The history or legal history of law is actually the study of how laws have changed and why it has done so. Law, just like all other disciplines, has periods of history. Throughout history, various types of legal systems have evolved. For instance, during the Middle Ages there were numerous legal systems that worked, some more than others depending on the region. Likewise, throughout time, human rights have been recognized and laws protecting these rights have been created. Therefore, legal history and the study of law work within the broader context of socio-historical history and is most closely associated with the evolution of civilisations.
Law and legal history scholars argue that legal history and the study of laws are closely linked to notions of justice and freedom. Consequently, legal history helps to explain and predict societal behaviour. There are many different types of legal history which span different disciplines. One such area of focus is constitutional history. Constitutional history helps to interpret and evaluate constitutional changes and legal frameworks. It also helps to explain about how these changes affect those who are affected by them.
Another area of focus is judicial history. During the legal history of a nation, lawyers and other legal historians make note of those people and events that helped to shape and form legal frameworks and institutions. Additionally, legal historians look at the role that women play in drafting and developing legal frameworks. Some legal historians work for non-governmental organizations and advocate for human rights. These individuals work as historians or legal researchers, while others work for major corporations researching topics from a legal perspective.
Historians of law are often called upon to analyze cases dealing with the past use of laws. They may be called upon to analyze a legal case from a social history perspective as well as a legal one. Social historians examine how social factors influenced legal decisions and how these decisions were shaped by forces beyond the legal framework. Legal historians study legal history from both a personal and social history standpoint.
Other areas of focus for legal historians include those related to specific legal institutions, such as criminal law. Many criminal legal historians examine the roles of attorneys and the role they played in providing this guidance throughout history. They look at the role of juries and the legal system itself. They also consider the impact the role of government, religion, cultural norms, and economic development has on the criminal justice system.
Legal historians may also need to look closely at cases within their area of expertise. For example, if an attorney needs to research past case law, they need to find resources that are relevant to the region of the country in which the case was filed. They also need to find a resource for any additional opinions they may have regarding a case such as the opinions of judges, juries, magistrates, press, and other professionals. When looking for resources which are relevant to a legal case, legal professionals should make sure they are accurate and up-to-date. It is important for legal professionals to make sure they are using the best source available to them so they can conduct a quality research study.