Reinterpreting the Constitution

Edward F. Mannino is lawyer and historian.

• Introduction Chapter 1: Free SpeechChapter 2: Free Exercise of ReligionChapter 3: Establishment of ReligionChapter 4: Unlawful Searches and SeizuresChapter 5: RaceChapter 6: The Right to Bear ArmsChapter 7: Cruel and Unusual PunishmentChapter 8: Property RightsChapter 9: The Commerce Clause and the Taxing PowerChapter 10: Same-Sex MarriageChapter 11: AbortionChapter 12: Limiting ImmigrationConclusion: Whither Goes the Court?ReferencesIndexAbout the Author

In this new offering, Mannino, a lawyer and historian, presents a contemporary take on the Supreme Court and its recent jurisprudence. The book represents a major undertaking, covering more than 200 cases on subjects such as free speech, race, the right to bear arms, abortion, same-sex marriage, and property rights. Mannino notes that the contemporary Court has often changed the interpretation of rights or created new rights where none existed. The book also traces how the Court has overruled precedent, affecting the lives of Americans. Overall, and unlike many other current accounts of the Supreme Court, Mannino’s book is fairly evenhanded and balanced. Mannino does not include much commentary in his overview and lets the justices speak for themselves. This is a refreshing approach and allows readers to evaluate the Court’s decisions themselves. The volume is an excellent overview of the contemporary Court and should be a useful resource for practitioners and novices alike. Highly recommended. General readers through faculty; professionals.