Gene W. (Roy45) -
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't put this book down. I loved it and I hated it. I'm not a lawyer and it is written by a lawyer, so probably 25% or more of the judicial stuff went over my head.
This book is a fantastic account of the progress of the Supreme Court since the 1960s or so. It chronicles the progress through the political and social storms and the effects they have had on judicial rulings. If you've lived through this period, you will recognize all these ups and downs and the effect they have had on the laws of this country.
Its also a great biography of the justices, told in bits and pieces as situations develop, the forces in their lives, their upbringings and experiences that made them decide cases as they did.
Its also a great insight into the inner workings of the court, most of which none of know anything about, the processes, the traditions, the lighter and darker elements, the interaction of the justices.
What dismayed me was the extent that politics rule inside the court. As a novice, I thought the law was the law, but alas. I now know why I absolutely despise some of our current justices, and admire others, based on my political beliefs. Its a real eye-opener as to how everyday life and politics shapes the law of the land.
This book is a fantastic account of the progress of the Supreme Court since the 1960s or so. It chronicles the progress through the political and social storms and the effects they have had on judicial rulings. If you've lived through this period, you will recognize all these ups and downs and the effect they have had on the laws of this country.
Its also a great biography of the justices, told in bits and pieces as situations develop, the forces in their lives, their upbringings and experiences that made them decide cases as they did.
Its also a great insight into the inner workings of the court, most of which none of know anything about, the processes, the traditions, the lighter and darker elements, the interaction of the justices.
What dismayed me was the extent that politics rule inside the court. As a novice, I thought the law was the law, but alas. I now know why I absolutely despise some of our current justices, and admire others, based on my political beliefs. Its a real eye-opener as to how everyday life and politics shapes the law of the land.
Jo V. (jovan) reviewed The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court on + 301 more book reviews
The author tries to be even-handed and, for the most part, succeeds. In the part that doesn't, his liberal bias is evident. The book is a revealing look at how the Supreme Court of United State functions. For my taste, it spent too much time on the Renquist court. Less focus on that would have still given an adequate view of the justices. He does put the spotlight on each judge individually, which I appreciated, giving a good feel for each judge's philosophy and proclivities. As a result, in spite of his obvious approval of Justice O'Connor, I have lost a lot of respect for her and her obvious whichever-way-the-popular-wind-blows judicial non-philosophy. He bashes, subtly and not-so-subtly, Justice Scalia, but even the author had to give grudging respect when he wrote:
"Scalia chided Robers for failing to administer the coup de grace to the earlier ruling. 'This faux judicial restraint is judicial obfuscation.'
"Scalia has a point. Robers had engaged in the pretense of minimalism...without actually doing so."
Yea, Scalia!
Overall a good book and worth reading, especially if the reader is capable of critical thinking.
"Scalia chided Robers for failing to administer the coup de grace to the earlier ruling. 'This faux judicial restraint is judicial obfuscation.'
"Scalia has a point. Robers had engaged in the pretense of minimalism...without actually doing so."
Yea, Scalia!
Overall a good book and worth reading, especially if the reader is capable of critical thinking.
Lynn K. (Quilterlynn) reviewed The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court on + 22 more book reviews
Excellent comments on the inner working and personal challenges of being a Supreme Court Judge.
Melanie A. (MelanieLA) -
Really enjoyable and informative.
This is a facsinating look at the workings of the Supreme Court and who influenced what.
A. S. C. (LizardClaw) reviewed The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court on + 22 more book reviews
I really liked this book. Very insightful. Interesting historically; Interesting in showing the interpersonal relationships of the nine Supreme Court judges and politics involved in their decisions and selection. ASC
Tammy M. (Tamsbooks) reviewed The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court on + 39 more book reviews
This book takes one on a fascinating tour into the lives and personalities of the Supreme Court. It is full of tidbits about the justices personalities and how those personalities shaped key decisions.
It was also frightening to see how much the political leanings of the justices can yank the court back and forth between issues one time ruling one way one time ruling another. It gave me a true appreciation of how important the appointment of Supreme Court justices are to a president. As in the case of Clarence Thomas, the influence can last for decades.
Jeffrey Toobins book is not to be missed.
It was also frightening to see how much the political leanings of the justices can yank the court back and forth between issues one time ruling one way one time ruling another. It gave me a true appreciation of how important the appointment of Supreme Court justices are to a president. As in the case of Clarence Thomas, the influence can last for decades.
Jeffrey Toobins book is not to be missed.
Lize B. (msflorida) reviewed The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court on + 18 more book reviews
Excellent and unbiased history of the court mostly in the mid to late 20th Century and early 21st Century. Written and published in 2007, it nonetheless provides a wonderful look and those who served and their decisions. Throughly enjoyable read.
Ray G. (ramsfanray) -
Pretty good book. In some spots, Toobins bias comes through, but overall I think it was a very fair treatment of the court and the justices. Good historical info about an instituion that doesn't seek the spotlight.
Enlightenment with a slant................
This was a book club pick. I didn't think I'd love it and I certainly didn't. I didn't even finish it.
