13+ Henry James Sumner Maine Quotes On Education, Slavery

Henry James Sumner Maine was a British historian who lived in the 19th century. He is best known for his work Ancient Law, which examines the early development of legal systems. Maine's work is considered to be a major contribution to the field of comparative law and legal history. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Henry James Sumner Maine on education, slavery, life.

The Roman jurisprudence has the longest known history of any set of human institutions. — Henry James Sumner Maine

The ancient codes were doubtless originally suggested by the discovery and diffusion of the art of writing. — Henry James Sumner Maine

The inquiries of the jurist are in truth prosecuted much as inquiry in physic and physiology was prosecuted before observation had taken the place of assumption. — Henry James Sumner Maine

Our authorities leave us no doubt that the trust lodged with the oligarchy was sometimes abused, but it certainly ought not to be regarded as a mere usurpation or engine of tyranny. — Henry James Sumner Maine

It is true that the aristocracies seem to have abused their monopoly of legal knowledge and at all events their exclusive possession of the law was a formidable impediment to the success of those popular movements which began to be universal in the western world. — Henry James Sumner Maine

In spite of overwhelming evidence, it is most difficult for a citizen of western Europe to bring thoroughly home to himself the truth that the civilisation which surrounds him is a rare exception in the history of the world. — Henry James Sumner Maine

The most superficial student of Roman history must be struck by the extraordinary degree in which the fortunes of the republic were affected by the presence of foreigners, under different names, on her soil. — Henry James Sumner Maine

The movement of the progressive societies has hitherto been a movement from Status to Contract. — Henry James Sumner Maine

The epoch of Customary Law, and of its custody by a privileged order, is a very remarkable one. — Henry James Sumner Maine

The members of such a society consider that the transgression of a religious ordinance should be punished by civil penalties, and that the violation of a civil duty exposes the delinquent to divine correction. — Henry James Sumner Maine

Law is stable the societies we are speaking of are progressive. The greater or less happiness of a people depends on the degree of promptitude with which the gulf is narrowed. — Henry James Sumner Maine

The Roman Code was merely an enunciation in words of the existing customs of the Roman people. — Henry James Sumner Maine

When primitive law has once been embodied in a Code, there is an end to what may be called its spontaneous development. — Henry James Sumner Maine

Life Lessons by Henry James Sumner Maine

1. Henry James Sumner Maine's work has taught us that the evolution of law and society is a gradual process, shaped by the changing needs of the people.
2. His writings have highlighted the importance of understanding the historical context of a society in order to understand its legal and social structures.
3. Maine's work has also emphasised the need for an interdisciplinary approach to the study of law, combining history, sociology and anthropology to gain a fuller understanding of the law and its role in society.