Product Description

Lawrence Baum brings students--in this thoroughly revised and updated edition--trusted, balanced, and illuminating coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court. While the Court is always evolving, the changes have been especially sweeping these past few years. Looking closely at the appointments of two new justices and the possible effects of the shift from the Rehnquist Court to the Roberts Court, Baum examines the implications of recent major decisions. Baum explores the Court's rulings on the procedural rights of suspected terrorists as well as the growth in conflict between Congress and the federal courts.

The ninth edition makes use of new scholarship on the Court, from research on the role of precedent to important biographies of Justice Blackmun and Justice O'Connor. This authoritative introduction to the nation's highest judicial body describes the Court's personalities and procedures, delving deeply to explain the actions of the Court and the behavior of justices. Through Baum's straightforward yet lively prose, students begin to understand the Court's complexity and reach.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58987 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 230 pages

From School Library Journal
YA-- Baum has capsulated the course of the United States Supreme Court in a manner that is easy and enjoyable to read. He reviews several facets of the Court--the practical, the personal, the politics, the patterns, the policies, the process, the participants, and the power--and how they have changed over time. While writing in a simple style, he explodes several highly held myths. Those interested in government politics should find that the book will extend their knowledge and reaffirm what they already may know. Aspiring attorneys would profit by reading it, and students who follow the Court through newspapers will delight to find analysis of very recent events. Through this book, readers will gain a better understanding of our political system.
- Judge R. P. Walker, Port Arthur, TX
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Lawrence Baum is professor of political science at the Ohio State University and holds a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin. A widely recognized authority on the court system, Baum is the author of Judges and Their Audiences: A Perspective on Judicial Behavior (2006), American Courts: Process and Policy, 5th Edition (2001) and The Puzzle of Judicial Behavior (1997), as well as numerous articles on topics such as the implementation of court decisions, change in Supreme Court policies, and interaction between the Supreme Court and Congress.

Customer Reviews

Great Systematic Study of the Supreme Court
Of the three branches of government, it is the Supreme Court that remains a mystery to most Americans. As the author points out, most Americans are unable to name a significant number of sitting Justices, let alone understand the many nuances of the US judicial system. However, in The Supreme Court, Dr. Baum attempts to clarify the structures and processes of the Court, as well as explain its effect on the formation of public policy.

Dr. Baum separates the book in to sections, each addressing the major components of the Court: the Justices, the selection of cases, the decision making process, the policy outputs, and lastly, the impact of the Court on the other branches of government and society as a whole.

Aside from discussing the mechanics of the Court, Baum delves into its broader impact on both the executive and legislative branch, the creation of public policy, and the shaping of America.

In conclusion, Baum's book is an excellent work covering the many aspects of the Supreme Court, written in a clear and interesting manner.

Summary of American judicial history, power, and mechanics.
Excellent work, suitable for classroom use. Covers the history and development of America's highest court, as well as providing insight into judicial procedure and justice voting behavior. Also gives valuable information on the use of justiciabilty as method for agenda tailoring.