In The Mississippi State Constitution, John W. Winkle III explores constitutional meaning in Mississippi, both past and present, and shows how, through their own interpretations, judges and other government actors have shaped that meaning. This book illustrates how the popular will of the moment, through constitutional reform conventions or approved amendments, may have both intended and unintended consequences for generations to come. Whether a constitution is a document of power or of limitation is an ageless and important question. The current and now antiquated 1890 version, its...

The Virginia State Constitution examines constitutional amendments, court decisions, attorney general opinions, and legislative deliberations bearing on the development and interpretation of the Virginia Constitution. The book contains a detailed history of the Virginia Constitution, with particular attention to key moments in the state's constitutional development, from the 1776 Constitution through the current 1971 Constitution. The book also includes a provision-by-provision commentary on the evolution and meaning of each section of the Virginia Constitution.

The second...

In this newly revised work, Michael Bowers presents an historical overview of constitutional development in the state of Nevada. The Nevada State Constitution provides a comprehensive section-by-section analysis of the state constitution. In addition, a thorough bibliographic essay notes the seminal works relating to the constitution, and a list of cases enumerates the landmark federal and state court decisions interpreting the state's constitution and the more than one hundred amendments to it. This one-of-a-kind treatment of the Nevada Constitution is essential reading for those...

In this newly revised work, Lawrence Friedman presents a comprehensive and accessible survey of New Hampshire constitutional history and constitutional law. One of the oldest written constitutions in the United States, the New Hampshire Constitution pre-dates the federal constitution and, with the Massachusetts Constitution, served as a model for many of the state constitutions that followed. This volume recounts the history of its drafting and development over the past 200 years and reviews in detail both the constitutional provisions that frame the state government as well as those that...

The California Constitution is one of the longest in the world and has been revised over 500 times since its original drafting in 1849. In its current incarnation, the constitution reflects the state's mistrust of elected officials, gives cities and towns broad home rule powers, and outlines governance for the state's university system.

The California State Constitution provides an outstanding constitutional and historical account of the state's basic governing charter. In addition to an overview of California's constitutional history, it offers an in-depth, section-by-section...

The West Virginia State Constitution provides a review of the history and development of West Virginia's Constitution and an updated section-by-section analysis of its meaning. The State has had two constitutions, the original that was ratified in 1863 and the current one that was initially adopted in 1872. Both were rooted in the several Virginia Constitutions that preceded them but also included major reforms that emerged out of ongoing disputes between the western and eastern regions of antebellum Virginia. Amendments in the thirties and between 1968 and 1982 modernized the...

The Alabama State Constitution provides extensive analysis on American's longest state constitution, with an emphasis on the impact of recent court decisions declaring several of its most recently adopted provisions as in conflict with the U.S. Constitution and thus invalid. Since entering the Union in 1819, Alabama has had six constitutions. While the original constitution was regarded as one of the most progressive in the nation, its current constitution, adopted in 1901, is one of the most restrictive, especially from the...

The Delaware State Constitution is the first state constitution drafted by a convention composed of popularly elected representatives, and it is rich with history and tradition. The Delaware Bill of Rights has remained almost exactly the same since 1792, and it has enacted specific provisions whereby its three branches of government operate differently from the federal system.

The Delaware State Constitution provides an outstanding constitutional and historical account of the state's basic governing charter. In it, Judge Randy Holland begins with an...

The Iowa State Constitution provides the most comprehensive analysis of Iowa's constitutional history and the development of its individual provisions. Todd E. Pettys presents a completely revised second edition with an extensive overview of Iowa's constitutional historical origin and evolution, while discussing cases of importance. Also included is a new bibliographic essay, table of cases, and a general index, offering significant resources for further study.

The second edition provides brand new analysis, as well as accompanying explanations, giving historical and thematic...