An Examination of the Law of Personal Rights, to Discover the Principles of the Law, as Ascertained from the Practical Rules of the Law, and Harmonized with the Nature of Social Relations.

A philosophical examination of individual rights and freedoms, by a chief justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court. His was the deciding vote for Democrat Wade Hampton's election in a hotly disputed race for the governorship, and this led to his loss of favor with South Carolina Republicans, and ultimately his seat as chief justice. This work was published in the few years between that event and his death in 1884. Willard discusses the origin and nature of society's laws, contracts, individual rights to universal necessities and personal safety, freedom of speech, and marriage.