Reinterpreting the Constitution - by Edward F Mannino (Hardcover)

About the Book

The core theme of this book is that the justices, both liberal and conservative, do not simply call balls and strikes, as Chief Justice Roberts memorably stated, in formulating their decisions. Instead, as shown in some 200 cases, they have expanded or limited prior precedent, ...

Book Synopsis

The core theme of this book is that the justices, both liberal and conservative, do not simply call balls and strikes, as Chief Justice Roberts memorably stated, in formulating their decisions. Instead, as shown in some 200 cases, they have expanded or limited prior precedent, created new rights, and eliminated others.

Review Quotes

In this new offering, Mannino, a lawyer and historian, presents a contemporary take on the Supreme Court and its recent jurisprudence. The book represents a major undertaking, covering more than 200 cases on subjects such as free speech, race, the right to bear arms, abortion, same-sex marriage, and property rights. Mannino notes that the contemporary Court has often changed the interpretation of rights or created new rights where none existed. The book also traces how the Court has overruled precedent, affecting the lives of Americans. Overall, and unlike many other current accounts of the Supreme Court, Mannino's book is fairly evenhanded and balanced. Mannino does not include much commentary in his overview and lets the justices speak for themselves. This is a refreshing approach and allows readers to evaluate the Court's decisions themselves. The volume is an excellent overview of the contemporary Court and should be a useful resource for practitioners and novices alike. Highly recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals.

What Edward F. Mannino has done with this book is new and important. It is of immense value, primarily to legal scholars, but also to practitioners and interdisciplinary observers, including journalists and political scientists. Reinterpreting the Constitution is the first compendium of modern US Supreme Court rulings since the Court came to be dominated by a conservative supermajority of justices.

About the Author

Edward F. Mannino is lawyer and historian.