The US Supreme Court is arguably the most controversial institution in the American political system. Decisions on such 'hot-button' issues as abortion, race equality, the death penalty and gay marriage have sharply divided the Court, politicians and public opinion. Some say that the Justices are merely politicians in judicial robes, while others insist that the Court simply does its best to interpret the Constitution for a society that differs drastically from the late eighteenth century when it was written. All those studying or simply interested in American politics must therefore get to grips with the nature, power and role of the Supreme Court in American politics.This book provides a comprehensive and balanced account, written and organised in an accessible style. It assumes no prior knowledge of the Court or constitutional law, and will help readers to gain a full appreciation of this much-criticised and important institution.

Robert J. McKeever is Associate Fellow in the Institute of the Americas at University College London

Preface to the second editionPreface to the first edition1. The Court's contemporary agenda2. A historical overview3. Cases, decisions and judicial procedures4. Politics and judicial review5. Advice and consent: the politics of Supreme Court appointments6. The power of the Supreme Court: constraints, compliance and impact7. The role of the Supreme Court in American government and politicsGuide to further readingCase indexGeneral index