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John Lilburne, Oaths and the Cruel Trilemma

Posted by: Nathan Dorn

Imagine a court that could force you to incriminate yourself.  It might go about its work like this: you are made to stand before a judge who refuses to give you any details about the charge laid against you.  You are forced to take an oath before your God to answer truthfully any questions that …

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Firearms-Control Legislation and Policy: Global Perspectives

Posted by: Ruth Levush

The Global Legal Research Center of the Law Library of Congress recently completed a major report titled Firearms- Control Legislation and Policy (February 2013).  The study examines the different legal approaches taken by eighteen countries and the European Union with regard to various activities involving firearms.  The countries surveyed were Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, …

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Marmite: A Sticky Legal Situation

Posted by: Kelly Buchanan

You may know what it is, but you may never have tried it.  Or you may have tried it and screwed up your nose at the strange salty flavor.  However, to many people – myself included – it is “black gold.”  So I panicked along with many other New Zealanders when supplies of Marmite ran …

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The San Patricios: the Irish Heroes of Mexico

Posted by: Francisco Macías

It has been frequently said that everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.  There may be just a little bit of truth to that.  Those of you who have read my posts have probably noticed the recurring themes of Mexico, Spain, and Hispanic America, among others—all with an unorthodox twist.  This blog post is not the exception.  …

Ornate red and ivory wall decoration, with plaque and symbols

After the Fall of Richard the III: Vengeance and the Alteration of History

Posted by: Robert Brammer

The discovery of Richard the III’s remains beneath a Leicester parking lot has spurred interest in Richard and his conqueror, Henry VII. The Battle of Bosworth which resulted in Richard’s demise was not Henry’s first attempt to overthrow Richard. An earlier uprising had been planned for October 18, 1483, but Richard had discovered the plot.[1] …

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Signatures, Subscription Lists and Printing for the First U.S. Congress – Pic of the Week

Posted by: Nathan Dorn

Today’s pic of the week highlights an item from our collection that finds itself in the spotlight very often, whether as part of a display in one of the Library of Congress’s many fascinating public exhibitions, or as a quasi-sacred book in the swearing-in ceremony of public officials. It is also one of my favorite …

Ornate red and ivory wall decoration, with plaque and symbols

On Despising English Liberties and Other Wisdom from the Founders

Posted by: Nathan Dorn

Today is the anniversary of the ratification of the first written constitution in American history, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, which took place on January 14, 1639. The Fundamental Orders outlined the form of government that would be established over the Connecticut River Towns, enumerating its powers and describing the duties of citizens active in government. A fascinating document …