Truman and the Steel Seizure Case

Government seizure of the nations strikebound steel mills on 8 April 1952 stands as one of President Harry S Trumans most controversial actions, representing an unprecedented use of presidential power. On 8 June 1952 the United States Supreme Court invalidated Trumans order with its monumental decision in Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co. v. Sawyer. The history and significance of this case constitute the subject of Maeva Marcuss meticulously researched, brilliantly analyzed, and authoritative study. From Trumans initial assertion of "inherent" executive power under the Constitution to the High Courts seven opinions, Marcus assesses the influence of the case on the doctrine of separation of powers and, specifically, the nature and practice of executive authority. First published in 1977 (Columbia University Press), and reissued here in paperback with a new foreword by Louis Fisher, this book remains the definitive account of the Steel Seizure incident and its political and legal ramifications.