historical school

noun

1. a school of economists that arose in Germany in the 19th century in reaction to the principles of the classical economists, and that maintained that the factors making up an economy are variable and develop out of social institutions.
2. Law. the school of jurists who maintain that law is not to be regarded so much as resulting from commands of sovereigns as from historical and social circumstances.

historical school

noun

1. a group of 19th-century German economists who maintained that modern economies evolved from historical institutions
2. the school of jurists maintaining that laws are based on social and historical circumstances rather than made by a sovereign power

Word History and Origins

Origin of historical school¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Its best-known forms are the historical school in the science of law, and Marxism.

From Project Gutenberg

On that question the historical school of economists are entirely agreed with the classical school.

From Project Gutenberg

The contention of the historical school that all law springs up 'naturally', like language, is chimerical.

From Project Gutenberg

As has just been said, much the same is true for the Historical School.

From Project Gutenberg

This is a view which very rightly meets with small mercy at the hands of the modern historical school of criticism.

From Project Gutenberg