Encyclopedia of the American Constitution

The first edition (1987) of the Encyclopedia of the American Constitution (2001) has long been known as one of the authoritative reference sources on the US Constitution. This second edition updates the first (CH, Jun'87) and its supplements through 1999. The main ingredients that have made this a useful source are still present--an extensive case index, name index, subject index, and glossary. Included in the appendixes are outlines of the development of constitutional law, the history of the Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, and an unannotated copy of the Constitution itself. The editors have expanded the subject index, including more popular terminology and enhancing access points for nonlegal scholars and undergraduates. Listed alphabetically by title, most records include a brief bibliography and extensive cross-references. Highlights of recent entries include information about the Clinton impeachment (1998), Reno v. ACLU (1997; Internet freedom of speech), and the Violence Against Women Act (1994). Along with The Oxford Guide to United State Supreme Court Decisions, ed. by Kermit L. Hall (1999), and Encyclopedia of the US Supreme Court, ed. by Thomas T. Lewis and Richard L. Wilson (CH, Feb'00), this set would enable beginning research on most constitutional topics. Ideal for college, university, and public libraries, and useful for graduate students reviewing for exams. -- R. H. McDonald, Auburn University