Love 'em or hate 'em, Bob Woodward did his homework. Read this book and then look at where we are as a nation today. It's an eye-opener. ( )

1700 The Brethren: Inside the Supreme Court, by Bob Woodward Scott Armstrong (read 17 Mar 1982) This book came out in 1979 and I knew I would read it. It is journalistic, but has an air of authenticity. It could not be other than based on conversation with people who know. The authors claim to have interviewed more than 170 former law clerks. I am amazed at how much work is done. If I had to write one opinion it seems to me that'd be a big job; is it because I am interrupted so much at the office? I am astounded at all the work that must be necessary to be a Justice. The book should be read beside a set of Supreme Court Reports. The book covers, year by year, 1969 to 1976. I really can't say I was too startled by anything in the book. It takes a very dim view of Warren Burger, as Chief Justice and as intellect, but that doesn't surprise me. It speaks well of Rehnquist as a man, but says the obvious about some of his work. I had no trouble seeing how he distorted precedent in the "states not subject to minimum wage" case when I read it, even though I inclined to agree with it. But the attitude of the book is liberal, and I know if I had been a clerk when I got out of law school I would have been liberal too. I was disturbed by the coarseness exhibited by Justices and clerks, per this book. I am not convinced I could be, or would have been, as blaze about obscenity as the clerks and some Justices were. A very readable and perceptive book, even though not profound. ( )

Here we have an unflattering, behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. Supreme Court. Discloses the intrigues, jealousies, ill humor, and combat between justices and describes the debates and tactics that produced many of the Court's major rulings between 1969 and 1976. I found the book easy to read and illuminating. Just goes to remind you that no matter what position you obtain, people cannot escape their own bias. ( )

This is an inside account of the machinations of the Supreme Court (the Burger Court) over the 1969 to 1975 terms. A fascinating account of many important historical decisions, and the often chaotic way the judges arrive at their opinions. With photographs. Does much to debunk the stature of many of the judges, especially Warren Burger, although two of my favorites, William O. Douglas and Thurgood Marshall, don't always come off well either. ( )

A fascinating look at the least known branch of government and more importantly, the personalities that sit on the court. Good read. ( )