Ocean State Libraries

First published in 1850, "The Law" is the best known work of 19th century economist Frederic Bastiat, a prominent member of the French Liberal School. A forerunner to the Austrian School of Economics, the French Liberal School was a major proponent of the laissez-faire capitalistic system. Bastiat advocated for unregulated free markets and against protectionism. At the heart of Bastiat's philosophy was an opposition against the redistribution of wealth...

Eighteenth-century French philosopher Charles-Louis de Secondat explores the essential components of good government.

A distinguished jurist provides insights into the judicial role by asking and answering the question, "What is it that I do when I decide a case?" In this legal classic, Benjamin N. Cardozo - an Associate Supreme Court Justice of the United States from 1932-38 - explains a judge's conscious and unconscious decision-making processes. Cardozo handed down opinions that stressed the necessity for the law to adapt to the realities and needs of contemporary...