Constitutional Structure: Cases in Context (Aspen Casebook)

Constitutional Structure: Cases in Context places primary emphasis on how constitutional law has developed, its foundational principles, and recurring debates, rather than focusing simply on doctrinal details. Teachable, manageable, class-sized chunks of material are suited to one-semester courses or reduced credit configurations. Generous case excerpts make the text flexible for most courses, no matter the ideology or interpretative method. Cases are judiciously supplemented with background readings from various sources. Providing additional context, the readings are long enough to help students understand the arguments, and edited where necessary to prevent overwhelming them. Constitutional Structure: Cases in Context represents rival interpretations of the Constitution by founders, presidents, and other critics of the Court';s decisions better than do many other casebooks. Boxed study guide questions help students focus on the salient issues, challenge them to consider the court's opinions from various perspectives, suggest comparisons or connections with other cases, and invite the student to think about recurring foundational principles and debates. The two-color design also features an art program. Constitutional Structure: Cases in Context covers Parts I and II of the parent book, Constitutional Law: Cases in Context, and can be taught in its entirety in one-semester courses.

Features:

• emphasis on how constitutional law has developed, its foundational principles, and recurring debates, rather than on just doctrinal details
• teachable, class-sized chunks
  • manageable for professors and students
  • better suited to one-semester courses or reduced credit configurations
• generous case excerpts for flexibility in teaching, no matter the approach
• cases supplemented with judicious background readings
  • various sources provide context
  • readings are long enough to help students to understand arguments
  • edited where necessary to prevent overwhelming the reader
• represents rival interpretations of the Constitution by founders, presidents, and critics of the Court s decisions
• includes study guide questions
  • challenge students to consider the court's opinions from various perspectives
  • direct the student to key aspects of the case
  • encourage student to see points of disagreement among opinions
  • suggest comparisons or connections with other cases
  • explore recurring foundational principles and debates
• two-color design with an art program
• covers parts I and II of the parent book, Constitutional Law: Cases in Context
• can be taught in its entirety in one-semester Con Law courses
• supplemented by an annual case supplement
• available in e-format as well as print