The Supreme Court has a long and fascinating history. Its original purpose was to interpret the law and ensure its constitutionality. Over the years, it has played a crucial role in shaping the nation.

Looking back at its history, we can see how it has evolved and adapted to the changing times. There have been many landmark cases that have had a significant impact on society.

Commentators have analyzed and debated the actions and decisions of the Supreme Court. Understanding its history is essential as it helps us to understand its current role and how it can be improved.

By studying the past, we can gain valuable insights into the present and work towards a better future for the Supreme Court and the country as a whole.

Irons presents a comprehensive catalog of the history of the Supreme Court.

He does so by not only detailing each decision but also delving into the context in which they were made.

The exploration of the political and social circumstances that surrounded the court adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the book.

This makes it a captivating read, even in our modern era when so much has changed.

The book covers cases up until 2006, and while two decades have passed since then, it remains a valuable resource.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in law, politics, or American history.

It offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the Supreme Court and its impact on the nation.

Whether you are a student, a professional, or simply a curious reader, this book is sure to provide you with valuable insights and a greater understanding of this important institution.

Peter Irons commences the book by making a complete admission of his ideological inclinations and his interpretation of the Constitution through the prism of that ideology.

In most books, I discover ideologically driven narration to be off-putting. However, in this particular one, I came to admire Dr. Irons' passion for the US Constitution and his justifications for regarding it as sacrosanct.

This is an outstanding book for comprehending the tectonic movements of US history. The diverse cases demonstrate that although numerous aspects have altered in our history, many have remained unchanged. It was extremely enlightening to read about cases whose lessons can still be applied in the present day. My favorite was the case of Jehovah's Witnesses in the mid-20th century. Discrimination against minorities was as significant an issue then as it is now. The groups of people who are subjected to discrimination vary over time, but the principles of combating discrimination remain constant.

This book offers a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the US Constitution and its role in shaping the nation's history and values.

Despite the title, this book does not owe much to Howard Zinn in its telling. It is, however, a solidly researched work that makes good use of sources. The author has painstakingly gathered and analyzed a wealth of information to present a comprehensive overview of the institution in question.

Readers will find that this book offers a detailed exploration of the institution's history, development, and major impact on US history and society. It delves into the various aspects and events that have shaped the institution, providing valuable insights and perspectives.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the institution and its significance. It presents a well-rounded and objective account that will enhance the reader's understanding and appreciation of this important part of US history and society.

L-O-N-G... but good!

This simple phrase holds a certain truth. Sometimes, things that take a long time or are of great length can actually be very good. For example, a long book may contain a rich and detailed story that captivates the reader. A long journey can offer countless experiences and memories that last a lifetime. Even a long conversation can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with someone.

Length does not always mean boredom or inefficiency. In fact, it can often be a sign of quality and substance. When we are willing to invest the time and effort into something long, we are more likely to reap the rewards. However, it is also important to ensure that the length is necessary and not just for the sake of being long. We should strive for a balance between length and effectiveness, making sure that every part of the long thing serves a purpose and adds value.

In conclusion, while long things may seem intimidating at first, we should not be too quick to dismiss them. Instead, we should approach them with an open mind and a willingness to explore, knowing that they may hold great potential for good.

Reading "A People's History of the Supreme Court" by Peter Irons was far from being a dull or unappreciated experience for me. Instead, it became a trusted companion as I sat on my red leather seats, journeying from San Diego to Orange County and then on to Los Angeles. Moreover, it served as a "prop" of wisdom during interviews with numerous outstanding individuals.

The very mention of the Supreme Court has a silencing effect on people, much like readings from a bible or a holy illuminated text. This book by Peter Irons, a Supreme Court expert and a Professor of Political Science at the University of California San Diego, was an absolute page-turner.

After delving into its pages, I now have a passionate fire burning within me for our legal system. As we navigate through the stories of Louis Brandeis, John Marshall, and Earl Warren, we see how their rulings have become an integral part of the Supreme Court and still stand today as a silent constitutional sentinel over America. This book has truly opened my eyes to the significance and impact of the Supreme Court in our nation's history and legal framework.

What a truly great overview of SCOUS' history this is!

It took me a rather long while to get through it all because on every single page, one is bombarded with an abundance of names, dates, and other detailed facts.

It's quite remarkable how comprehensive it is. However, I did notice that I was missing the last 20 years of jurisprudence. But then again, perhaps they are included in the newer editions of the book.

This makes me eager to check if there are any updated versions available, as I'm really interested in learning about that particular period of SCOUS' history. Overall, despite this small omission, the book provides a fascinating and in-depth look at the past of SCOUS.

