Overview

First published in 1980, The Politics of the US Supreme Court offers the first introductory analysis of the US Supreme Court written by a non-American political scientist specifically for students. It provides three distinct advantages: First, it presents the Supreme Court in an accessible format for those unfamiliar with the American judicial system, while offering American readers a fresh political perspective that contrasts with predominantly legal academic literature. Second, the author's broad perspective enables a concise synthesis of the Court's historical and contemporary constitutional role, decision-making processes, and relationships with other branches of government and the American people. The analysis centres on a detailed examination of the Court's internal decision-making process, including the enforcement (or lack thereof) of its decisions. Third, the book addresses the theoretical debate about an unaccountable Court's proper role within a democratic system—a topic of growing interest to political scientists globally. The text deliberately avoids excessive legalism, instead offering a lively, readable account rooted in concrete examples and the human personalities behind case names, making this complex institution more accessible and engaging. This book will be a valuable historical reference for students of American Politics.

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9781041119913

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Author Information

Richard Hodder-Williams is Emeritus Professor of Politics at University of Bristol, UK.

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