Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter One: History of the Judiciary: Federal and State
Chapter Two: Roles, Functions, and Powers
Chapter Three: Structure and Process
Chapter Four: Political Issues and Controversies of the Judicial Branch
I. Constitutional Politics and Democratic Principles
Judicial Review
Constitutional Interpretation
Judicial Activism and Restraint
Judicial Federalism
State Ballot Initiatives and Referendums
II. Judicial Access, Independence, and Accountability
Public Access to Courts
Cameras in the Courtroom
Judicial Specialization
Adverseness and Advisory Opinions
Jurisdictional Doctrines and Procedures
Judicial Independence
Court Curbing
Political Restraints on Judicial Power
III. The Politics of Judicial Selection and Removal
State Courts
Merit Plans
Partisan Judicial Elections and Political Money
Judicial Campaigns and the First Amendment
Judicial Recusal
Federal Courts
Presidential Appointments and Court Packing
The Role of the American Bar Association
Filibusters of Presidential Nominations to the Federal Bench
Blue Slips
Supreme Court Hearings
Impeachment and Removal of Federal Judges
IV. Political Controversies in State and Federal Courts
Incorporation Doctrine
Same-Sex Marriage
The Affordable Care Act
Freedom of Speech
Campaign Finance
Religious Freedom
Gun Ownership Rights and Restrictions
Property Rights
Defendants' Rights
Mandatory Sentencing
Capital Punishment
Privacy Rights
Abortion Restrictions
Racial Discrimination
Affirmative Action
Gerrymandering
Voting Rights
Glossary of Concepts, Laws, and People
Annotated Bibliography
About the Editor and Contributors
Index

Promotional Information

How does the American judiciary impact the development of legal and social policies in the United States? How are the state and federal court systems constructed? This book answers these questions and many others regarding politics, the U.S. courts, and society.

About the Author

Christopher P. Banks, JD, PhD, is professor of political science at Kent State University.

Reviews

Providing a succinct, timely overview of the complex U.S. judicial system and its impact on politics and society, this work will appeal to students and public library patrons in need of basic federal and state court information.
*Library Journal*