Kerstin Beyer, a dual-qualified German divorce lawyer practising in London, says that in Germany it is enough for a notary to draft the agreement on behalf of both parties.

ECONOMIST: Prenuptial agreements

In July, 1862, when Lincoln presented the Cabinet with a draft of the Emancipation Proclamation, Seward warned that it could prompt foreign governments to intervene on behalf of the South, and said that it should be delivered at a time of military strength, not weakness.

NEWYORKER: Union Man