Constitutional Law for a Changing America: Institutional Powers and Constraints, 8th Edition - Softcover

Lee Epstein is Ethan A.H. Shepley Distinguished University Professor at Washington University in St. Louis. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and of the American Academy of Political and Social Science. A recipient of 12 grants from the National Science Foundation for her work on law and legal institutions, Epstein has authored or co-authored over 100 articles and essays, as well as 15 books, including The Choices Justices Make (co-authored with Jack Knight), which won the Pritchett Award for the Best Book on Law and Courts and the Lasting Contribution Award for making a “lasting impression on the field of law and courts.” The Constitutional Law for a Changing America series (co-authored with Thomas G. Walker) received the Teaching and Mentoring Award from the Law and Courts Section of the American Political Science Association. Her most recent books are The Behavior of Federal Judges, with William M. Landes and Richard A. Posner, and An Introduction to Empirical Legal Research, with Andrew D. Martin.

“The design and focus of the book are terrific. I use several of the supplemental cases from the resource center in every unit; they are very helpful.”

 

Author: Steven B. Lichtman Published On: 2012-12-20

“Overall, I like the Epstein and Walker book very much. In particular, I like the cases included as well as the specific excerpts. Additionally, I like the online bank of cases because there are some that I prefer to cover in class. Having the ‘Facts’ separated from the ‘Arguments’ is very appreciated and allowed for a more focused discussion during class and students were able to follow along more easily.” Author: Kirk Randazzo Published On: 2012-12-20

“Students find the text lively and very helpful. In fact, some had been relying on Internet downloads until they realized how much essential background material they were forfeiting by not using the text. They find the text, moreover, easy to read―anything but ponderous (which many competing casebooks are).” Author: Elizabeth Hull Published On: 2012-12-20

“The strengths of the Epstein/Walker text include currency with online updates of most recent post-publication decisions; significant political analysis and editorial commentary to supplement the court’s legal opinions; summary tables of legal doctrine; and boxed comparative information about constitutional law and high courts in other countries. I also find the ‘Facts’ section critical as it assists students in case analysis that requires comparisons when deciding whether a precedent is controlling or can be distinguished. The ‘Arguments’ section helps students understand the need to address both sides when answering test problems or writing research papers.” Author: Howard Tolley Published On: 2012-12-20

“Students really like the book and have made spontaneous comments in their course evaluations about how much they enjoy the text. The text has several strengths: great use of visuals and graphics; case discussion is quite good at placing cases in historical context; and the boxes with personal interest pieces are also very helpful.” Author: Liane C. Kosaki, PhD Published On: 2012-12-20