Fundamental Rights: History of a Constitutional Doctrine

One of the most important modern developments in American constitutional law has been the extension of the Bill of Rights to the states. The most important guarantees of the fi rst eight amendments have been incorporated into the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, along with the doctrine that these are rights that are so "fundamental" that any restriction is subject to judicial "strict scrutiny." The process has nationalized fundamental rights,
giving them a preferred dignity and majesty. In this volume, now in paperback,
the renowned constitutional scholar, Milton Konvitz, traces the development of fundamental rights from the early days of American jurisprudence through twentieth-century cases involving the right to privacy, racial discrimination,
voting rights, censorship, and abortion laws.

Booknews

Traces the development of fundamental rights from the early days of American jurisprudence through 20th-century cases involving the right to privacy, racial discrimination, voting rights, censorship, and abortion laws. Argues that values, rights, liberties, and privileges need to be placed in a hierarchical order or scale. This work is likely the first book on the subject and a pioneering work in the history of American constitutional law. Of interest to political scientists, historians, and constitutional scholars. The author is affiliated with Cornell University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)