Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Supreme Court
By (author) Artemus Ward, Christopher Brough, Robert Arnold
Publication date:
13 August 2015Length of book:
686 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9780810872486
The US Supreme Court is an institution that operates almost totally behind closed doors. This book opens those doors by providing a comprehensive look at the justices, procedures, cases, and issues over the institution’s more than 200-year history. The Court is a legal institution born from a highly politicized process. Modern justices time their departures to coincide with favorable administrations and the confirmation process has become a highly-charged political spectacle played out on television and in the national press. Throughout its history, the Court has been at the center of the most important issues facing the nation: federalism, separation of powers, war, slavery, civil rights, and civil liberties. Through it all, the Court has generally, though not always, reflected the broad views of the American people as the justices decide the most vexing issues of the day.
The Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Supreme Court covers its history through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 700 cross-referenced entries on every justice, major case, issue, and process that comprises the Court’s work. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Supreme Court.
The Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Supreme Court covers its history through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 700 cross-referenced entries on every justice, major case, issue, and process that comprises the Court’s work. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Supreme Court.
Part of the ‘Historical Dictionary’ series on US politics, this latest foray is the first to address the judicial branch of the federal government, focusing on the Supreme Court as a political institution. Ward, assisted by two graduate students, is very knowledgeable on the subject, having written several books on the Court. At more than 600 pages, this hefty volume provides a comprehensive source of information on all matters pertaining to the Court and, thus, makes for an excellent quick reference. Noteworthy are its extensive chronology, 35-page introduction qua historical essay (well worth reading), and five appendixes. . . .The current work should find a place alongside similar works not only in collections of academic and law libraries, but those supporting political science programs. Public libraries should also consider purchasing. Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.