The Fourteenth Amendment and the fight for equality

Gr 9 Up--The Fourteenth Amendment comes alive with a modern interpretation and in-depth analysis. The book is divided into three sections: the Constitution, the Supreme Court, and the People. The first section provides background on the drafting and passage of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It includes post--Civil War events that limited the rights of freedmen, leading Republican lawmakers to pass the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868, which guaranteed equal protection under the law. A quick description of each of the amendment's clauses, with the original language and the lawmakers' intentions, is provided. The second section illustrates how the amendment's original intent was severely limited by the Supreme Court, which enabled its use to enrich robber barons and erode labor rights. Following World War I, the amendment restored individuals' rights. Section three explores the amendment's role in landmark cases that ended segregation, expanded voting rights, and legalized interracial marriage. Throughout the book, text boxes explain the judicial system and legal procedures. This tale of legal topsy-turvy perfectly portrays how our laws can remain unchanged yet be interpreted differently as legal theory and courts change. Back matter includes an index, bibliography, and source notes. VERDICT Hand this exceptional overview to future constitutional law students.--Cathy DeCampli

An unraveling of the historical tapestry of the Fourteenth Amendment's genesis, evolution, and impact. This overview is structured into three parts, "The Constitution," "The Supreme Court" and "The People," each containing several chapters that explore different aspects of rights and citizenship. Bajramovic opens with the full text of the amendment and an introduction that briefly explains why it "may be the most important amendment": "Though it never fully achieved its aims, the story of the Fourteenth Amendment and the many people who fought for its ideals shows us how we can continue to work toward true equality." The author examines how citizenship has evolved under the Fourteenth Amendment and how it intersects with various factors such as race, gender, immigration status, and sexual orientation. Landmark Supreme Court cases in which justices issued rulings based on their personal biases and interpretations of the Fourteenth Amendment demonstrate how fickle the law can be. To counter this weakness, the author emphasizes the importance of "community activism, organizing, or working to change public narratives"--actions that go beyond simply making minor changes within the framework of unjust systems. Bajramovic's thorough research and accessible writing make this an important resource for readers interested in understanding the complexities of constitutional law and the ongoing struggles for civil rights and social justice. Photos, infographics, and text boxes supplement the main narrative. A meticulous and captivating account of the fight for civil rights. (selected bibliography, endnotes, infographic sources, index) (Nonfiction. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.