Description

American Constitutional Law: Structure and Reconstruction Cases Notes and Problems 7th Edition Charles Shanor

ISBN 9781684679225

A Concise, Engaging, and Thorough Introduction to Constitutional Law

This thoughtfully designed casebook offers a rigorous yet accessible introduction to constitutional law, ideal for a one-semester course. Carefully curated and meticulously edited, the book includes approximately 100 primary cases, striking a careful balance between doctrinal depth and manageable length. Students are exposed to foundational constitutional principles through cases that are edited to preserve judicial reasoning while streamlining unnecessary complexity.

The Seventh Edition features expanded coverage of critical and timely constitutional issues. New introductory materials highlight the evolving role of the Supreme Court in our constitutional democracy, setting the stage for students to appreciate both the historical foundations and modern trajectory of constitutional interpretation. Recent landmark cases—particularly those involving the Second Amendment and abortion rights—serve as focal points for examining the interpretive methods employed by the justices, including textualism, originalism, and living constitutionalism.

The book is structured to cover both structural constitutional law—including judicial power, separation of powers, congressional authority, federalism, and judicial regulation of interstate commerce—and the Fourteenth Amendment, encompassing citizenship, privileges or immunities, due process, equal protection, and state action. Updated materials reflect major developments, such as the shifting landscape of the administrative state and the reconfiguration of substantive due process in the wake of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

Despite incorporating substantial new content and modern controversies, the Seventh Edition remains just ten pages longer than its predecessor, thanks to careful and strategic editing. Notes following each case provide important context, raise critical questions, and encourage rich classroom discussion. Entertaining elements and contemporary references further enhance student engagement.

Whether taught in a three-, four-, or five-credit format, this casebook supports dynamic and thoughtful instruction, giving students the tools to understand, critique, and apply constitutional doctrine in today’s complex legal and political environment.

American Constitutional Law: Structure and Reconstruction Cases Notes and Problems 7th Edition Charles Shanor
ISBN 9781684679225