The dirty dozen

The Dirty Dozen takes on twelve Supreme Courtcases that changed American history—and yet are notwell known to most Americans.Starting in the New Deal era, the Court hasallowed breathtaking expansions of government powerthat significantly reduced individual rights and abandonedlimited federal government as envisioned by thefounders. For example:• Helvering v. Davis (1937) allowed the governmentto take money from some and give it toothers, without any meaningful constraints• Wickard v. Filburn (1942) let Congress use theinterstate commerce clause to regulate even themost trivial activities—neither interstate norcommerce• Kelo v. City of New London (2005) declared thatthe government can seize private property andtransfer it to another private ownerLevy and Mellor untangle complex Court opinionsto explain how The Dirty Dozen harmed ordinaryAmericans. They argue for a Supreme Court that willenforce what the Constitution actually says about civilliberties, property rights, racial preferences, gun ownership,and many other controversial issues.