John Fortescue (1)

Crucial work on law and politics by arguably the most important political theorist of the 15th century, and a towering intellectual figure in the Anglo-American conservative tradition. Fortescue maintains that the law of the realm reflects the historic character and experience of each nation, in consonance with English common law. Voluntary obedience to the law and self-discipline among the citizenry are far preferable to coercion in matters of governance, and the character of a nation's laws and protection of property and liberty lead to economic prosperity and an avoidance of despotism and impoverishment. Fortescue remains a starting point and model for the Anglo-American tradition, worthy of modern attention and study.… (más)