Guy is truly an amazing badass.

He dedicated years of his life to the arduous study of law, with the sole purpose of overturning a wrongfully judged case.

His determination and perseverance are simply remarkable.

The very mention of his biography piques one's interest and makes you eager to devour every single detail within the biographies he crafts for each plaintiff in the supreme court cases documented in the book.

It is as if his story holds a certain allure that draws you in and compels you to explore the depths of his experiences and the challenges he overcame.

Guy's actions and his pursuit of justice serve as an inspiration, showing that with unwavering commitment and a passion for righting wrongs, one can make a significant impact.

His biographies are not just accounts of legal battles but also testaments to the power of the human spirit and the fight for what is just.

There’s nothing truly unique in this work that would justify classifying it as a “people’s history.”

Essentially, it amounts to a general overview of constitutional cases and Supreme Court justices. The author’s conclusions, for the most part, are either widely accepted or at least commonly understood, although there are times when they may be controversial.

What’s more significant is that the writing style is overly legalistic for what is supposed to be a “people’s history.” This makes it difficult for the average layperson to follow and understand.

The language and the way the information is presented seem more suited for a legal scholar or someone with a background in law rather than the general public.

Perhaps the author could have made the content more accessible by using simpler language and providing more context and explanations for the legal concepts and cases discussed.

As it stands, the work may have limited appeal to those who are not already well-versed in the field of constitutional law.

Legal cases have always been a topic of great interest and importance in society. They not only involve the application of laws and regulations but also reflect the values and social order of a particular era.

Many popular legal cases have captured the public's attention and have become the subject of extensive discussion and analysis. These cases often involve complex legal issues, such as civil rights, criminal law, and constitutional law.

Understanding the background of these cases is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the legal system and its impact on society. By examining the historical, social, and cultural context in which these cases occurred, we can gain insights into the factors that led to the legal disputes and the decisions made by the courts.

In addition, the study of popular legal cases can also help us to develop critical thinking skills and a better understanding of the role of law in our lives. It allows us to question and evaluate the fairness and justice of the legal system and to advocate for change when necessary.

Overall, the background of many popular legal cases provides a rich and valuable source of information for anyone interested in the law and society. By exploring these cases, we can deepen our understanding of the legal system and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the role of law in promoting justice and social progress.

“Those who begin coercive elimination of dissent soon find themselves exterminating dissenters.” - Justice Robert Jackson

The idea that suppressing dissent can lead to more extreme actions is a powerful one. When people are not allowed to voice their opinions freely, it can create a climate of fear and oppression.

“The majority refused to recognize that a ‘necessary corollary of giving individuals freedom to choose how to conduct their lives is acceptance of the fact that different individuals will make different choices.’” This statement highlights the importance of respecting individual freedoms and choices. Just because someone makes a different choice than we do does not mean that their choice is wrong.

Justice Marshall spoke on the Constitution’s bicentennial of those who ‘may observe the anniversary with hopes not realized and promises not fulfilled.’ The Supreme Court has had a complex history when it comes to protecting the rights of different groups of Americans. In some cases, landmark decisions have given hope and made promises, only to have those hopes and promises dashed in later decisions.

For example, the Court ruled unanimously in 1954 that school segregation violated the Constitution. However, by 1987, many Northern cities had become almost totally segregated again due to ‘white flight’ and other factors. Similarly, the Court decided in 1973 that criminal abortion laws violated the Constitution, but in 1980, five justices voted to uphold a congressional ban on Medicaid funding for abortions. This made it difficult for many poor women to access safe and legal abortions.

Finally, the Court held in 1965 that the Constitution protected a ‘right to privacy’ in the ‘marital bedroom.’ But in 1986, five justices decided that homosexuals did not enjoy the right to sexual intimacy in their bedrooms. This was a significant setback for the gay and lesbian community, as half the states still imposed criminal penalties for sodomy at that time.

These examples show that the struggle for justice and equality is ongoing, and that we must continue to fight to ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected.

This is my favorite book about the Supreme Court and one of my favorite books overall.

Peter Irons is an outstanding writer who presents an excellent history of the constitution and constitutional law. His work is not only informative but also engaging, making it a pleasure to read.

This book is particularly remarkable when it comes to the 14th amendment's equal protection clause. It delves deep into the significance and implications of this crucial aspect of the constitution.

I am a big fan of Prof. Irons. His expertise and passion for the subject matter shine through in every page of this book. It has truly enhanced my understanding of the Supreme Court and the role it plays in shaping our nation.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the constitution, constitutional law, or the Supreme Court. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper appreciation for the principles and values that underpin our democracy.