A timely contribution to the analysis of the American Constitution. . . . Edited by Stanley Friedelbaum, it consists of essays written predominantly by political scientists with expertise in constitutional law. The underlying theme is twofold: an exploration of the constitutional norm of federalism, and of the nature and meaning of the Bill of Rights. . . . Highly recommended for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. Choice
The editor introduces the volume with an overview of the historical relationship between federal and state courts and a discussion of the interplay of national and state legal standards. The contributing authors examine the ways in which various state courts have expanded their effective jurisdiction with regard to specific constitutional issues, including state counterpart First Amendment guarantees, women's rights, privacy, and economic due process. Other topics covered are the reactions of state courts to pro-prosecution Burger Court decisions, the efforts of state courts to shield their findings from federal review, and the limits of state authority over individuals. The final chapter assesses the possible long-term significance of state constitutional initiatives for human rights protection and the American judicial system as a whole. The first authoritative, full-length analysis of the subject, this study will be welcomed by legal scholars and students as well as human specialists.