A People’s History of the Supreme Court

I borrowed A People’s History of the Supreme Court in 2008 and found it extremely difficult to read because I initially thought that Peter H. Irons included too much history. Then when I started to read it, my uncle died so I obviously had no desire to continue to read it because of negative associations. The person who loaned me the book was incredibly generous to permit me to hold on to it this long! This year, I was determined to read it, and though it is neither a quick read, nor a joy, I disagree with my earlier assessment. Some people act like activist judges are only liberal judges since the Warren court, but the author literally starts with the Founding Fathers’ explicit reasons for writing the Constitution and soon thereafter, the Supreme Court digresses from both longstanding common law precedent and the Founding Fathers’ intentions to favor corporate interests, perpetuate prejudice and maintain privilege. No one escapes this author’s criticism, but there is definitely a more progressive bent to the book. Clearly privileges the individual over any group interest, whether corporate, religious, etc. Not an easy read, quite depressing and if you’re not a lawyer, you may get through it, but not without some difficulty.