John Witt’s “Lincoln’s Code”
As many Lawfare readers know, John Witt has recently published a book called Lincoln’s Code. The book is about, among many other things, the history of the laws of war in the United States, especially in its first century, and the persistent tensions between idealism and pragmatism (my terms, not John’s) in crafting and complying with the laws of war. Gary Bass has an enthusiastic review here. I
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As many Lawfare readers know, John Witt has recently published a book called Lincoln’s Code. The book is about, among many other things, the history of the laws of war in the United States, especially in its first century, and the persistent tensions between idealism and pragmatism (my terms, not John’s) in crafting and complying with the laws of war. Gary Bass has an enthusiastic review here. I blurbed the book, stating: “Lincoln’s Code is a rich, subtle, and honest book that uncovers the deep impact of the laws of war in American history. It is chock full of truly novel insights. I learned a ton from it and will continue to learn a ton on rereading. It is a great book, one that will last forever.” Lawfare will review Lincoln’s Code, and I highly recommend it.
Jack Goldsmith is the Learned Hand Professor at Harvard Law School, co-founder of Lawfare, and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Before coming to Harvard, Professor Goldsmith served as Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Counsel from 2003-2004, and Special Counsel to the Department of Defense from 2002-2003.
