REBELS, ROBBERS, AND RADICALS

A compelling exploration of the Bill of Rights that weaves together landmark cases, historical narratives, and reflections on the paradoxes of liberty.

Kanefield argues that since its inception as a compromise between Federalists and anti-Federalists, the Bill of Rights has served as a battleground for competing interpretations of rights, freedoms, and equality. She proceeds to bring each amendment to life through real-world examples, such as Tinker v. Des Moines, in which a public school’s disciplining of students who wore black armbands to protest the Vietnam War led to a ruling that emphasized the lasting importance of the First Amendment. References to well-known figures, like Bonnie and Clyde and Al Capone in the chapter about the Second Amendment, add relatable historical context. Kanefield doesn’t shy away from highlighting paradoxes, pointing out that while the Bill of Rights offers “a soaring and far-reaching vision of fundamental” human rights, it was written by men who enslaved others, and its protections were only expanded through the struggles of marginalized people. At times the legal explanations can lean heavily on technicalities that may challenge some readers, but the skillful inclusion of anecdotes enhances the book’s accessibility. The clear prose guides readers through complex constitutional principles, making this work a useful educational resource. Text boxes offer definitions of key terms. Malka’s somewhat stiff illustrations add little to the work.

Final verdict: insightful, thought-provoking, and timely.