"Legal Development in Colonial Massachusetts, 1630-1686," Volume 37, explores the evolution of the legal system in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during its formative years. This detailed study examines the establishment and growth of legal institutions, the adaptation of English common law to the unique circumstances of colonial life, and the development of distinct legal practices and principles. From the earliest settlements to the late 17th century, the book traces the interplay between religious beliefs, social norms, and legal structures that shaped the colony's legal landscape.