Constitutional Law for a Changing America: Institutional Powers and Constraints - Softcover

Epstein, Lee J.; Walker, Thomas G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1452226768 ISBN 13: 9781452226767

Publisher: CQ Press, 2013

Synopsis

Known for attentive revising and streamlining, the authors continue to strengthen the distinctive features of their best-selling text-its currency, scholarship, and the inclusion of both concurring and dissenting opinions-while closely following the pressing issues the Roberts Court has taken up in recent years.

Author commentary preceding excerpted opinions includes: the case Facts and key Arguments made by the attorneys on both sides; Aftermath boxes that reveal what happened to litigants after a ruling; Global Perspective boxes that explain how U.S. case law compares to other nations; and NEW to these editions, Annotated Readings that give direction about where to go for more information.

About this title

Review:

“The design and focus of the book are terrific. I use several of the supplemental cases from the resource center in every unit; they are very helpful.”

 

(Steven B. Lichtman 2012-12-20)

“Overall, I like the Epstein and Walker book very much. In particular, I like the cases included as well as the specific excerpts. Additionally, I like the online bank of cases because there are some that I prefer to cover in class. Having the ‘Facts’ separated from the ‘Arguments’ is very appreciated and allowed for a more focused discussion during class and students were able to follow along more easily.” (Kirk Randazzo 2012-12-20)

“Students find the text lively and very helpful. In fact, some had been relying on Internet downloads until they realized how much essential background material they were forfeiting by not using the text. They find the text, moreover, easy to read―anything but ponderous (which many competing casebooks are).” (Elizabeth Hull 2012-12-20)

“The strengths of the Epstein/Walker text include currency with online updates of most recent post-publication decisions; significant political analysis and editorial commentary to supplement the court’s legal opinions; summary tables of legal doctrine; and boxed comparative information about constitutional law and high courts in other countries. I also find the ‘Facts’ section critical as it assists students in case analysis that requires comparisons when deciding whether a precedent is controlling or can be distinguished. The ‘Arguments’ section helps students understand the need to address both sides when answering test problems or writing research papers.” (Howard Tolley 2012-12-20)

“Students really like the book and have made spontaneous comments in their course evaluations about how much they enjoy the text. The text has several strengths: great use of visuals and graphics; case discussion is quite good at placing cases in historical context; and the boxes with personal interest pieces are also very helpful.” (Liane C. Kosaki, PhD 2012-12-20)

About the Author:

Lee Epstein is Ethan A.H. Shepley Distinguished University Professor at Washington University in St. Louis. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. A recipient of 12 grants from the National Science Foundation for her work on law and legal institutions, Epstein has authored or co-authored over 100 articles and essays, as well as 15 books, including The Choices Justices Make (co-authored with Jack Knight), which won the Pritchett Award for the Best Book on Law and Courts and the Lasting Contribution Award for making a “lasting impression on the field of law and courts.” The Constitutional Law for a Changing America series (co-authored with Thomas G. Walker) received the Teaching and Mentoring Award from the Law and Courts Section of the American Political Science Association. Her most recent books are The Behavior of Federal Judges, with William M. Landes and Richard A. Posner, and An Introduction to Empirical Legal Research, with Andrew D. Martin.

About this edition

• Publisher: CQ Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1452226768
• ISBN 13: 9781452226767
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 784