During the Progressive Era, argues Epstein (law, U. of Chicago), a sustained legal attack was unleashed against the classical liberal interpretation of the US Constitution, undermining limitations on the ability of the federal government to regulate the economy as well as the liberty of individuals to enter into voluntary contracts. This progressive direction for constitutional interpretation has had numerous negative effects on American law and policy continuing on to the present day, as he seeks to demonstrate through a generally chronological narrative--from the classical liberal consensus to the present--of Supreme Court decisions on economic questions and their impacts. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)