"A thorough, systematic, and careful assessment . . . As a reference work for constitutional teachers, it is a gold mine." —Charles A. Lofgren, Constitutional Commentary

Winner of the Benchmark Book Award

Winner of the Supreme Court Historical Society Triennial Book Prize

This acclaimed critical history of Supreme Court decisions, organized around the tenure of specific Chief Justices, evaluates the different styles of constitutional analysis and varying qualities of judicial craftsmanship.

"Like the justices he commends, Currie has explained his choices concisely and persuasively, and he has produced a thoughtful synthesis of constitutional law and constitutional history." —Francis N. Stites, Journal of American History

"A splendid overview of a century of constitutional development which combines historical perspective with insightful evaluation of the highest court in the land, sharply illuminating the extent to which that body's role in our society depends on the character and qualifications of its members." —Francis H. Heller, American Studies

"For anyone who teaches the philosophy of law this is an indispensable volume." —J. P. Dougherty, Review of Metaphysics