Synopsis: In *The Alchemy of Race and Rights*, Patricia Williams, a lawyer and commercial law professor, explores the intersections of race, gender, and class. Through an autobiographical lens, she analyzes contemporary issues such as popular culture, civil rights, and everyday racism. Williams employs critical literary and legal theory to discuss experiences ranging from Howard Beach to the law classroom, revealing the complexities of racism. She uses the metaphor of alchemy to depict the law as a narrative influenced by commerce and the Constitution, examining the boundaries of discourse. By addressing the roots of racism through personal anecdotes and keen legal insights, Williams fosters a deeper understanding of its persistence and advocates for transformative racial justice.

Synopsis: Drawing on ten years of experience in the Queens, New York, district attorney's office, the author presents a compelling critique of the justice system and its failures to adequately address the issue of rape.

Synopsis: This book explores the tragic stories of over 400 innocent Americans wrongfully convicted of capital crimes. It details their experiences, including those who were executed and others who endured years of incarceration, many on death row.

Synopsis: This book offers a comprehensive history of the Supreme Court and the landmark cases that have shaped American society. Peter Irons examines decisions related to judicial power, slavery, racial segregation, abortion, school prayer, and contemporary issues like the Bush/Gore election and "enemy combatants." This revised edition includes a foreword by Howard Zinn, providing essential context to understand the current challenges and ideological battles facing the Supreme Court.

Synopsis: In "A Civil Action," two major corporations are accused of causing the deaths of children. A flamboyant young lawyer, representing the grieving parents, seeks justice and financial compensation, risking his sanity and well-being in the process. This narrative explores the failures of the legal system, highlighting the conflict between greed and justice, while demonstrating how one individual's efforts can create change.

Synopsis: This new edition of the book features a complete revision and reevaluation of all existing materials, reflecting significant legal decisions and scholarly commentary from the past five years. It includes extensive updates and restructuring, particularly in Chapter 3 (Separation of Powers), Chapter 4 (State Power to Regulate), Chapter 13 (Limitations on Judicial Review), and sections of Chapter 10 (Equal Protection) that address Affirmative Action, Gender Discrimination, and Special Scrutiny for Other Classifications.

Synopsis: The 1925 Scopes Trial marked a significant moment in the relationship between science and religion, influencing American culture and the evolution versus creation debate. This book narrates the trial's events and places them in a broader social context, highlighting its impact on religion, culture, education, and politics. Utilizing new material from both the prosecution and defense, the author provides insightful historical and legal analysis, making this a crucial exploration of a pivotal milestone in American history.

Synopsis: In pursuit of fairness, we have created a society paralyzed by legal constraints. Teachers lack the authority to maintain order, and as a result, schools and hospitals suffer. This book examines how the emphasis on individual rights undermines the common good and empowers self-interested individuals. Philip K. Howard argues that, in trying to protect personal freedoms, we have diminished our overall freedom, leading to an overabundance of caution and a culture of fear. He highlights how this paralysis affects daily choices and the ability to express opinions freely. By challenging the norms of political correctness, Howard advocates for restoring personal authority and empowering institutions, making a case for how society can reclaim its sense of freedom and common sense.

Synopsis: This casebook provides a critical examination of current and potential developments in constitutional law, with a focus on the Court's renewed interest in the judicial protection of states' rights. It includes discussions on the origins of substantive due process and the Lochner era. Key revisions address separation of powers, state power to regulate, limitations on judicial review, and aspects of equal protection related to affirmative action, gender discrimination, and special scrutiny for other classifications. The book features updated notes, comments, and questions for further exploration.

Synopsis: Civil Procedure offers an overview of civil procedure, providing law students with a solid grounding in the subject. The eighth edition covers major cases like Semtek and Amchem, along with new rules on disclosure and class actions. It also includes sections on dispute settlement, hypothetical jurisdiction, international litigation, and legal history. This versatile coursebook accommodates various teaching methods and can support both comprehensive and compact courses.