American citizens need to understand the importance of the Supreme Court in determining how our government and society operates, regardless of whether or not they agree with the Court’s opinions. Unfortunately, the role and powers of the third branch of government are not well understood by the American public. After an introduction and overview to the history of the Supreme Court from 1789 to 2013, this book examines the Court’s decisions chronologically by Chief Justice, allowing readers to grasp how the role and powers of the Court have developed and shifted over time. The chapters depict the Court as the essential agent of review and an integrated part of the government, regardless of the majority/minority balance on the Court, and of which political party is in the White House or controlling the House or Senate.

Features

• Useful for high school students, undergraduate students, and general readers researching the Supreme Court in general, investigating specific issues, or seeking answers to personal interest questions
• Provides an accessible resource for chronologically tracing the development of civil and human rights issues from the Warren Court to the present
• Examines the legacy of each Chief Justice's Court by its significant cases or decisions as well as its influence on the historical era
• Notes the dramatic or long-lasting effects of Court decisions and addresses the most controversial decisions of the 21st century, underscoring the significance of Supreme Court decisions on society overall
• Argues that the Court has long had a political presence and influence rather than existing as simply a legal entity