This book brings together 64 of the most important, influential, and interesting cases in American law. These cases have been selected due to not only their legal and cultural significance, but also their anticipated philosophical import. A wide range of themes and topics are represented, from free speech to race relations to criminal punishment. Each case has been carefully excerpted so as to focus attention on the features that illustrate the central principles and forms of judicial reasoning. Important contextualizing information is also provided to clarify the cases’ historical setting as well as any relevant philosophical arguments and questions.
Comments
“Samuel Zinaich has produced an immensely valuable book for students and instructors who are looking for a distinctively philosophical approach to the study of law. The text provides a rich array of topics, thoughtfully arranged. By emphasizing recent case law, Zinaich’s text shows how significant legal-philosophical debates are to contemporary American life.” — Linda Radzik, Texas A&M University
“Professor Zinaich has created an ideal text for undergraduate courses in philosophy, law and politics. His volume emphasizes the ethical, historical and interpretive arguments driving Supreme Court opinions across diverse areas of law and public policy. The closely edited case excerpts and incisive questions about theoretical and practical implications will inspire active class discussion about fundamental constitutional, moral and philosophical debates.” — Frank J. Colucci, Purdue University Northwest
