Guides: Civil Rights Law Treatises: Introduction

Introductory Resources

Examples and Explanations for Constitutional Law by Alan Ides, Christopher N. May, & Simona Grossi
Call Number: Reading Room Study Aids KF4749 .I34
This Examples and Explanations Series book on individual rights, such as the right to bear arms, equal protection and due process, is a quick study guide for those looking to get an understanding of these constitutional rights.
Critical Race Theory : A Primer by Khiara M. Bridges
This primer on Critical Race Theory (CRT) explores the relationship between constructions of race and the law and examines the theory's basic commitments, strengths, and weaknesses. The text consists of four Parts: Part I provides a history of CRT; Part II introduces and explores several core concepts in the theory--including institutional/structural racism, implicit bias, microaggressions, racial privilege, the relationship between race and class, and intersectionality; Part III builds on Part II's discussion of intersectionality by exploring the intersection of race with a variety of other characteristics--including sexuality and gender identity, religion, and ability; Part IV analyzes several contemporary issues to which CRT speaks--including racial disparities in health, affirmative action, the criminal justice system, the welfare state, and education. This work in the Concepts & Insights series is available online via West Academic Study Aids.

Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Litigation: The Law of Section 1983
This three volume treatise is arranged topically and covers in-depth actions arising under Section 1983. It additionally provides two useful appendixes: one that provides a checklist for Section 1983 damages and relief actions, and the other that provides revised forms. It includes both a table of cases and an index to assist in finding relevant information. This title is supplemented/updated annually.
Federal Civil Rights Acts by Rodney Smolla
This two volume set is organized by type of action. Coverage of this title extends to analysis of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. It provides numerous references to primary and secondary sources, including law review articles. It also includes an index and table of cases as finding aids. This title is updated/supplemented periodically.

Making Civil Rights Law: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court, 1936-1961 by Mark Tushnet
Call Number: KF4755 .T87 1994
This treatise looks at Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court from 1936-1961 and how Civil Rights laws came to be. Focus on education laws, criminal law and the changing context of civil rights cases.