Description

The Constitution of the United States Paulsen Fifth Edition ISBN: 9781683281252

A Textual, Structural, and Historical Approach to Constitutional Law

This casebook offers a rigorous and engaging exploration of constitutional law, emphasizing the text, structure, and historical development of the U.S. Constitution. Rather than focusing on incremental doctrinal shifts, it prioritizes “great cases” that shape fundamental constitutional principles. Through a blend of judicial decisions and political branch interpretations, students gain a deep understanding of constitutional interpretation and its role in shaping American law and governance.

New to the Fifth Edition:

• Landmark recent cases, including NIFLA (free speech), Carson (free exercise), Bruen (Second Amendment), Dobbs (substantive due process), and Dillon (Article V).
• New executive materials on the Equal Rights Amendment and constitutional amendment processes.
• Expanded assignments on free speech, particularly in schools, universities, and digital platforms.
• Increased focus on freedom of the press and the regulation of online speech.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Emphasis on constitutional interpretation, incorporating analysis by courts and political actors.
• Historical depth, covering topics often overlooked in other casebooks, including slavery, the amendment process, and early free speech jurisprudence.
• Concise and impactful case selection, ensuring clarity and accessibility without excessive doctrinal fragmentation.

Ideal for students seeking a cohesive and historically grounded understanding of constitutional law, this casebook presents the Constitution as a living document shaped by judicial and political forces alike.

The Constitution of the United States Paulsen Fifth Edition ISBN: 9781683281252