New Abridgment of the Law

A New Abridgment of the Law stands as a landmark legal treatise first published in 1736 and completed in 1766. Matthew Bacon compiled this comprehensive work as a systematic digest of English common law, organizing legal principles and precedents into alphabetical entries. The multi-volume reference text covers civil and criminal law, examining statutes, court decisions, and legal doctrines from medieval times through the 18th century. Bacon drew from earlier law abridgments while adding contemporary cases and commentary, creating a bridge between historical and modern legal practice. The work served as an essential resource for lawyers and judges in both England and colonial America, with several editions and revisions published through the 19th century. Its influence extended to the development of American jurisprudence, as early U.S. courts and legal scholars relied on its summaries of common law principles. This methodical organization of English common law reflects the Enlightenment-era drive to systematize knowledge and establish clear legal frameworks. The text's enduring impact demonstrates the evolution of Anglo-American legal thought from feudal customs to structured judicial reasoning.

This legal reference work from the 1700s has few modern online reviews or ratings, as it primarily exists in law libraries and historical collections. Law students and legal scholars note its value as one of the first comprehensive digests of English common law organized alphabetically by topic. What readers appreciated: - Clear organization and cross-referencing system - Coverage of both criminal and civil law principles - Historical significance in legal education Reader criticisms: - Archaic language can be difficult to parse - Some legal concepts are now outdated - Physical copies often in poor condition due to age No ratings exist on modern review sites like Goodreads or Amazon. Most discussions appear in academic legal journals or library catalogs rather than consumer reviews. The Harvard Law Library notes it as "an important historical reference" while the Yale Law Library describes it as "influential in the development of legal education."

Commentaries on the Laws of England by William Blackstone This comprehensive examination of English common law presents similar legal principles to Bacon's work through systematic categorization of laws and precedents.

A Treatise of the Pleas of the Crown by William Hawkins The text provides detailed analysis of criminal law in England with methodical organization comparable to Bacon's approach to legal categorization.

Institutes of the Laws of England by Sir Edward Coke This foundational legal text covers common law topics with the same depth and scholarly attention to precedent found in Bacon's abridgment.

Law Dictionary by Giles Jacob The dictionary format presents legal concepts and terminology with cross-references and explanations that complement Bacon's systematic treatment of law.

A Summary of the Common Law of England by John Finch This work abstracts and condenses English common law principles using organizational methods similar to Bacon's abridgment structure.

🔹 Matthew Bacon's work was so influential that it became a standard reference in both British and American courts during the 18th and 19th centuries, with even Thomas Jefferson owning a copy in his personal library. 🔹 The book was published posthumously in 1736-1766, as Bacon died before completing it. The final compilation of his work was done by other legal scholars who organized his extensive notes and research. 🔹 Despite being called an "abridgment," the work spans five volumes and contains comprehensive analysis of virtually every major legal topic of its time, making it one of the most extensive legal reference works of the 18th century. 🔹 The book played a crucial role in standardizing common law principles across England and its colonies, helping to establish consistency in legal interpretations throughout the British Empire. 🔹 Unlike many legal texts of its era, Bacon's work was written in a relatively clear and accessible style, which contributed to its popularity among both legal professionals and educated laypeople interested in law.