Description
Book SynopsisBy the time of the first European contact, the Cherokee Nation had already developed a sophisticated government which embodied a belief in liberty and equality as well as a system of laws regarding murder, property, marriage, warfare, and international relations. This work explores the relationship between the members of the tribe and their law.
Trade ReviewDaring and convincing.
* Journal of American History *
Meaningful.... As a piece of legal history it is exemplary. As a piece of interpretive research it should not be overlooked.
* The Journal of Southern History *
Rich in detail and explanation.... Certain to remain an exemplary and frequently referenced source for all students of Cherokee history and Native American history.
* Canadian Journal of History *
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Foreword - Gordon Morris Bakken One: A Race of Mountain Men: The People Two: A Source of Disunity: The Regions Three: A Leadership of Crisis: The Ascendency of Chota Four: A Rule by Consensus: The Towns Five: A Family Writ Large: The Clans Six: A Native Politeness: The Headmen Seven: A Nation's Mouth: The National Council and Speaker Eight: A Darling Passion: The Law of Coercion and of Equality Nine: A Right to Vengeance: The Law of Homicide Ten: A Way of Peace: The Mechanics of Vengeance Eleven: A Touch of Justice: The Mitigation of Liability Twelve: A Social Permissiveness: The Law of Marriage Thirteen: An Occupant's Tenure: The Law of Property Fourteen: A Nephew's Right: The Laws of Inheritance and Status Fifteen: A Way to War: The Law of the Nations Sixteen: A Gift of Scalps: The Law of Visitors and Retaliation Seventeen: A Bloody Hatchet: The War Machine Eighteen: A Beloved Occupation: The Law of Capture and Adoption Nineteen: A Path Swept Clean: The Making of Peace Twenty: A Still Hot War: The Keeping of Peace Twenty-One: A Scolding House: The Cherokee Legal System Twenty-Two: A Way of Dreaming: The Cherokee Legal Mind Twenty-Three: A People of Law: The Future Abbreviations Notes Acknowledgments Index
