John Marshall and the Constitution; a chronicle of the Supreme court   By: Edward Samuel Corwin (1878-1963)

John Marshall and the Constitution: A Chronicle of the Supreme Court, written by Edward Samuel Corwin, is a captivating account of one of America's most influential Chief Justices. Corwin explores the life and achievements of John Marshall, shedding light on his crucial role in shaping the United States Constitution and establishing the authority of the Supreme Court.

The book delves into Marshall's upbringing, tracing his early experiences and the events that molded his legal perspective. Corwin provides a comprehensive analysis of Marshall's intellectual development, emphasizing the profound impact it had on his interpretation and application of constitutional principles.

One of the highlights of this book is Corwin's meticulous examination of Marshall's landmark cases, such as Marbury v. Madison and McCulloch v. Maryland. Corwin guides readers through the complexities of each case, narrowing in on Marshall's ingenious arguments and rationale. With great attention to detail, he captures the essence of how Marshall's judicial philosophy elevated the Supreme Court to a position of exceptional power within the American government.

Corwin also delves into the political landscape during Marshall's tenure, describing the tensions and disagreements between the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches. He skillfully weaves together historical context and legal analysis, enabling readers to understand the broader ramifications of Marshall's decisions. Moreover, Corwin's emphasis on Marshall's influence on subsequent Supreme Court justices underscores the lasting legacy of his contributions.

Although the book is rich in judicial and constitutional analysis, it remains accessible to a wide range of readers. Corwin's prose is clear and concise, ensuring that complex legal concepts are presented in a digestible manner. His ability to distill intricate legal arguments and theories into an engaging narrative demonstrates his expertise and aptitude for storytelling.

While the book primarily focuses on Marshall, it also provides valuable insights into the early days of the United States and the challenges faced by the young nation. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the constitutional framework established by the founding fathers and how Marshall transformed it through his interpretive approach.

Overall, John Marshall and the Constitution by Edward Samuel Corwin is an exemplary work that beautifully captures the life and judicial legacy of one of America's most influential legal minds. Whether you are a legal scholar, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the foundations of American governance, this book offers a compelling narrative that is both informative and thought-provoking. Through Corwin's meticulous research and engaging writing style, readers are transported back in time to witness the enduring impact of John Marshall's jurisprudence on the United States Supreme Court and the nation as a whole.

First Page:

The monarch of ancient times mingled the functions of priest and judge. It is therefore not altogether surprising that even today a judicial system should be stamped with a certain resemblance to an ecclesiastical hierarchy. If the Church of the Middle Ages was "an army encamped on the soil of Christendom, with its outposts everywhere, subject to the most efficient discipline, animated with a common purpose, every soldier panoplied with inviolability and armed with the tremendous weapons which slew the soul," the same words, slightly varied, may be applied to the Federal Judiciary created by the American Constitution. The Judiciary of the United States, though numerically not a large body, reaches through its process every part of the nation; its ascendancy is primarily a moral one; it is kept in conformity with final authority by the machinery of appeal; it is "animated with a common purpose"; its members are "panoplied" with what is practically a life tenure of their posts; and it is "armed with the tremendous weapons" which slay legislation... Continue reading book >>