The California Supreme Court Historical Society will present, “California Without Law 1846-1850: How the American instinct for the rule of law confronted an uncertain mix of Mexican and military law — and a treaty negotiated without authority.”
Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero will introduce the program that will feature a discussion between retired Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Barry Goode and frequent Daily Journal California legal history columnist John Caragozian. Goode, Caragozian, and I all serve on the Society’s board of directors, which the Chief Justice chairs.
The Society describes the program’s subject matter:
- From the beginning of the Mexican War until the first California Legislature met, California was governed by an uncertain mixture of Mexican and military law. It was administered by “alcaldes” who presided as if they were wise men sitting under a tree in a small community, issuing rulings based largely on their instincts of justice. Many Americans considered it to be a system without law.
- In addition, the Treaty of Guadelupe Hidalgo, which ended the Mexican War, was negotiated by an envoy whose authority had been revoked; leading to a treaty signed without authority. More “lawlessness.” This program address the law in California in those early days, how a society functions without an effective government, and what that teaches about the importance of the rule of law.
The program — a webinar — will be on June 21 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. It’s free with MCLE credit for Society members. Non-members who want MCLE credit pay $25. Registration is here.
