This ambitious and accessible history of the nation's highest court contains information important for every American to know. Widely published historian John E. Semonche demonstrates that the fabric of American constitutional law promotes in citizens a 'civil religion,' or a faith in the laws and institutions of government that is unique to this country. Semonche supports his arguments by analyzing the Court's controversies, members, and decisions from its creation to the present. He concludes that, aside from its judicial responsibilities, the Supreme Court plays an equally crucial role in the creation, definition, and maintenance of a culture tolerant of a diverse and pluralistic polity. Everyone interested in the past, present, and future of this essential American institution should read this book.

"The author not only provides a detailed history of the Court's consistent protection of individual rights, but also how the cultural dependence on that consistency makes this a law-abiding nation." - Library Journal

"Semonche's book is worthy of commendation for having illuminated the role that the Supreme Court has come to play over time, and the consequences for American politics, life, and culture. Keeping the Faith's central thesis is one that all serious students of the Supreme Court will need to consider." - H-Net: Humanities and Social Science Reviews Online

"Semonche's broad legal-historical survey stands as a model of intelligence and grace . . . warrants the consideration of all students of American law." - CHOICE, December 1998

"Gracefully written for a wide audience." - American Historical Review

"The justices of the Supreme Court are the nation's 'high priests,' and their primary function is to interpret our 'holy writ,' that is the U.S. Constitution. They are the keepers of the flame of liberty, the defenders of the covenant, our help in ages past, and our hope in years to come. . . . The author has good case to make about this civic faith or civil religion." - Church History: Studies in Christianity and Culture

"A fascinating look at the history and role of the United States Supreme Court. . . . The book would make an excellent supplemental text for classes on Supreme Court history or on civil liberties." - Perspectives on Political Science

"A remarkable study of the Supreme Court's crutial—and yet often overlooked and certainly underappreciated—role in the formation and development of American political culture." - Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences

"Engaging and provocative, Keeping the Faith is a book that deserves a wide audience among those interested in constitutional history. Semonche is able to summarize Court history compellingly and efficiently. Semonche is able to condense a good deal in a few paragraphs, his grasp of the full range of the Court's history is exemplary, and he has developed a distinctive thesis that will catch the attention of both scholars and general readers of serious nonfiction." - Law and History Review