I’m writing about University of Virginia law professor James Holcombe’s jurisprudence today — and thanks again to books.google, I see the intermediate examination (what we’d now call mid-term, I think) that Holcombe gave to students at UVA law school around 1859.
Zinnecker will like question 2 a big bunch:
State the several general rules of the Common Law which are suspended in reference to negotiable paper. The difference between the effect of a transfer of such instrument by deliveiy, and by endorsement. “What will constitute the acceptance of a bill of exchange, whether existing or non-existing, and what is admitted by one: to whom should notice be given of the dishonor of a bill of exchange, at what time, and in what manner?
I have to say the whole exam looks hard.
"Endorsement"? Or "indorsement"? Ah, the matters about which we UCC folks quibble!
Perhaps I'll use this question on my final exam. Al, please forward a copy of the model answer. If you can't find one, just draft it yourself. "Brophy on Bills of Exchange." I like the sound of that!
There were real lawyers then.
Yes they were, Calvin. Real lawyers and over a big range of fields — that exam covers evidence, commercial law, admiralty….. Also, they didn't have hypotheticals — just pure recall of law.
I'd love to see their property and trusts questions.
I was going to ask if you ran across any Property questions.