Constitutionalism and American Culture
Writing the New Constitutional History
Kermit L Hall editor Robert J Kaczorowski editor Sandra F VanBurkleo editor Robert J Kaczoroski editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:University Press of Kansas
Published:31st Mar '02
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Taking their cue from the late Paul L. Murphy, one of our nation's leading legal historians, this illustrious group of scholars argues that the field of constitutional history is ""too important to be left solely to lawyers and judges."" Their ""state-of-the-field"" volume reclaims constitutional history's rightful place as a vital and necessary part of our intellectual enterprise, in part by pushing the field onto fresh, even controversial, terrain. Much as Murphy has done, these scholars contend that this restoration is much needed and will greatly enrich judicial and public policy, advance a tradition of justice worthy of America's democratic aspirations, give due attention to cultural contexts, and, most importantly, afford Americans a richer understanding of their constitutional heritage. Their essays explore, for example, the ways in which previously excluded groups have come more fully into the Constitution's orbit of freedom, the ongoing importance of institutions and doctrines, and the ways in which theory and informal texts might enrich the field. How, they ask, might scholars take account of the lived experiences of litigants, reformers, and lawyers in the forging of constitutional change? A kind of prospectus for the future of American constitutional history, these essays address fundamental questions about the field and its evolution. More important, they persuasively argue that the best way to reinvigorate the study of constitutionalism is to reconnect it to its social and cultural contexts, to appreciate the continuing necessity of archival research, to recognize and support the value of new approaches and perspectives, and to reaffirm in the end that the best way to explain the history of rights is to remember the courage of the people who had the vision and conviction to put the judges through their constitutional paces.
A highly rewarding and lively volume that adds depth and insight to our understanding of constitutionalism. Far-ranging in scope, these essays probe vital issues, challenge conventional wisdom, and suggest fresh approaches to shaping the future of constitutional history. JAMES W. ELY, JR., AUTHOR OF RAILROADS AND AMERICAN LAW ""Providing a new burst of vitality in the field of constitutional history, these essays are well-written, enlightening, sometimes startling, and always enormously interesting."" LAWRENCE M. FRIEDMAN, AUTHOR OF A HISTORY OF AMERICAN LAW ALL ROYALTIES FROM THE SALE OF THIS BOOK ARE CONTRIBUTED TO THE PAUL L. MURPHY PRIZE FUND SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR LEGAL HISTORY.
ISBN: 9780700611539
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 333g
448 pages