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"A DIGEST OF THE LAW OF EVIDENCE, IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES. AND A TREATISE ON BILLS OF EXCHANGE, AND PROMISSORY NOTES"

Rare 1810 Book Written by Congressman and Connecticut Supreme Court Chief Justice Zephaniah Swift

This rare legal treatise on criminal and civil evidence, bills of exchange and promissory notes was written by Zephaniah Swift, an early Connecticut Congressman and State Supreme Court Justice and Chief Justice when he published this book.  He is also the author of an earlier legal work, the famous System of Laws. This leather volume has recently been improved with a new spine and end papers and thus the binding is in very nice condition as shown in the picture above. There is some darkening from age and scattered foxing. There are two hand written ownership inscriptions, "Presented to William H. Johnson, Esq. by Dr. Samuel T. Birmingham, April 25th 1873" on the endpaper and what may be the original owner "Justin Field" on the top of the title page.

Below is an excerpt from the Preface which demonstrates Swift's belief in the importance of the Common Law and that it be widely understood among the population.

Below is a portion of the Table of Contents applicable to the Evidence section of the treatise

I could find only one other copy of this rare volume and it is offered for $750 with a detached front cover.  This is in better condition and a better value.

Price: $650

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