The Dynamic Constitution: An Introduction to American Constitutional Law

In this book, Harvard law professor Richard H. Fallon introduces non-lawyers to the workings of American Constitutional Law. He writes with clarity and vigor about leading constitutional doctrines and issues, including the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, the guarantee of equal protection, rights to fair procedures, and rights to privacy and sexual autonomy. Along the way, Fallon describes many of the fascinating cases and personalities that have shaped constitutional law. He shows how historical, cultural, and other factors have influenced constitutional adjudication, making clear the dynamic nature of the Constitution. For both the courts and the American people, Fallon argues, the Constitution must serve as a dynamic document that adapts to the changing conditions inherent in human affairs. Fallon goes on to defend dynamic constitutionalism by confronting head on the concerns that some critics have raised.

Table of Contents:
Preface; Prologue: Bush v. Gore; 1. The dynamic constitution; 2. Freedom of speech; 3. Freedom of religion; 4. Protection of economic liberties; 5. Rights to fair procedures; 6. Equal protection of the laws; 7. Fundamental rights; 8. The powers of congress; 9. Executive power; 10. Judicial power; 11. Elections, political democracy and the constitution; 12. Structural limits on state power and resulting individual rights; 13. The constitution in war and emergency; 14. The reach of the constitution and Congress's enforcement power; 15. Conclusion.

About the Author :
Richard H. Fallon Jr. is Professor of Law at the Harvard Law School. He earned his B.A. from Yale University, matriculated as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, and then took his legal education at the Yale Law School. Widely known for his expertise in constitutional law and the federal courts, Fallon has been a valuable advisor to many organizations and litigants facing constitutional issues. Professor Fallon is also an accomplished educator. He is co-editor of a leading constitutional law case book, and was voted the most outstanding teacher on the Harvard Law School faculty by the 2000 graduating class. Born and raised in Maine, Dick Fallon now lives with his family in Belmont, Massachusetts.

Review :
"Fallon...here offers what is arguably the best single introduction to modern American constitutional law short of a casebook. Highly recommended." J.R. Vile, Middle Tennessee State University, Choice "This is a superb book. Though written for non-lawyers, the brilliance of The Dynamic Constitution is that everyone from constitutional law professors to those with no training in law can enjoy, understand, and learn from reading it. I believe that Richard Fallon has produced a successor to Robert McCloskey's classic, The American Supreme Court." Erwin Chemerinsky, University of Southern California Law School HB ISBN (2004) 0-521-84094-5 "Fallon's work here offers ascinating insight into the complexities of constitutional law." Kennebec Journal "For each controversial issue that concerns Americans today, Fallon supplies fascinating judicial history." The Victoria Advocate