The Brethren: Inside the Supreme Court by Bob Woodward, Scott Armstrong
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Book Reviews of The Brethren: Inside the Supreme Court
Book Review: Highly Recommended for Forensic Psychiatric Fellows
Summary: 5 Stars
As a fellow in forensic psychiatry at the New York University School of Medicine, this book gave me a better outlook into the machineries of the court, as well as into the personalities of the individual Justices. Being aware of the maneuvers between the Justices that eventually led to their decisions was very intriguing. The engrossing way by which Woodward and Armstrong chronicled the recruitment of the Justices to their opinions led to my 15 year old son devouring the book in one week! Prior to this, his interest have been in the Harry Potter series.
As for me, a fellow in forensic psychiatry, the knowledge I gained from the book elevated my contributions in our Landmark Cases class. For example, there is an assumption that based on their similar judicial philosophy, [whatever Brennan does, Marshall follows]. However, in a landmark case Powell v Texas, which centered on the issue of intoxication in a public place and whether alcoholism is a disease, Justice Marshall wrote the opinion for the majority who ruled in favor of Texas. Justice Brennan was in the minority. I pointed out to the class that had Marshall `followed Brennan', as was frequent in The Brethren, the opinion would have tilted in favor of Powell. I believe that this book should be recommended for attendings and fellows in forensic psychiatry, as it will further improve their understandings of the reasoning behind the landmark cases that forms one of the essential pillars of the forensic psychiatry profession.
Book Review: Gripping, Revealing Narrative
Summary: 5 Stars
Woodward and Armstrong have given us a revealing look at the U.S. Supreme Court during a six-year period (1969-1975) of transition away from liberalism. Taking over as chief justice from Earl Warren in 1969, Warren Burger was fixated on reversing the court's liberal direction and establishing himself as an important historical figure. According to the authors (and others) Burger wasn't entirely up to it. The authors provide us with an intimate look at the other justices, some of whom earned their respect (William Brennan, William Rehnquist), some who fell a bit short (Byron White, Thurgood Marshall), and one who's former brilliance had evaporated due to poor health (William Douglas). The authors also give readers a look at the internal politics of the court, which included political motivations, deal making, and even outright hypocrisy. There is also much focus on important court cases dealing with controversial issues such as busing, abortion, Watergate, etc.
This lengthy narrative has the readable feel of a journalistic expose - which it pretty much is. The book is now dated, but remains a superbly revealing look inside the highest court of justice.
Book Review: Woodward's Best
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book about 15 years ago while in college and recently decided to read it again. This is probably the best book on the inner working of the US Supreme Court that anyone could read. Woodward does a fantastic job of examining the daily ins and outs of the Court, as well as describing the personalities that made up the bench at that time.
Many of us have our own views of what how the Supreme Court comes to their decisions on such a wide variety of cases. This book dispels many of the myths of appellate review.
This book is highly recommended to anyone who wants to really know how the Supreme Court decides the cases before it.
Book Review: Brilliance
Summary: 5 Stars
I found the book to be fascinating.
The authors take a look at the Supreme Court and its decisions in a 6 year period but most importnatly, give us a look at the Justices that make up the court and their viewpoints both public and private.
It is so well-written that I didn't want it to end. It read like a gossip magazine at points as we were allowed to see what the Justices thought of each other.
Great stuff.
Book Review: A great read!
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Brethren" makes a crucial period in Court history (transition from Warren to Burger) read like a novel; it's hard to set it aside. Wonderful detail and scrupulous research enrich the tale, and the personalities become familiar, but never boring. A reality-based drama.