1894 Harvard Law Justice John Marshall Harlan via Edward S. Morse

Description: 1894 Opinion of Justice John Marshall Harlan via Edward S. Morse IMPORTANT The letter reads: Cambridge April 3, 1894 Ever so much obliged to you, my dear Morse, for sending me Judge Harlan's opinion! I devoured it right off & then took it up to the Harvard Law Library, where they were no less pleased to get it. They had neither seen it nor heard of it, & seemed to be amused at the idea of their obtaining it through two such outside barbarians, in law matters as you & I. Please remember me kindly to your family & believe me. Yours very truly, Robert Rayner In a letter dated April 3, 1894, between two seemingly unlikely collaborators, Robert Rayner and Edward S. Morse, a fascinating exchange unfolds. At its center lies the expression of gratitude from Rayner to Morse for the transmission of a legal gem — Justice John Marshall Harlan's opinion. This correspondence, now a historical artifact, not only reveals the warmth between the correspondents but also unveils the intriguing dynamics of legal scholarship in the late 19th century. Rayner's letter exudes appreciation as he thanks Morse for providing him with Judge Harlan's opinion. The enthusiasm is palpable, describing how he "devoured it right off" and shared it with the Harvard Law Library. What makes this exchange captivating is the sense of camaraderie between two self-professed "outside barbarians" in the realm of legal matters, hinting at a shared journey through uncharted territories of jurisprudence. However, the mystery deepens as we attempt to identify the specific legal opinion in question. Rayner's letter provides a glimpse into the challenges of locating this opinion and raises questions about the broader recognition of Justice Harlan's work during that era. The lack of information on Rayner himself adds an element of intrigue, leaving us to ponder the extent of his influence in legal circles. Was the referenced opinion not as widely known or discussed even at that time? Supreme Court opinions, particularly dissents, often grapple with delayed recognition. The letter prompts us to explore why certain legal perspectives may escape immediate attention and recognition. The reaction of the Harvard Law Library adds another layer to this narrative. Their surprise and amusement at obtaining the opinion through the unconventional channels of Rayner and Morse serve as a testament to the uncharted territories these "outside barbarians" dared to traverse. The letter encourages us to reflect on the evolving nature of legal scholarship. Do certain opinions gain more prominence over time? How does the recognition of legal minds and their contributions shift with the passage of years? The Harvard Law Library's unfamiliarity with Harlan's opinion hints at a dynamic legal landscape where some voices may echo more loudly in later years. In conclusion, this 1894 letter becomes not just a piece of historical correspondence but a portal into the nuances of legal academia during its formative years. The gratitude expressed by Rayner, the mystery surrounding the referenced opinion, and the unexpected path it took to reach the Harvard Law Library all contribute to a narrative that invites readers to appreciate the historical context and the ever-evolving nature of legal thought. INTERNATIONAL buyers who are interested in buying multiple items from us, let me know BEFORE you click and pay. I can relist those items as one lot, saving you many dollars on shipping and eBay charges. For more info, read my post on: https://edward-s-morse.blogspot.com/2023/11/1894-opinion-of-justice-john-marshall.html

Price: 50 USD

Location: Upstate, New York

End Time: 2024-12-03T20:11:57.000Z

Shipping Cost: 2 USD