Exploring the Inner Workings of the Supreme Court: A Review of 'Nine Black Robes' by Joan Biskupic

 

"Nine Black Robes" by Joan Biskupic is a comprehensive and engaging account of the Supreme Court of the United States and the justices who have shaped its history. Published in 2019, the book offers an insightful analysis of the Court's decisions, its internal dynamics, and the personalities of its members.

Biskupic, an experienced Supreme Court reporter, draws on her extensive knowledge of the Court to provide a detailed and fascinating portrait of each of the nine current justices. She explores their backgrounds, personalities, judicial philosophies, and roles in shaping some of the Court's most significant decisions.

The book begins with a historical overview of the Court, briefly introducing the Court's history and function, as well as some of its most important decisions. Biskupic then devotes a chapter to each current justice, beginning with Chief Justice John Roberts and ending with Justice Neil Gorsuch.

In each chapter, Biskupic provides a wealth of information about the justice's life and career, judicial philosophy and role on the Court. She also explores some of the most significant cases in which each judge has been involved, providing insightful analysis of their opinions and their impact on the law.

One of the book's strengths is Biskupic's ability to delve into the personal lives and personalities of the justices. She provides:

• A rich and nuanced portrait of each judge.
• Exploring their personal histories.
• Their relationships with their colleagues.
• Their views on the role of the Court.

For example, in her chapter on Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Biskupic explores Ginsburg's early life and career as a women's rights lawyer and her relationships with her fellow justices. She also provides a detailed analysis of Ginsburg's role in some of the Court's most important decisions, including the landmark case of United States v. Virginia, which struck down the male-only admissions policy of the Virginia Military Institute.

Similarly, in her chapter on Justice Clarence Thomas, Biskupic provides a detailed account of Thomas's background and career, as well as his views on the role of the Court. She also explores Thomas's controversial opinions on affirmative action and his role in some of the Court's most contentious decisions, such as Bush v. Gore, which effectively decided the outcome of the 2000 presidential election.

Throughout the book, Biskupic provides a nuanced and insightful analysis of the Court and its members. She explores the Court's internal dynamics, including the relationships between the justices, the influence of the chief justice, and the impact of political and ideological differences on the Court's decisions.

Overall, "Nine Black Robes" is an engaging and informative book that provides a fascinating portrait of the Supreme Court of the United States and the justices who have shaped its history. Whether you are a legal scholar or simply interested in the workings of one of the most important institutions in American society, this book is well worth reading.