 | Echo of Its Time: The History of the Federal District Court of Nebraska, 1867-1933 Subjects: United States. District Court (Nebraska) -- History -- 19th century; United States. District Court (Nebraska) -- History -- 20th century; District courts -- Nebraska -- History -- 19th century; District courts -- Nebraska -- History -- 20th century; Throughout its existence the Federal District Court of Nebraska has echoed the dynamics of its time, reflecting the concerns, interests, and passions of the people who have made this state their home. Echo of Its Time explores the court's development, from its inception in 1867 through 1933, tracing the careers of its first four judges: Elmer Dundy, William Munger, Thomas Munger (no relation), and Joseph Woodrough, whose rulings addressed an array of issues and controversies echoing macro-level developments within the state, nation, and world. Echo of Its Time both informs and entertains while using the court's operations as a unique and accessible prism through which to explore broader themes in the history of the state and the nation. The book explores the inner workings of the court through Thomas Munger's personal correspondence, as well as the court's origins and growing influence under the direction of its legendary first judge, Elmer Dundy. Dundy handled many notable and controversial matters and made significant decisions in the field of Native American law, including Standing Bear v. Crook and Elk v. Wilkins . From the turn of the century through 1933 the court's docket reflected the dramatic and rapid changes in state, regional, and national dynamics, including labor disputes and violence, political corruption and Progressive Era reform efforts, conflicts between cattle ranchers and homesteaders, wartime sedition and "slacker" prosecutions, criminal enterprises, and the endless battles between government agents and bootleggers during Prohibition. John R. Wunder is a professor emeritus of history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including The Nebraska-Kansas Act of 1854 (Nebraska, 2008) and Native American Sovereignty . Mark R. Scherer is a professor of history at the University of Nebraska Omaha. He is the author of Rights in the Balance: Free Press, Fair Trial, and Nebraska Press Association v. Stuart and Imperfect Victories: The Legal Tenacity of the Omaha Tribe, 1945-1995 (Nebraska, 1999). |
