James T. McHugh Knihy

This volume explores significant themes in American constitutionalism, offering a collection of essays that analyze the evolution and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. Edited by Robert J. Spitzer, it features contributions from various scholars who delve into historical contexts, landmark Supreme Court cases, and contemporary issues impacting constitutional law. The work aims to deepen understanding of the Constitution's role in American society and its ongoing relevance in shaping legal and political discourse.

The Essential Concept of Law provides an overview of law from both a theoretical and practical perspective. It begins with the most fundamental categories of legal ideas and heritages and then proceeds to explore increasingly narrow and specialized understandings, including the relationship of law to Western ideologies, the concept of tribal law, the relationship of law and religion, the common law and civil law systems, and an explanation of essential legal categories, such as property, contract, punishment, and rights and liberties. This book also explores other, equally fundamental subjects that give law its overall meaning, structure, and purpose, especially within its broader political, philosophical, and social context.

The story highlights the resilience of diplomats from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania who continued their work after their countries were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940. Despite the loss of their governments, these diplomats maintained their roles, supported by some Western nations, including the United States, which recognized them throughout the Cold War. Their courageous efforts and imaginative actions exemplify a profound commitment to self-determination and human rights, ultimately contributing to the restoration of Baltic independence.

Bertrand Russell's philosophical positions on nuclear war, peace, and language are critically examined in this collection of essays by leading scholars. The contributors delve into his controversial advocacy for preventive war against the Soviets, his peace activism, and his critiques of Wittgenstein’s ordinary language analysis. By situating Russell's arguments within their historical and philosophical contexts, the essays highlight the enduring relevance of his ideas, even 80 years after their initial presentation.

Focusing on the contentious topic of Canadian Senate reform, the book challenges conventional wisdom by advocating for the Senate to retain its appointed status. It proposes an expanded appointment process while emphasizing the need for limited powers. The author presents a unique perspective that seeks to balance the Senate's role within the political landscape, encouraging a thoughtful discussion on its future structure and function in Canadian governance.

This book compares and contrasts several constitutional traditions from various regions of the world. The first chapter provides the foundation for norms, ideas, and values that frame this comparison. Western and Eastern concepts of law, the relationship of law and ideology, the common law and civil law systems, tribal law, property, rights and liberties, and other themes establish the basis for the remaining chapters of the book, which includes examinations of the American, British, Chinese, Canadian, Japanese, Indian, Nigerian, French, German, Saudi Arabian, and Mexican constitutional traditions within their legal and broader political contexts. This approach to comparative law at the constitutional level is the first one of its type, especially in terms of its diverse social science approach.