAZ]