Law, History & Politics: Federalist Papers Nos. 2, 68 + the Dred Scott Decision

As we usher in the new year, a new discussion series will be introduced -- LAW, HISTORY AND POLITICS.

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The LHP series explore the intersections of its namesake -- an in-depth study of a particular law, court decision, or a legal precedent that shaped the political forces and its historical ramifications.

The LHP series will start out with subject matters that directly relate to the U.S. For instance, we'll discuss landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions, particular Constitutional Amendments, or an influential Legislative body of work.

The advanced LHP series will explore international and comparative law from a historic perspective. These may include: Magna Carta, the Code of Justinian, the Code of Hammurabi -- to more recent selections, such as the U.N. Declaration on Human Rights and the Geneva Convention.

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For starters, we'll read and discuss the following:

• The Federalist Papers No. 2 ("Concerning Dangers from Foreign Force and Influence" -- by John Jay). Click here (https://www.congress.gov/resources/display/content/The+Federalist+Papers#TheFederalistPapers-2) to access it online.

• The Federalist Papers No. 68 ("The Mode of Electing the President" -- by Alexander Hamilton). Click here (https://www.congress.gov/resources/display/content/The+Federalist+Papers#TheFederalistPapers-68) to access it online.

• Scott v. Sandford, 60 U.S. 393 (1856) -- a.k.a. the "Dred Scott Decision" Click here (https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/60/393#)to access it online.

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While the reading assignments are not mandatory, all attendees are strongly urged to familiarize themselves with the general context of these selections.