Bestselling author Jeffrey Toobin takes you into the chambers of the most important—and secret—legal body in our country, the Supreme Court, and reveals the complex dynamic among the nine people who decide the law of the land.
Just in time for the 2008 presidential election—where the future of the Court will be at stake—Toobin reveals an institution at a moment of transition, when decades of conservative disgust with the Court have finally produced a conservative ... (show more)
Reviews (340)
Only a victory in the general election last month took the sting out of this book's implications. If Jeffrey Toobin sought to demystify the Supreme Court, he has succeeded. No one reading this book could ever view the Court as anything but highly politicized, controlled by the special interests against whom lifetime appointments were designed to minimize. Most illuminating and depressing was Toobin's depiction of Clarence Thomas, who came off as small and vindicative, intellectually incurious and unworthy of his position. At times, it seemed almost cruel not to feel for him, a sentiment that disappeared with each successive anecdote. A very powerful, engaging book that deserves attention, even if its conclusions reduce the hallowed institution in stature and trust and integrity. A truly outstanding book.
I also have been reading this since October. I am returning it tomorrow, however, as my renewals are spent. I would finish it if I had more time
for reading that took some effort. It is a heavier book than I usually read, but a seemingly balanced view into the supreme court and very interesting.
The Nine is a great book. There is something is here for everyone. Lawyers will enjoy the bits of insidery gossip about the justices, and non-lawyers will appreciate the lucid background information that Toobin ably provides. Somehow, this book reads like a novel. For instance, the section on Bush v. Gore really recalled the emotions of late 2000 (for better or worse). Toobin is a fantastic writer. His prose is clear and his analysis sharp, and fair. I would recommend this book for almost anyone, from tuned-in attorneys to those with the slightest interest in civics.
It's hard to make a book about legal decisions interesting, but Jeffrey Toobin manages to write in an easy and engaging manner. The book provides valuable insight into the background and import of various Supreme Court decisions. A good read for lawyers and people interested in the law or politics.
Write a review...I enjoyed this book a lot. It's well-written-- . The points of view of each justice are explained clearly, along with the context in which those views were developed. Most importantly, the author provides a well-balanced character sketch of each justice, his or her background, and political leanings and allegiances. Well worth your time.
I was really impressed - an informative and thoroughly readable book that gave me a lot more insight into the workings of the "Third Branch of Government". Definitely one of the best books I've read this year.
An incredible biography of the current supreme court and a behind the scenes on their decision making process.
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