‘A History of the Supreme Court’ delivers just what it says, a chronological study of the court from John Jay to William Renquist.
Each chapter focuses on the reign of a particular Chief Justice and the associate judges that came and went during that tenure. Author Bernard Schwartz pulls no punches in his views of particular courts or individual justices or their opinions. Interwoven are historical interpretations of the constitution to explain various judicial reasoning. Also, a couple of chapters are dedicated to major court decisions. Schwartz unabashedly supports activist judges and courts so conservative minded readers will need an open mind and a grain of salt.
‘A History of the Supreme Court’ is a tour through U.S. history as seen from the bench of the highest court in the land. Though written for the lay reader , one may want to be versed in some basic legal terminology and the constitution before diving in. ( )