Our Constitution speaks in general terms of "liberty" and "property," of the "privileges and immunities" of citizens, and of the "equal protection of the laws"--open-ended phrases that seem to invite readers to reflect in them their own visions and agendas. Yet, recognizing that the Constitution cannot be merely what its interpreters wish it to be, this volume's authors draw on literary and mathematical analogies to explore how the fundamental charter of American government should be construed today.

"An important work on a monumental subject." —Anna Quindlen, New York Times Book Review

On profound questions of birth, death, and human choice that are raised by abortion—where opposing sides see no common ground—how can the conflict be managed? The abortion debate in the United States today involves all Americans in complex questions of sex and power, historical change, politics, advances in medicine, and competing social values. In this best-selling book, an eminent constitutional authority shows how the nation has struggled with these questions and then sets forth new approaches that reflect both sides' passionately held convictions. The paperback edition includes discussion of the latest court decisions and excerpts from the major cases, including the Supreme Court's landmark June 1992 decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

"A wide-ranging book about the controversy by a brilliant scholar and teacher of constitutional law. . . . Tribe offers a dazzling array of arguments and approaches. . . . Tribe's final approach to abortion, an informative discussion of new contraceptive and procreative technologies, holds out the hope of transcending the conflict rather than finding the common ground among its current parties." —Amy Gutmann, The New Republic

"A marvelously thoughtful guide to all facets of the current abortion controversy. . . . Makes constructive suggestions for bridging the gulf that separates the sides in the too-polarized abortion debate. . . . Professor Tribe's thoughtful analysis will deepen your understanding both of your own position and that of others." —Nadine Strossen, president, American Civil Liberties Union

"Wise and powerful. . . . Intelligent people will not only learn something helpful from [this] book, they will also be able to read it. . . . The book is more than lucid: it is vibrant with ethical passion." —Nelson W. Aldrich, Jr., New England Monthly

"Important. . . . Tackles the conflicts of the abortion issue in a rational and humane manner. . . . Tribe explains in a clear, conversational style the many changes in abortion law—and the pressures that continue to build behind the scenes on each side of the 'life vs. liberty' controversy." —San Francisco Chronicle