This book provides a unique history of modern America told through the story of the U.S. Supreme Court. Recognizing the Court as both a legal and political institution, George Conyne introduces the reader to the principal methods of analysis of both political and legal history. The History of the United States Supreme Court sees the important events in the life of the Supreme Court interpreted in a way that demonstrates and explores its complex role in American life, including both the ways in which it has shaped the United States and how in turn it has been shaped by the nation it serves.

This comprehensive text includes material on the Court’s origins, the John Marshall years, the difficulties that arose from US expansion and the Civil War, the rise of corporations, the reform movements, civil liberties concerns, the clash over the New Deal, the civil rights movements, abortion and privacy, and many other key issues in American history. There are clear explanations of differing judicial analysis methodologies throughout as well as useful case studies, a glossary and a further reading list.