The Commentaries on the Laws of England by Sir William Blackstone, are a prominent and authoritative 18th century dissertation on the common law of England which not only pertains to that country, but is also at the foundation of the American legal system. They were widely read and a huge influence on America's Founding Fathers and, to this day, are occasionally quoted in U.S. Supreme Court decisions when expounding upon principals of universal and enduring human justice.

The commentaries were divided into four books: On the Rights of Persons, On the Rights of Things, Of Private Wrongs, and Of Public Wrongs.

This third volume deals chiefly with the English laws, courts & procedures regarding civil (as opposed to criminal) injuries, which in legal terms are generally referred to as torts, covering various offenses such as trespass, waste, nuisance, and the like. - Summary by Roy Haines