NCJ Number
139492
Editor(s)
C Goldinger
Date Published
1990
Length
358 pages
Annotation
This volume provides a comprehensive look at the U.S. Supreme Court's origins and development, operations and traditions, personnel, costs, and major decisions.
Abstract
The first part looks at the first century of the Court's history over five periods: slow start from 1790-1800, establishment of power from 1801-1835, slavery period from 1836-1860, war and recovery from 1861-1872, and balance of power from 1873-1888. Periods in the second century of the Court's history cover conservatism from 1889-1919, new times from 1920-1937, civil rights and society from 1938-1968, and the contemporary court from 1969-1989. The second part examines the court and its work, with emphasis on operations and traditions, decisionmaking, case review, arguments, conferences, and opinions. Consideration is also given to court personnel, including the Chief Justice, justices, supporting personnel, Court lawyers, and supporting organizations, and to court costs. The third part discusses the appointment and characteristics of justices and contains brief biographies. The final part reviews major Court decisions between 1790 and 1989; provides relevant documents and texts, such as the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution; and contains appended information on Court nominations, a glossary of legal terms, and acts of Congress held unconstitutional. Subject and case indexes are included. 39 references