This close analysis of Justice William J. Brennan, Jr.‘s, jurisprudence on the eve of his death on July 24, 1997, demonstrates why Brennan deserves to be recognized as the most important liberal jurist of the twentieth century. David E. Marion offers a careful review of Brennan’s opinions that clarifies his defense of libertarian dignity and illustrates the profound political and constitutional impact of Brennan’s opinions on public discourse and government policy. This is must reading for anyone interested in the role of the judiciary in modern American public life.