In this book Jean Jacques Burlamaqui [1694–1748], a Swiss jurist and professor of civil and natural law, outlined a constitutional system whose principles, such as checks and balances and judicial review, influenced the political thought of the American founding fathers. Additionally, Burlamaqui’s discussion of happiness as a natural right probably inspired Thomas Jefferson when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. Blackstone was also one of many jurists influenced by Burlamaqui’s work. Reprint of the first English edition, which became a standard work. [xlii], 312 pp.