This issue of "Bill of Rights in Action" looks at historical and recent innovations in law. The first article examines the code of laws developed by the ancient Hebrews which influenced Roman law, English law, and the U.S. Declaration of Independence and Constitution. The second article explores Thomas Jefferson's writing of the Declaration of Independence and the source of his ideas for that document. The final article looks at the animal-rights movement, an active movement seeking recognition of basic rights for animals. Each article includes questions for class discussion and writing, a further reading list, and classroom activities. (BT)