Constitutional law

Although the chapters that follow focus on the development of dectrines pertaining of doctrines oertaining to civil rights and liberties, rather than those affecting governmental structures and intstitutions, it might be useful at the beginning to summarize some of the most basic principles and procedures governing the consideration of constitutional cases by the federal courts especially the Supreme Court. This summary is intended primarily for students who have not red Chapter 1. For students who are alreadly familiar with those portions of constitutional law relating to the judical process, the separation of power, and federalism, this introduction will swwrvw as refresher. At tyhe core of constitutional law lies the concept of judical review, the authority of courts ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court to pass upon the constitutionality of actions taken by other branches of the federal government and the states.