Understanding Constitutional Law is a succinct but comprehensive treatment of constitutional law topics typically encountered in a first-year constitutional law class. The book provides the current black letter law doctrines alongside the historical background needed to understand them and the major lines of dissenting thought. It explains the methodological approaches the Court has taken to the topics it covers and is interspersed with commentary to help readers understand both those approaches and the rules they generate. Thus, the book is ideal for both students beginning their education in constitutional law and those seeking a deeper understanding. It's also suitable for practitioners seeking a sourcebook to help them analyze the constitutional law issues confronting them.