Overruling Democracy: The Supreme Court vs. The American People

by Jamin B. Raskin

The Supreme Court has recently issued decisions announcing that citizens have neither a constitutional right to vote, nor the right to an education. Conservative judges have continually disavowed claims to any rights not specifically mentioned in the Constitution. In "Overruling Democracy, " celebrated law professor Jamin B. Raskin, argues that we need to develop a whole new set of rights, through amendments or court decisions, that revitalize and protect the democracy of everyday life. Detailing specific cases through interesting narratives, "Overruling Democracy" describes the transgressions of the Supreme Court against the Constitution and the people - and the faulty reasoning behind them -- and lays out the plan for the best way to back a more democratic system.

Genres: Nonfiction, Law

304 pages, Hardcover

First published February 14, 2003

About the author

Jamie Raskin is a professor of Law at American University's Washington College of Law. He teaches Constitutional Law, the First Amendment, and Legislative Process and is the Director of the Program on Law and Government. Professor Raskin also worked with Professor Steve Wermiel to found the acclaimed Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Project and is also a State Senator in Maryland.

Reviews

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read. I've mentioned other non-fictions that need to be included as textbooks in high school and college curriculums -- this is another one that would enhance any education. What Congressman Raskin wrote in 2003 is not only true today, it is more so. Overruling Democracy is prescient in what he saw in 2003 and is taking place on the court today. He saw what was coming, warned in this book and hardly anyone listened.

[Geo Forman · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was in highschool, we were required to enroll in a civics class. I wonder if any school districts still offer civics classes, much less require them. I'm ashamed how bored I was in that class. But shame on the school system for not making the class more engaging, more fun. The attitude of the school system towards the subject was displayed by the poor syllabus. This book would make a great textbook for a civics class. It stretches the mind and explores ideas too often ignored

[columbialion · Rating 5 out of 5]

True account of how the SC has usurped the will of the people, from Bush v Gore to re-allocating electoral districts.