Wigs for English lawyers, 1800sLawyer selecting the proper wig for appearance in court, London, 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Library of Congress, 1870sLaw library within the old Library of Congress, 1870s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Debating the US Constitution, 1787George Washington presiding over the Constitutional Convention, 1787. Hand-colored engraving of a 19th-century illustration
Ten Commandments delivered by MosesMoses giving the tablets with the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Judge and courtroom in the Middle AgesPlaintiff and defendant take the oath before a judge in the 1400s. Hand-colored 19th-century woodcut reproduction of a medieval illustration
US Supreme Court courtroom, 1890sUS Supreme Court hearing room, 1890s. Hand-colored engraving of a 19th-century illustration
Passage of the 13th Amendment ending slavery, 1865Celebration of the enactment of the 13th Amendment in the House of Representatives, ending slavery, 1865. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Pro-slavery poster in Kansas, 1850sKansas poster calling for homesteaders to rally under pro-slavery governor Charles Robinson, 1850s. Printed color reproduction of a document
Compromise of 1850 debate in the US SenateHenry Clay arguing in the US Senate for the Compromise of 1850 to avert civil war. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century painting
Reconstruction upholding equal rights, 1868Reconstruction depicted as equal rights reform, 1868. Hand-colored woodcut reproduction of a 19th-century Thomas Nast cartoon
Franklin, Hamilton, and other delegates discussing the ConstitutionFranklin, Hamilton, and others discussing the framing of the US Constitution at a tea party in Philadelphia, 1787. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Sheriff removing criminals bootsWestern sheriff arresting law-breakers and making them remove their boots to reduce escapes. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration
Western US after the Compromise of 1850Map showing the western US territories after the Compromise of 1850. Printed color lithograph of a 19th-century illustration
Colonial town meetingTown meeting arguments in colonial America. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
US Senate in session, late 1800sU.S. Senate debating legislation in the late 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
US Congressmen fighting over an issue, early 1800sA fight between US Congressmen who disagree, early 1800s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Trial of a Quaker in EnglandQuaker man on trial in an English courtroom. Hand-colored engraving of a 19th-century illustration
Medieval English court of lawCourt of Kings Bench, London, 1400s. Color lithograph reproduction of a 15th-century illuminated manuscript
Runaways captured in Boston under the Fugitive Slave ActRunaway slaves Burns and Sims captured in Boston and returned to South Carolina under the Fugitive Slave Act, 1850s. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration
Moses reciting the Ten CommandmentsMoses giving the laws to the Hebrew people during the Exodus. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Mayflower Compact signed by the Plymouth colonists, 1620Pilgrims agreeing to govern themselves according to the Mayflower Compact, 1620. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Marylands religious tolerance law, 1600sReligious Toleration Act of colonial Maryland, 1649. Printed halftone reproduction with a watercolor wash
PPRE2A-00060John Quincy Adams in Congress defending the right of petition. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
US Supreme Court hearing a Mississippi injunction case, 1867US Supreme Court under Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase hearing the Mississippi injunction case, 1867. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
PPRT2A-00007Andrew Hamiltons defense of John Peter Zenger, establishing freedom of the press in the American colonies, 1734-1735. Hand-colored halftone of a 19th-century illustration
Parade in Manhattan celebrating the new US Constitution" Ship of state" parade on Wall Street, honoring Alexander Hamilton and the new U.S. Constitution, New York City, 1787. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Ratification resolution by the Constitutional Convention, 1787Resolution to ratify the U.S. Constitution, 1787. Woodcut reproduction with a watercolor wash
Blacks in South Carolina legislature under ReconstructionReconstructed South Carolina legislature, including African-American delegates, passing an appropriations bill, 1873. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration
Constitutional Convention, 1787Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
PUSA2A-00050Andrew Hamilton, lawyer who defended John Peter Zenger and helped establish freedom of the press in the US. Hand-colored woodcut of an illustration
PUSA2A-00059Trial of William Penn as a Nonconformist, England, 1600s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
EVNT2A-00224Angry citizens capturing tax collectors during the Whiskey Rebellion 1790s after the new federal government was formed. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Acquittal of John Peter Zenger, 1735John Peter Zenger celebrating his acquittal after trial for libel, colonial New York City, 1735. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century Darley illustration
EVNT2A-00073Trial for heresy during the Spanish Inquisition. Hand-colored engraving of a 19th century illustration
PROY2A-00081Elizabeth I signing the death warrant to execute Mary, Queen of Scots. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
PBLA2A-00005Dred Scott in 1857, who lost Supreme Court case and was returned to slavery after residing in a free state. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration
Reconstruction Committee meeting in WashingtonJoint House and Senate Reconstruction Committee, creators of the 14th Amendment, under Chairman Fessenden. Hand-colored halftone reproduction of a 19th-century illustration