After describing the role of Connecticut delegates at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, the book considers three Connecticut cases brought before the U.S. Supreme Court, two in 1795 and one in 1798, dealing with a sea captain's right to captured booty, a land dispute, and whether civil law can be ex post facto. Four 19th-century cases involve a charge of libel allegedly committed by a Connecticut publication against President Jefferson, citizenship status, ferry rights, and wildlife protection. A number of cases focus on the right of assembly and privacy, who should control primary elections, religious freedom, and illegally seized evidence. The remaining cases address involuntary confessions, due process and equal protection under the law, and the rights of newcomers to the State. 20 photographs and 207 references. For teacher's guide, see NCJ 106088.