Book Review: The Law of Primitive Man: A Study in Comparative Legal Dynamics

Abstract

Law exists in primitive societies, and its study has value for civilized peoples. Its paramount value is in suggesting excellent models and guides for the study of our legal system. In many important respects little is known about our law, its impact, and how it works. Legal scholars trained by the law schools have so concentrated on statutes, regulations, and judicial opinions in their research efforts that they have been blinded to anything else of significance. And there have been few competent scholars willing to concern themselves with our law who have not been educated as lawyers and become members of the profession. The conceptual structure of our law is mysterious to non-lawyers; the bench and bar have not encouraged examination by outsiders; the application of the law is often shrouded in professional, governmental, and business secrecy; and the whole subject of the law in modern civilized society is extremely complex because our society is so complex, and the law reaches into every aspect of modern life.