The First Amendment: A Contemporary Approach - Alan E. Garfield

Description

The First Amendment A Contemporary Approach ISBN 9781685612436

This Interactive Casebook brings First Amendment jurisprudence to life—making the study of constitutional rights both intellectually engaging and practically effective. Designed to promote deep understanding and active learning, this title blends doctrinal clarity with real-world relevance.

Key Features:

• Builds a Strong Foundation:
  Introductory chapters clearly explain who the First Amendment restrains, what it protects, and why a rich body of jurisprudence is essential to balancing expressive and religious liberties with competing societal concerns.
• Focuses on Judicial Value Choices:
  Chapters are structured around the value judgments courts must make when weighing speech and religious freedoms against interests like public safety, equality, reputation, and privacy.
• Encourages Comparative Insight:
  Comparative examples illustrate both the dangers of censorship in authoritarian regimes and the different ways democracies approach freedom of expression and religion.
• Addresses Contemporary Issues:
  Timely topics—including social media regulation, book bans, revenge porn laws, and restrictions on teaching critical race theory—underscore the continuing vitality and complexity of First Amendment questions.
• Promotes Active Learning:
  Engaging exercises such as “You Be the Judge” and “You Be the Lawyer” allow students to apply legal concepts in practical scenarios. End-of-chapter assessment questions help reinforce understanding, with answers provided in the comprehensive Teacher’s Manual.
• Brings Doctrine to Life:
  Vivid images and compelling stories enrich the learning experience—students see the Ten Commandments monument at issue in a key case, visualize the Scopes Trial, and learn how Jehovah’s Witnesses became central figures in shaping First Amendment law. They also explore the ACLU’s controversial decision to represent neo-Nazis, revealing the complexities of defending free speech.
• Includes Premium Study Aids via CasebookPlus™:
  Students receive free online access to:
  • Barron & Dienes's First Amendment Law in a Nutshell
  • Power & Alexander's A Short & Happy Guide to the First Amendment
  • Farber's The First Amendment (Concepts and Insights Series)

About the CasebookPlus™ Platform

This title is part of West Academic’s CasebookPlus™ offering, which enhances traditional teaching with integrated digital learning tools. CasebookPlus includes:

• Chapter-by-chapter self-assessment quizzes keyed directly to the book
• Subject area review quizzes to support exam preparation
• Expert explanations and feedback to deepen understanding

Faculty can monitor student progress and customize assessments, making it easier to meet ABA Assessment and Learning Outcomes standards—all with no additional workload.

Garfield and Smolla The First Amendment A Contemporary Approach ISBN 9781685612436 & 978-1685612436