U.S. legal history

U.S. legal history tracks the development of laws and legal institutions from colonial times through independence and into the modern era. It includes the creation of foundational documents like the Constitution, which established federal and state legal systems, and the Bill of Rights, securing individual freedoms. Over time, courts have interpreted these laws, shaping civil rights, commerce, and social justice. Key moments include landmark Supreme Court rulings and legislative acts that expanded or limited rights. This history reflects the evolving values, conflicts, and governance principles that define the nation’s legal framework today.