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2000ace's review against another edition
4.0
His first foray in what would turn out to be a long-term fascination with the U.S. Supreme Court, Bob Woodward along with co-author Scott Armstrong wrote the first comprehensive insider book on the US Supremes. The time period ranges from1969 to the historic decision of Gregg v. Georgia in 1976, part of the "July 2 cases" which reopened the states' power to impose the death penalty.
The Court's decisions shaped American policy on civil rights, Watergate, the Vietnam war, abortion, and even laws dealing with oral sex and homosexuality. These were exciting days for the US Supremes, and for everyone in the country who waited for the last Monday in October (when the Supreme Court issued its last opinions for the year), to find out the fates of millions of Americans.
This is a fascinating, impeccably researched book. It is a must for any student of American history.
The Court's decisions shaped American policy on civil rights, Watergate, the Vietnam war, abortion, and even laws dealing with oral sex and homosexuality. These were exciting days for the US Supremes, and for everyone in the country who waited for the last Monday in October (when the Supreme Court issued its last opinions for the year), to find out the fates of millions of Americans.
This is a fascinating, impeccably researched book. It is a must for any student of American history.
auntie_social's review against another edition
5.0
Just an amazingly interesting and absorbing look at the inner machinations of the Burger court. Was Burger evil or just incompetent? Maybe both? Includes the early days of Rehnquist, back when he was the young, vaguely groovy, eats-lunch-outdoors-with-his-clerks Justice. Thurgood Marshall is both highly admirable and a crackup throughout ("What's shakin' chiefy baby?") The timeframe includes some very famous and important cases-- the biggest of which is Roe v. Wade. I can't say enough good things about this book, but I'm a SCOUTS junkie.
sdbecque's review against another edition
3.0
interesting book on the Burger court, very dry though. it had a little too much back and forth and intricate legal knowledge for my taste. i much preferred the style of "The Nine" which focused more on the personality of the justices and their relationships, and highlighted the decisions made in an abridged way. some of these cases read like a play by play of every move.