How Justice Grew: Virginia Counties, An Abstract of Their Formation

"How Justice Grew: Virginia Counties, An Abstract of Their Formation" by Martha W. Hiden is a historical exploration of how Virginia's county system came to be during its colonial era. The account begins by establishing that the first settlers brought English law and customs to the new land, then follows the story of how the initial governing structure evolved, starting with the General Assembly in 1619. As the population increased, so did the need for local courts and administration, this led to the establishment of counties to administer justice more readily. The writing explores the societal and economic influences that shaped the creation of these counties, painting a picture of a developing colony grappling with governance.