This book studies the US Supreme Court and its current common law approach to judicial decision making from a national and transnational perspective. The Supreme Court's approach appears detached from and inconsistent with the underlying fundamental principles that ought to guide it, which often leads to unfair and inefficient results. This book suggests the adoption of a judicial decision-making model that proceeds from principles and rules, using them as premises for developing consistent unitary theories to meet current social conditions. This model requires that judicial opinions be informed by a wide range of considerations, including established legal standards, the insights derived from deductive and inductive reasoning, the lessons learned from history and custom, and an examination of the social and economic consequences of the decision.

'Grossi makes bold assertions in her book and does an admirable job of supporting them illustrating their context, and ultimately proposing alternatives. Her international comparisons are truly fascinating … Grossi has interesting, innovative ideas and writes from a distinctive perspective, which makes the book a good pick for acquisition.'

Mary Beth Chappell Lyles Source: Law Library Journal