Archive of Lemuel Shaw's Official Documents
In the heart of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) holds a treasure trove of historical documents that shed light on the life and times of Lemuel Shaw, a pivotal figure in American legal history. Born in 1781 and serving as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court from 1830 to 1860, Shaw's influence on legal thought and social issues during his tenure is evident in the Lemuel Shaw Papers, a collection that spans from 1648 to 1923.
The Lemuel Shaw Papers primarily consist of Shaw's legal, judicial, and personal documents, offering a comprehensive insight into his influential role in shaping American common law, civil rights, and constitutional law during the 19th century. The collection includes judicial opinions and case files, correspondence with prominent legal, political, and social figures, and legal records and documents that provide valuable insights into the operation of the Massachusetts judiciary under Shaw.
One of the most significant cases Shaw presided over was the George Latimer case, an important pre-Civil War legal battle concerning fugitive slave law and free blacks’ rights in Massachusetts. The Papers help document this broader historical context, making them a rich resource for understanding 19th-century American legal history, judicial decision-making, and social issues related to race, slavery, and civil liberties.
The collection, housed at the MHS, is extensive, encompassing 46 reels and a 40-page guide. It also includes family papers, correspondence, legal papers, diaries, account books, and notebooks of the Savage, Cargill, Hayward, Knapp, Craigie, Melville, and Shaw families. For those interested in delving deeper, the collection's OCLC number is 33207302, and more information can be found at http://www.worldcat.org/title/lemuel-shaw-papers/oclc/33207302.
Interestingly, the Metropolitan Museum of Art also has a related item concerning Lemuel Shaw. However, specific details about this item are not provided in the given information.
Before his appointment as Chief Justice, Shaw served for several years in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and as a state senator. His journey from politics to the bench is a testament to his dedication and impact on the legal and political landscape of his time.
In conclusion, the Lemuel Shaw Papers offer a unique and valuable perspective on 19th-century American legal history, providing insights into judicial decision-making, social issues, and the broader political context of the time. For scholars, historians, and anyone interested in understanding the evolution of American law, the Lemuel Shaw Papers are an invaluable resource.
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