A Year at the Supreme Court

The United States Supreme Courts 200203 term confounded Court watchers. The same Rehnquist Court that many had seen as solidly conservative and unduly activistthe Court that helped decide the 2000 presidential election and struck down thirty-one federal statutes since 1995issued a set of surprising, watershed rulings. In a term filled with important and unpredictable decisions, it upheld affirmative action, invalidated a same-sex sodomy statute, and reversed a death sentence due to ineffective assistance of counsel. With essays focused on individual Justices, Court practices, and some of last years most important rulings, this volume explores the meaning and significance of the Courts 200203 term. Seasoned Supreme Court advocates and journalists from The New Republic, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, National Journal, Slate, and Legal Times grapple with questions about the Rehnquist Courts identity and the Supreme Courts role in the political life of the country.Some essays consider the role of swing Justices Sandra Day OConnor and Anthony Kennedy within a Court that divides 54 more than any other group of Justices in the nations history. Others examine the political reaction to and legal context of the Courts Lawrence v. Texas decision declaring a Texas law criminalizing homosexual sodomy unconstitutional. Contributors analyze the Courts rulings on affirmative action and reassess its commitment to states rights. Considering the Courts practices, one advocate explores the use and utility of amicus curiae, or friend of the court briefs, while another reflects on indications of an increased openness by the Court to public scrutiny. Two advocates who argued cases before the Courtone related to hate speech and the other to a three strikes and youre out criminal statuteoffer vivid accounts of their experiences. Intended for general readers, A Year at the Supreme Court is for all those who want to understand the Rehnquist Court and its momentous 200203 term. Contributors Erwin Chemerinsky Neal Devins Davison M. Douglas David J. Garrow Dahlia Lithwick Tony Mauro Carter Phillips Ramesh Ponnuru Jeffrey Rosen David G. Savage Rodney A. Smolla Stuart Taylor Jr.