How to Read the Constitution--and Why (Legal Expert Series) *(Epub)
"A must-read for this era.”—Jake Tapper, CNN Anchor and Chief Washington Correspondent An insightful, urgent, and perennially relevant handbook that lays out in common sense language how the United States Constitution works, and how its protections are eroding before our eyes—essential reading for anyone who wants to understand and parse the constantly breaking news about the backbone of American government. The Constitution is the most significant document in America. But do you fully understand what this valuable document means to you? In How to Read the Constitution--and Why, legal expert and educator Kimberly Wehle spells out in clear, simple, and common sense terms what is in the Constitution, and most importantly, what it means. In compelling terms and including text from the United States Constitution, she describes how the Constitution’s protections are eroding—not only in express terms but by virtue of the many legal and social norms that no longer shore up its legitimacy—and why every American needs to heed to this “red flag” moment in our democracy. This invaluable—and timely—resource includes the Constitution in its entirety and covers nearly every significant aspect of the text, from the powers of the President and how the three branches of government are designed to hold each other accountable, to what it means to have individual rights—including free speech, the right to bear arms, the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the right to an abortion. Finally, the book explains why it has never been more important than now for all Americans to know how our Constitution works—and why, if we don’t step in to protect it now, we could lose its protections forever. How to Read the Constitution--and Why is essential reading for anyone who cares about maintaining an accountable government and the individual freedoms that the Constitution enshrines for everyone in America—regardless of political party. Read more
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Why Must Read How to Read the Constitution--and Why (Legal Expert Series)?
I heard an interview with the author on the radio and it piqued my interest enough for me to order the book. I am about half way through and was generally favorably impressed, until I got to the section on the 2nd Amendment. Now, I'm a retired attorney with a great deal of interest in constitutional issues. I follow cases and controversies closely and enjoy reading Supreme Court cases. I have a special interest in First Amendment, Second Amendment and criminal procedure cases. Unfortunately, while the author's discussion of First Amendment law was nuanced and unbiased, I found her discussion of the state of Second Amendment law to be shallow, dismissive, and ideologically biased. I will finish the book, but urge the author to revisit that area of law, and give it the attention it is due. Edited to add: I have now finished the book. I agree with nearly everything the author has to say on constitutional issues, save for her glaringly incomplete and partisan take on the Second Amendment. I am disappointed with the author's repeated references to the Trump administration and its antics. While important as exemplary of the variances exhibited by the individuals who have held the office of the president, her work would hold its value over time, into the future, if she had put things in more general terms. It does come across at times as an anti Trump screed. But she makes many valid points, and generally the book is informative.
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