Warm thanks to my agent, Don Fehr, and to my editor, Karen Wolny, whose encouragement and wise counsel made this book possible.
Small portions of this work first appeared, in different form, in the pages of Reason magazine and online at Reason.com. I’m grateful to the editors who brought those pieces to life, particularly Nick Gillespie, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Jesse Walker, and Matt Welch. Thanks also to my other Reason colleagues, including Mike Alissi, Ronald Bailey, Meredith Bragg, Barb Burch, Brian Doherty, Jim Epstein, Matthew Feeney, Anthony Fisher, Jon Graff, Ed Krayewski, Chris Mitchell, Julian Morris, David Nott, Melissa Palmer, Scott Shackford, Peter Suderman, Jacob Sullum, Josh Swain, Mary Toledo, and J.D. Tuccille. And one more round of thanks to Nick for giving me my first real job in journalism.
As I look back now, I realize this book’s origins are to be found in the classroom of Professor Herbert Sloan of the Barnard College History Department at Columbia University. His wonderful course “The Constitution in Historical Perspective” opened my eyes to some 200 years of landmark Supreme Court decisions. I remain in his debt.
My family is and always has been a deep source of friendship and support, and I lack the words to adequately express my love and gratitude to Mom, Amy, Alex, and Dan. Thanks also to my new family: Trish, Rick, Ellen, Charlotte, Alexander, Keith, Sara, Bill, Tom, and Maria. And very special thanks to my late, much beloved cat Orpheus, who always kept me company while I worked. I miss you.
Finally, to Allison, my partner in crime. None of this would be possible without you at my side.