The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court

by: Jeffrey Toobin

Published by: Anchor Books

Reviewed by Paul Markowitz

Of the three branches of government, far less is known about the inner-workings of the judiciary–and most specifically the Supreme Court–than the other two branches. Much of this is due to traditions that have developed over the years, but much is innate in the supposedly impartial, non-partisan and independent nature of the judiciary as envisioned by our founding fathers.

Jeffrey Toobin, CNN legal analyst and prize-winning author, has written an insightful, balanced and extremely readable “tell-all” on the modern Supreme Court, based largely upon thousands of interviews with past and present Supreme Court clerks. But this “tell-all” is not of the scandalous, scurrilous and titillating variety that has become derigueur of modern political reporting. This instead is a fascinating tale of the major political and historical events of the past 20 years as seen with the additional insight of its impact by and upon the Supreme Court and its justices.

With the possible exceptions of Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, the Supreme Court has been seen as largely anonymous individuals making occasionally significant decisions. Toobin not only gives a brief biography of each justice, but he also provides vital information that gives us insight into the background, personality and legal philosophy of these highly disparate individuals.

Toobin, although discussing sometimes complex legal arguments, is always able to examine the topic in such a manner that a layman can understand. This is true whether he is discussing the complexities of Roe v. Wade, affirmative action, Gore v. Bush (the 2000 presidential election), Guantanamo or gun control. The author spends considerable time discussing the important role of Sandra Day O’Connor and later Anthony Kennedy as the swing vote on the Supreme Court. All of these issues and more are described with their overlaying political and legal justifications and ramifications.

What we end up with is a fascinating story of people who can be alternately egotistical and compassionate, prejudiced and sympathetic, inflexible and caring–that is, undeniably human.

Toobin leaves us with the critical dilemma of choosing the next President that will most assuredly determine many closely called social and political decisions for generations to come.

Armchair Interviews says: Toobin gives us a clear picture of the Supreme Court and Judicial Branch.

Author’s Web site: http://www.JeffreyToobin.com