Harold J. Berman byl profesorem práva na Harvardu a Emory po více než šedesát let. Byl uznávaným odborníkem na srovnávací, mezinárodní a ruské právo, právní historii a filozofii, a také na propojení práva a náboženství. Jeho rozsáhlé znalosti a hluboké zamyšlení nad podstatou práva zanechaly nesmazatelnou stopu v právním myšlení.
The roots of modern Western legal institutions and concepts go back nine centuries to the papal revolution, when the Western church established its political and legal unity and its independence from emperors, kings, and feudal lords. Out of this upheaval came the Western idea of integrated legal systems developed over generations and centuries.
The book emphasizes the crucial role of carefully negotiated and translated legal language in promoting peace and mutual understanding. It highlights the importance of formalizing legal terms to bridge divides and facilitate effective communication, suggesting that clarity in legal discourse can lead to harmonious relationships and conflict resolution.
Explores two successive transformations of the Western legal tradition under the impact of the 16th Century German Reformation and the 17th Century English Revolution, with particular emphasis on Lutheran and Calvinist influences. This work also examines the consequences of these apocalyptic political and social upheavals.
The book explores the themes of justice and legal systems within the context of the Soviet Union. It delves into the complexities of law enforcement, the judiciary, and the impact of political ideology on legal practices. Through various case studies and analyses, it examines how justice was administered and the challenges faced by individuals seeking fairness in a system influenced by state control and repression.