The Oxford Introductions to U.S. Law: Constitutional Law [Paperback]

InThe Oxford Introductions to U.S. Law: Constitutional Law, Professors Michael C. Dorf and Trevor W. Morrison discuss the relationships between the branches of federal government, between the federal and state governments, and between the government and the individual. They describe American constitutional law as a mechanism for allocating decision-making authority - that is, for deciding who decides. They also discuss the extent to which judges and Justices may substitute their own constitutional judgment for that of elected officials.The Oxford Introductions to U.S. Law: Constitutional Lawpresents an accessible introduction to the enduring topics of American constitutional law, including judicial review, methods of interpretation, federalism, separation of powers, equal protection, and individual liberties.One of the most important functions performed by the American Constitution and the more than two centuries' worth of cases interpreting it is the allocation of decision-making. Professor Dorf and Professor Morrison frame many of these constitutional debates with this question of authority. When should courts rule that the Constitution takes some issue outside of the domain of ordinary politics? Should courts referee disputes between the branches of the federal government? Should they referee disputes between the states and the national government? Using what standards?This introduction to American constitutional law critically examines the work of the Supreme Court of the United States, which has resolved thousands of constitutional controversies based on the shortest national constitution on the planet. The authors also look beyond the Supreme Court, exploring the arguments for and against judicial review and various versions of popular constitutionalism.CONTENTSAcknowledgments1. Who Decides?2. Judicial Review3. Constitutional Interpretation4. Federalism5. Separation of Powers6. Equal Protection7. Enumerated Rights: The First Amendment8. Unenul#.