NCJ Number
139491
Date Published
1992
Length
342 pages
Annotation
This constitutional law casebook is intended to help undergraduates in liberal arts better understand the U.S. Constitution.
Abstract
The casebook opens with a brief introduction about why political scientists should be concerned with the work of judges. The focus is on judicial interpretations and opinions and on judicial reaction to societal pressures. Thirty-three cases in constitutional law are organized according to eight chapters: (1) courts and the constitution; (2) separate institutions sharing powers; (3) federalism; (4) governmental control of the economy; (5) right to speak, write, and vote; (6) right to privacy; (7) equal protection; and (8) rights of the accused. Each chapter begins with an essay in which cases are put into perspective, and each case contains an introduction explaining the background of the legal dispute. The cases range from the classic Marbury v. Madison (1803) in which the U.S. Supreme Court first exercised the right of judicial review to more recent cases involving contemporary social and political issues. The U.S. Constitution is appended.