Before Dred Scott draws on the freedom suits filed in the St Louis Circuit Court to construct a groundbreaking history of slavery and legal culture within the American Confluence; a vast region where the Ohio; Mississippi; and Missouri Rivers converge. Formally divided between slave and free territories and states; the American Confluence was nevertheless a site where the borders between slavery and freedom; like the borders within the region itself; were fluid. Such ambiguity produced a radical indeterminacy of status; which; in turn; gave rise to a distinctive legal culture made manifest by the prosecution of hundreds of freedom suits; including the case that ultimately culminated in the landmark United States Supreme Court decision in Dred Scott vs Sandford. Challenging dominant trends in legal history; Before Dred Scott argues that this distinctive legal culture; above all; was defined by ordinary people's remarkable understanding of and appreciation for formal law.
#1084326 in Books 2016-08-29Original language:English 9.00 x .66 x 6.00l; #File Name: 0997891017262 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. This is a fascinating explanation of the "hybrid" Jewish identity ...By CustomerThis is a fascinating explanation of the "hybrid" Jewish identity. A blend of American values and Jewish traditions creates an American Jew that stands apart. Essential reading for those concerned about Jewish identity in America.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy JMBA hopeful reframing of the American Jewish identity crisis. A must-read for every Jewish parent.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Embracing Differentness in AmericaBy Barbara NicolosiRichard Rubin defines "differentness" as a positive and not a negative; which is what we love about America. This is a must read not only forJews but for anyone of any religion and culture who wants an insightful portrait on a portion of American history that may not be well-known.
