Short Synopsis
The sixteenth Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist’s classic book offers a lively and accessible history of the Supreme Court.

Full Synopsis
Chief Justice Rehnquist’s engaging writing illuminates both the high and low points in the Court’s history, from Chief Justice Marshall’s dominance of the Court during the early nineteenth century through the landmark decisions of the Warren Court. Citing cases such as the Dred Scott decision and Roosevelt’s Court-packing plan, Rehnquist makes clear that the Court does not operate in a vacuum, that the justices are unavoidably influenced by their surroundings, and that their decisions have real and lasting impacts on our society. The public often hears little about the Supreme Court until decisions are handed down. Here, Rehnquist reveals its inner workings–the process by which cases are chosen, the nature of the conferences where decisions are made, and the type of debates that take place. With grace and wit, this incisive history gives a dynamic and informative account of the most powerful court in the nation and how it has shaped the direction America has taken.

"Rehnquist is a clear and engaging historian. . . . The Supreme Court hits the high points." ---The Washington Post

“This book, written for laymen in a clear and decidedly nontechnical manner, is of interest to anyone who cares about the Supreme Court.” ---The American Statesman

"This substantial revision of the first edition (1987) provides interesting new insights about previous Supreme Court behavior and some of their major decisions . . . An excellent work for general public libraries and for nonlawyers interested in the Supreme Court." ---Library Journal