The American Supreme Court / Robert G. McCloskey ; revised by Sanford Levinson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McCloskey, Robert G. (Robert Green)

Contributor:

Levinson, Sanford, 1941-

Series:

Chicago history of American civilization

The Chicago history of American civilization

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States. Supreme Court--History.

United States.

United States. Supreme Court.

Courts of last resort--United States--History.

Courts of last resort.

Constitutional history--United States.

Constitutional history.

History.

Physical Description:

xv, 359 pages ; 24 cm.

Edition:

Fifth edition.

Place of Publication:

Chicago : University of Chicago Press, 2010.

Summary:

Celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, Robert McCloskey's classic work on the Supreme Court's role in constructing the U.S. Constitution has introduced generations of students to the workings of our nations highest court. For this new fifth edition, Sanford Levinson extends McCloskey's magisterial treatment to address the Courts most recent decisions.

As in prior editions, McCloskey's original text remains unchanged. In his historical interpretation, he argues that the strength of the Court has always been its sensitivity to the changing political scene, as well as its reluctance to stray too far from the main currents of public sentiments. In two revised chapters, Levinson shows how McCloskey's approach continues to illuminate developments since 2005, including the Courts decisions in cases arising out of the "war on terror," which range from issues of civil liberty to tests of executive power. He also discusses the Court's skepticism regarding campaign finance regulation; its affirmation of the right to bear arms; and the increasingly important nomination and confirmation process of Supreme Court justices, including that of the first Hispanic justice, Sonia Sotomayor.

The best and most concise account of the Supreme Court and its place in American politics, McCloskey's wonderfully readable book is an essential guide to the past, present, and future prospects of this institution. Book jacket.

Contents:

The genesis and nature of judicial power

The establishment of the right to decide : 1789-1810

The Marshall Court and the shaping of the nation : 1810-1835

The court under Taney : the natural history of judicial prestige

Constitutional evolution in the Gilded Age : 1865-1900

The judiciary and the regulatory state : 1900-1937

The court and postwar America : 1937-1959

Civil liberties, civil rights, and the Supreme Court

Judicial monitoring of the new American welfare state

Epilogue: the court of today and the lessons of history.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780226556864

9780226556871

0226556867

0226556875

OCLC:

457149558