This history of the cases that have been presented before the U.S. Supreme Court offers a nearly comprehensive account of the issues that have shaped American history: slavery, segregation, the right to vote. The words that appear above the main entrance to the Supreme Court - ""Equal Justice Under Law"" - reflect the court's responsibility to serve as the highest court in the United States. By protecting the spirit of the Constitution and interpreting it when necessary, the Court's mission is to offer all Americans the opportunity for justice. This new title deftly examines how some of the most decisive - and divisive - issues the nation has ever faced, including school prayer, the death penalty, abortion, and discrimination, have been molded by Supreme Court rulings.