Justice Kennedy's Jurisprudence: The Full and Necessary Meaning of Liberty
Necessary: Justice Kennedy's Jurisprudence examines Frank Colucci's account of Anthony M. Kennedy's approach to constitutional interpretation. It argues that Kennedy's jurisprudence centers on giving constitutional liberty its full meaning, with chapters addressing abortion, free speech, equality and government structure.
At a glance
- Frank Colucci presents an interpretation of Kennedy's constitutional philosophy focused on liberty and human dignity.
- Draws on Kennedy's Supreme Court and Ninth Circuit opinions, speeches and confirmation testimony.
- Includes focused discussions of abortion, free speech, equality and government structure.
Reference price: $54.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Provides a focused account of one justice's constitutional reasoning rather than a general Supreme Court survey.
- Its multiple source types and issue-specific chapters support readers seeking context across Kennedy's career.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | University Press of Kansas |
|---|---|
| Publication date | September 3, 2009 |
| Edition | First Edition |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 256 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0700616624 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0700616626 |
| Weight listed | 1.15 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers studying Supreme Court jurisprudence and constitutional interpretation.
- Students or researchers interested in Justice Kennedy's reasoning on liberty, equality and government structure.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a general introduction to the Supreme Court or a current account of the Court.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
79% 79% - 4 stars
21% 21% - 3 stars
0% 0% - 2 stars
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Aggregate ratings lean positive, with all reported ratings in the four- or five-star categories. The small rating sample and absence of written feedback offer little insight into why readers rated the book that way, so they do not establish which aspects readers valued.
Frequently asked questions
What is the book's central argument?
The listing describes Colucci's argument that Kennedy follows a coherent interpretive approach centered on ensuring that constitutional liberty receives its full meaning.
Which legal topics receive dedicated discussion?
The listing identifies chapters on abortion, free speech, equality and government structure.
What source material does the analysis draw on?
It examines Kennedy's Supreme Court opinions, earlier Ninth Circuit opinions, speeches before joining the Court and confirmation-hearing testimony.
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