These two texts (paired with another edition covering civil liberties) provide a solid foundation for those just beginning to learn about constitutional law and the history of the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution. Each chapter flows nicely from case-to-case with ease, and the student can clearly see the progression of certain areas of constitutional law. I used this series of texts in 2 undergraduate classes, and this book and its companion will remain on my bookshelf.

This 1978 book was made possible by support from the 'Reader's Digest'. It is about Oswald's relations with the intelligence services of 3 nations. The book starts with the defection of Nosenko (Jan 1964) who personally oversaw the KGB file on Oswald (p.7). Nosenko claimed that radar operator Oswald was never debriefed, and of no interest to the KGB (p.8); this story had problems (p.10). The CIA prepared 44 questions to clarify Nosenko's story, but the FBI refused to allow them (p.21). Marina's statements were accepted (p.24). Were her stories accepted because they told what the Govt. wanted to hear (p.42)? Pages 37-7 tell of Nosenko's deceptions, and failing a lie-detector test. But stress reactions measure other emotions besides lying; the Soviet Union did not use lie detectors, the CIA didn't rely on them (p.38). Nosenko's memory proved faulty. This didn't matter: the Warren Commission wanted a "lone gunman" verdict.

Chapter I tells of Oswald's youth. His favorite program was 'I Led Three Lives for the FBI", his ambition was to join the Marine Corps (p.59). He was elected president of his 8th grade class, his intelligence was above average. But schooling in NY city gave him Karl Marx as a hero (p.60)! Oswald joined the Marines, took the Radar Operator's course, and was sent to Atsugi where the CIA's U-2 was flown. Oswald minded his business and did his job well (p.68); he would travel to Tokyo on a 48-hour pass and keep it a secret (p.71). Oswald romanced a high-class hostess and brought her to the base. "There was nothing dumb about Oswald" (p.82). After he left the Marines he went to Moscow; someone there told him "the USSR is only great in literature" [fiction?] and he should go back home (p.106). Oswald was sent to Minsk, and again advised to go back home (p.108). Oswald learned more about "The New Class" and the reality behind the fiction. Pages 110-1 analyze Oswald's diary, and why it was fabricated. Page 137 wonders about Lee's marriage to Marina; but don't girls with an unhappy life at home marry the first chance they get? Oswald's changing statements when preparing his return are analyzed (p.153).

Book Three introduces George De Mohrenschildt, who made arrangements in October 1962 to move the Oswalds to Dallas from Fort Worth (p.189). (You wonder who was in control then?) Page 212 claims Oswald took a shot at General Walker, but presents no physical evidence. Oswald's' activities portrayed him as pro-Castro (p.229).

Other sources said Oswald had David Ferrie's library card in his possession; there is no mention in this book. Were other facts omitted? The 'Epilogue' says Nosenko was sent to deliver disinformation to the CIA, FBI, and Warren Commission (p.260); the latter wanted to believe this double-agent. Appendix D has a number of questions to clarify Oswald's life. Was this the last book to repeat the conclusions of the Warren Commission? You can find other books that offer more insight into the events of November 22-24 1963, and the aftermath. (The book "High Treason" goes into more detail on the JFK assassination and cover-up.)

I've read lots of book on the Kennedy assassination, and without question LEGEND ranks as the best, along with the other two books in THA ASSASSINATION CHRONICLES. LEGEND reads like a spy thriller, taking lots of twists and turns, studying the hidden agendas of all government agencies that had something to gain or lose by revealing Lee Harvey Oswald's real purpose in Russia. Through a careful analysis of the available evidence, Epstein points the finger at both the CIA and KGB for hiding and obscuring key facts about Oswald's life in Russia, and uncovers evidence that indicates Oswald was more than he appeared to be. Even handed and thouroughly documented, LEGEND is a must read in assassination lore.

Overall this is a very good book to read if you are wanting a basic level of knowledge. It effectively presents a great deal of cases in a well structured layout. However, it is not for law students so much as undergrad. The level of analysis is usually kept on the basic side. Before each case there is usually historical backgrounds leading up to actual case. This helps the reader to have an idea of what the issues before the Court were in that particular case. In closing, I think this book does a great job of showing that there is more to decision making in the Courts than just the legal issues.

I am currently using this textbook for my Constitutional Law class at Winthrop University, and i would like to comment that the book is very well written and easily read. The one problem that i have is that the Opinions of the court are not complete, but only the highlights have been stated, as completely understandable, but I find the extra information also informative when trying to write papers on the Opinions, not just the highlights. I otherwise think that the book is superb and quite helpful in my class.