American Justice 2014

In this provocative and insightful book, constitutional scholar and journalist Garrett Epps reviews the key decisions of the 2013-2014 Supreme Court term through the words of the nation's nine most powerful legal authorities. Epps succinctly outlines one opinion or dissent from each Justice during the recent term, using it to illuminate the political and ideological views that prevail on the Court. The result is a highly readable summary of the term's most controversial cases as well as a probing investigation of the issues and personalities that shape the Court's decisions.Accompanied by a concise overview of Supreme Court procedure and brief case summaries, American Justice 2014 is an engaging and instructive read for seasoned Court-watchers as well as legal novices eager for an introduction to the least-understood branch of government. This revealing portrait of a year in legal action dramatizes the ways that the Court has come to reflect and encourage the polarization that increasingly defines American politics.

In this provocative and insightful book, constitutional scholar and journalist Garrett Epps reviews the key decisions of the 2013-2014 Supreme Court term, highlighting one opinion or dissent from each Justice to illuminate the political and ideological views that prevail on the Court.

Preface: My Supreme Court, and YoursIntroduction: The Branch That Works1. Balls and Strikes: Chief Justice John Roberts—McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission2. Justice of Hearts: Justice Sonia Sotomayor—Dissenting, Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action by Any Means Necessary3. Empathy for the Devil: Justice Antonin Scalia—Dissenting, Windsor v. United StatesRedux4. Enter Laughing: Justice Elena Kagan—Dissenting, Town of Greece v. Galloway5. Big Brother: Justice Anthony Kennedy—Hall v. Florida6. In a Different Voice: Justice Clarence Thomas: Susan B. Anthony List v. Driehaus7. Bringer of Chaos: Justice Stephen Breyer—National Labor Relations Board v. Noel Canning8. The Alito Court: Justice Samuel Alito—Harris v. Quinn9. No Exit: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—Dissenting, Burwell v. Hobby Lobby StoresAfterword: Red and Blue JusticeAppendicesA. A Brief Guide to Supreme Court ProcedureB. Justices of the United States Supreme Court, OT 2013C. Major OT13 Cases Discussed in This Book