You are here

The Supreme Court
Share

The Supreme Court

Fourteenth Edition


February 2021 | 280 pages | CQ Press
In The Supreme Court, Lawrence Baum provides a brief yet comprehensive introduction to the U.S. Supreme Court, one that is balanced and illuminating. In successive chapters, the book examines each major aspect of the Court: the selection, backgrounds, and departures of justices; the creation of the Court's agenda; the decision-making process and the factors that shape the Court's decisions; the substance of the Court's policies; and the Court's impact on government and American society. Describing the Court's personalities and procedures, and delving deeply to explain the actions of the Court and the behavior of justices, Baum shows students the Court's complexity and reach. Tables and figures, plus a lively photo program, make this one of the most engaging books available. It is simply the standard.
 
Tables, Figures, and Boxes
 
Preface
 
About the Author
 
CHAPTER 1. The Court
A Perspective on the Court

 
The Court in the Judicial System

 
The Court as an Institution

 
What the Justices Do

 
Historical Developments

 
 
CHAPTER 2. The Justices
The Selection of Justices

 
Who Is Selected

 
Leaving the Court

 
Conclusion

 
 
CHAPTER 3. The Cases
Reaching the Court: Litigants, Attorneys, and Interest Groups

 
Deciding What to Hear: The Court’s Role

 
Conclusion

 
 
CHAPTER 4. Decision Making
Components of the Court’s Decision

 
The Decision-Making Process

 
Influences on Decisions: Introduction

 
The State of the Law

 
Justices’ Values

 
Group Interaction

 
The Court’s Environment

 
Conclusion

 
 
CHAPTER 5. Policy Outputs
Areas of Activity: What the Court Addresses

 
The Court’s Activism

 
The Content of Policy

 
Explaining the Court’s Policies

 
Conclusion

 
 
CHAPTER 6. The Court’s Impact
Outcomes for the Litigants

 
Implementation of Supreme Court Policies

 
Responses by Legislatures and Chief Executives

 
Impact on Society

 
Conclusion: The Court, Public Policy, and Society

 
 
Glossary of Legal Terms
 
Selected Bibliography
 
Sources on the Web
 
Case Index
 
Index

"Provides a more in-depth look at the Supreme Court beyond that of the typical American Government textbook."

Michelle Belco
University of Houston Honors College

"This text is essential for my ability to teach a course specifically on SCOTUS in any meaningful way."

Hans J. Hacker
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1. The Court

Chapter 2. The Justices