ABSTRACT

This classic collection of carefully selected and edited Supreme Court case excerpts and comprehensive background essays explores constitutional law and the role of the Supreme Court in its development and interpretation. Well-grounded in both theory and politics, it endeavors to heighten students' understanding of and interest in these critical areas of our governmental system.

New to the 17th Edition

  • 9 new cases (including 2 cases from the 2015–2016 term decided by 8 justices) and discussion of 30 additional new cases.
  • New case highlights include Sebelius on Obamacare, Obergefell on same sex marriage, and 2 new cases on government surveillance.
  • Covers the death of Justice Antonin Scalia and ensuing controversies.
  • Updates every chapter-opening essay and end-of-chapter Selected Readings.
  • Provides an author-written online Instructor’s Manual with Test Bank, historical Supreme Court documents, noteworthy decisions and dissents, and cases from previous editions.

chapter |26 pages

Introduction A Political Supreme Court

chapter 3|53 pages

Congress and the President

chapter 4|38 pages

Federalism

chapter 5|47 pages

The Electoral Process

chapter 6|64 pages

The Commerce Clause

chapter 7|24 pages

National Taxing and Spending Power

chapter 9|27 pages

The Bill of Rights

chapter 10|75 pages

Criminal Justice

chapter 11|59 pages

Freedom of Expression

chapter 12|47 pages

Religious Liberty

chapter 13|40 pages

Privacy

chapter 14|59 pages

Equal Protection of the Laws

chapter 15|24 pages

Security and Freedom in Wartime