Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court is an institution that operates almost totally behind closed doors. This book opens those doors by providing a comprehensive look at the justices, procedures, cases, and issues over the institution’s more than 200-year history. The Court is a legal institution born from a highly politicized process. Modern justices time their departures to coincide with favorable administrations and the confirmation process has become a highly-charged political spectacle played out on television and in the national press. Throughout its history, the Court has been at the center of the most important issues facing the nation: federalism, separation of powers, war, slavery, civil rights, and civil liberties. Through it all, the Court has generally, though not always, reflected the broad views of the American people as the justices decide the most vexing issues of the day.The Historical Dictionary of the U.S. Supreme Court covers its history through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 700 cross-referenced entries on every justice, major case, issue, and process that comprises the Court’s work. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Supreme Court.

About the Author

Artemus Ward is professor of political science at Northern Illinois University. His books include Deciding to Leave: The Politics of Retirement from the United States Supreme Court (2003), Sorcerers’ Apprentices: 100 Years of Law Clerks at the United States Supreme Court (2006), In Chambers: Stories of Law Clerks and Their Justices (2012), and The Puzzle of Unanimity: Consensus on the United States Supreme Court (2013). Christopher Brough is a PhD student in the Political Science department at Northern Illinois University. Robert Arnold is an MA student in the Political Science department at Northern Illinois University.