The Reports of Sir Edward Coke, Knt: In Thirteen Parts, 第 1 巻

Reprint of 1826 edition. Originally published: London: Joseph Butterworth and Son, 1826. "The best and last [edition], which has superseded all older ones, is in English; the whole thirteen Parts in 6 vols. 8vo. London, 1826." Wallace, The Reporters 194-195. This edition is also noteworthy for the inclusion of Coke's complete prefaces. Coke [1552-1643] was considered to be the greatest legal practitioner of his day. Written between 1572 and 1616, The Reports are not reports in the conventional sense but highly detailed anthologies of precedents organized according to the cases they consider. In each instance Coke assembled a large body of cases, outlined their arguments, and explained the reasons for the judgment, using it as a basis for a statement of general principles. They are, in effect, a series of treatises on the points of law adjudged, and not merely notes for citation. Taken together, The Reports form the most extensive and detailed treatment of Common Law pleading that had yet appeared. A work of immense authority, it was often cited as The Reports, there being no need to mention the author's name. His accounts, especially of pleadings, were applauded for both their clarity and usefulness as stylistic models for students. And his selection of cases, cited frequently in subsequent years, has served as the starting point for numerous decisions. He also attracted some powerful enemies, however, principally James I, who was angered by some of his opinions concerning royal prerogative. Coke's refusal to retract them and apologize to the King cost him his seat on the Bench.