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POLK, JAMES KNOX, President. Signed book: LIVINGSTON, EDWARD. A System of Penal Law for the United States of America: Consisting of A Code of Crimes and Punishments; A Code of Procedure in Criminal Cases; A Code of Prison Discipline; and A Book of Definitions. Prepared an Presented to the House of Representatives.... Washington: Gales & Seaton 1828. Folio, original law sheep, red morocco gilt spine label, worn, corners bumped, joints cracked. First Edition. FROM THE LIBRARY OF JAMES K. POLK, signed twice: "James K. Polk" inside front cover and again on the Table of Contents (p.iii).
Polk's copy of the most influential American treatise on penal law. Edward Livingstone (1764-1836), of the eminent New York family, has been described by an English author as "the first legal genius of modern times." He proposed reforms in the American penal system as a congressman, as early as 1796. After taking up the practice of law in New Orleans, he served during the War of 1812 as aide-de-camp to General Jackson, and was later requested by the Louisiana legislature to prepare a revision of the state's penal law. He made a careful study of the works of the great English jurist and philosopher Jeremy Bentham, with whom he corresponded. Although it was not adopted, his thorough and very modern treatise enjoyed widespread influence in America and abroad. Elected Senator in 1828, the year his work saw publication, he lobbied for the enactment of his code, without success. President Jackson appointed him Secretary of State in 1831.
Polk's copy of the most influential American treatise on penal law. Edward Livingstone (1764-1836), of the eminent New York family, has been described by an English author as "the first legal genius of modern times." He proposed reforms in the American penal system as a congressman, as early as 1796. After taking up the practice of law in New Orleans, he served during the War of 1812 as aide-de-camp to General Jackson, and was later requested by the Louisiana legislature to prepare a revision of the state's penal law. He made a careful study of the works of the great English jurist and philosopher Jeremy Bentham, with whom he corresponded. Although it was not adopted, his thorough and very modern treatise enjoyed widespread influence in America and abroad. Elected Senator in 1828, the year his work saw publication, he lobbied for the enactment of his code, without success. President Jackson appointed him Secretary of State in 1831.