The Massachusetts Body of Liberties
(1641)
[The Massachusetts “Body of Liberties,” the first code of laws established in New England, was compiled by Nathaniel Ward (c. 1578–1652) a leading English Puritan minister, who had been trained as a lawyer. He came to the colony in 1634, and was for a time pastor at Ipswich. The “Liberties” were established by the Massachusetts General Court in December, 1641.]
The Liberties of the Massachusets Collonie in New England, 1641