Stephen L. Wasby

Constitutional politics is the continued search for equilibrium between grants of power and the limits placed on that power. Essentials of the American Constitution examines five closely integrated components which make up the fundamental law: the Compact, Separation of Powers, Federalism, Representation, and the Bill of Rights. It is the interacti

In the first systematic examination of the role and impact of visiting judges, Borrowed Judges analyzes the U.S. courts of appeals' use of judges who visit from other circuits and in-circuit district judges, along with the courts' own senior judges. It shows the considerable variation in the extent to which these judges are used and their role in writing the law of the circuit. It also shows whether their presence affects courts in rehearing cases en banc and whether the U.S. Supreme Court grants review. The study draws on insightful interviews with judges, their statements both public and within the court, and empirical data gathered by the author. "This fascinating work provides much-needed attention to questions triggered by the ways in which some federal courts of appeals use the help of visiting judges or district judges to manage their caseloads. The well-documented study shines a spotlight on just how much influence, albeit small in proportion to total cases, these visiting judges may have on the work of some federal circuits where much of our law is decided." - Stephen Wermiel, American University Washington College of Law "Professor Wasby has carefully unearthed the unintended systemic and precedential impact of visiting judges. Both federal judges and seasoned appellate practitioners need to absorb this unique work." - Gary H. Wente, Former Circuit Executive, U.S. First Circuit "This study examines the extent and consequences of the federal courts' dependence on visitors. It reveals a well-functioning judiciary, able to find ways to use its limited resources wisely, and a robust judicial process in which visiting judges are far more than potted plants. It is a wonderful study that should be of interest to students of the federal judiciary, judicial administrators everywhere, and-one hopes against hope-even members of Congress who are loathe to find a practical way to expand size of the federal judiciary."- Malcolm M. Feeley, University of California-Berkeley

Constitutional politics is the continuing search for equilibrium between the grants of power and the limits placed on that power. The Essentials of the American Constitution examines the five closely integrated components which make up the fundamental law: the Compact, separation of powers, federalism, representation, and the Bill of Rights. It is the interaction between these components that gives the Constitution its dynamism. Landmark decisions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court involve two or more of these components. This book’s unique approach shows how the components more often than not work together, one assisting another, one explaining another, or one reinforcing another. It gives a firm foundation for students wishing to take advanced courses in constitutional law or civil liberties and provides an overall view of the fundamental principle of the American Constitution.

A study of civil rights litigation from the late 1960s through the early 1980s. Its primary focus is on the areas of school desegregation, employment and housing discrimination, and voting rights.

A study of civil rights litigation from the late 1960s through to the early 1980s. Its primary focus is on the areas of school desegregation, employment and housing discrimination, and voting rights.

After a successful career as a law professor and government regulator, William O. Douglas was appointed to the Supreme Court by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939. During his thirty-six years on the court, he became known as one of its most outspoken and controversial members. In this volume, which was originally published for the William O. Douglas Institute, distinguished scholars examine four major aspects of Justice Douglas's work: his relations with his colleagues; his views on civil liberties, which primarily led to his reputation as a liberal; his stance as an environmentalist; and his views as an internationalist.