This book reflects a basic truth: First Amendment law is caselaw. It thus edits cases lightly, and presents them in the Court’s own doctrinal structure, in order to reinforce the student’s learning of the law as the Court actually developed it. Notes and questions provide guidance in working with the opinions. Non-case materials (including drafts and memoranda from the Justices' private papers) are used to shed light on what was established by existing precedents and how a new decision changes (or does not change) the law. By giving primacy to the Justice' won words and the Court's own doctrinal structure, the book offers maximum flexibility for teachers to place their own imprint on the course.

New features in the Fourth Edition include:

• A reorganized chapter order reflecting the Court’s increased focus on the content-based/content-neutral distinction;
• A new, freestanding campaign finance chapter;
• An expanded treatment of the history and values of the Religion Clauses; and
• New problems based on recent appellate cases and news stories.

It also features a detailed Teacher's Manual offering comprehensive instructional guidance including references to online resources.