Law Without Future

This book provides a critical analysis of how recent court cases, including Law Without Future, challenge constitutional governance and reflect radical political shifts.

In Law Without Future, Jack Jackson provides a thought-provoking and critical examination of significant court cases that challenge the foundations of constitutional governance in the twenty-first century. He delves into the implications of the 2000 Supreme Court decision that effectively handed the presidency to George W. Bush, arguing that this landmark ruling did not merely alter democratic rules but showcased a deeper, more troubling shift in legal interpretation. By analyzing this case from a historical perspective, Jackson reveals how it embodies a break from traditional constitutional law, reflecting a broader trend of radicalism and illiberalism that has gained traction within American political discourse.

The author connects this trend to various pivotal events, including the post-9/11 torture memos, the controversy surrounding Terri Schiavo, and the Republican Senate's refusal to consider President Obama's Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland. Through these analyses, Jackson illustrates how these moments signify a crisis that threatens the integrity of constitutional governance. He argues that this crisis has not only led to the decline of traditional conservatism on the Right but also prompted the Left to adopt a legalistic yet apolitical interpretation of constitutionalism, which carries its own reactionary consequences.

Engaging with a diverse array of political thinkers, from St. Augustine to Ronald Dworkin, Law Without Future offers a comprehensive and sobering critique of the current political landscape. Jackson’s work encourages readers to contemplate the profound changes in U.S. political life and urges a reevaluation of the principles that underpin constitutional government, seeking pathways to move beyond the current impasse.