John Marshall and the Constitution, a Chronicle of the Supreme Court

"John Marshall and the Constitution, a Chronicle of the Supreme Court" by Edward Samuel Corwin is a historical narrative that paints a vivid picture of John Marshall's crucial role as Chief Justice in shaping the American legal system. Beginning with an analogy comparing the judiciary to a hierarchy, the book highlights Marshall's importance in establishing the Supreme Court's power. It covers the weaknesses of the early government system under the Articles of Confederation and the debates during the Constitutional Convention, setting the stage for the conflicts between state and federal authority that Marshall would face. The book suggests that Marshall's leadership was instrumental in asserting the dominance of federal laws and embedding the concept of judicial review, thereby securing the Supreme Court's place as a critical component of American democracy.