A reader's opinion on The Nine
Posted by Vicki A Benge
Jeffrey Toobin’s 2007 book on the intimate workings of the contemporary US Supreme Court focuses mainly on the years of the Rehnquist court, ending with an introduction to the Roberts court and summarizes the major cases that were heard during this period of time. Toobin also chronicles the monumental efforts, of some lobbyists and religious extremists in recent years, to install an ultra conservative majority on our nation's highest bench.
The book gives the reader a fascinating snapshot of each individual justice and the personal beliefs of each that influences their respective decisions and shows how an individual justice's ideology can transform as the person ages. Toobin also offers the reader a glimpse at the personalities and quirks that makes each justice, at times, all too human.
I was thoroughly engrossed by this book and especially enjoyed reading about the, not so sophisticated, process by which our top judges in the nation have been chosen by recent presidents; and the insight into the individual justices' similarities and contrasts to the political affinities of the particular president that appointed them.
In my opinion, this is a well written flowing look beneath the robes that may surprise some readers with its tangible frankness.
Toobin, Jeffrey. The Nine, Inside Secret Word of the Supreme Court. New York: Doubleday, 2007.
[ISBN-13: 978-0-7394-9569-8]
