From Unwritten Law to Written Constitutions: The Evolution of Fundamental Rights in the Western Legal Tradition

Where do "fundamental rights" actually come from? This session explores the foundations of modern rights and constitutionalism. Professor Ryan Greenwood examines the evolution of the English constitutional tradition—symbolized by Magna Carta and other documents—that resulted in the American innovation of a federal constitution. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how medieval and early modern concepts, articulated and contested at moments of a strong political conflict, developed into some of the individual rights we recognize today. 

Following the CLE, attendees are invited to a special tour of the Riesenfeld Rare Books Research Center featuring some of the materials discussed in the CLE.

Lunch will be provided.