An interesting look into the history of the Supreme Court and how it functions today. It always amazes me how the United States and its government was started and how close it seems to have come to failing at times. The Supreme Court is one of the institutions that could have failed and only through determination and looking ahead at the greater picture did it endure. O'Connor only provides historical stories and an overview of her time in the court. She doesn't give any opinion on what was right or wrong, or speak for/against anyone or anything. A nice read, with a copy of the United States Constitution at the end.

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One of several books she has published, this one briefly considering the way the Court evolved. It is very readable, even suitable for very interested sixth or seventh graders. I read quite a bit of it on the bus and subsway. As was Harry Truman's book on the presidents, this is especially insightful in that she actually served. It was disappointing that she resigned too soon (to care for her husband, who soon was promoted to glory).
"One interesting feature of the formal investiture ceremonies is that since Lewis Powell's ceremony in 1972, each newly appointed justice is permitted to sit in the historic chair used by Chief Justice John Marshall. The chair sits at the well of the courtroom below the bench and has been well preserved, but needless to say, its use is reserved for this very special occasion."
The endnotes are citations only, not elucidation, and also serve as the bibliography. Photos. Good index.

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