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The Making of a Supreme Court Justice: An Unprecedented Look Inside the Supreme Court

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The Most Prestigious Position in American Law

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the land, and its justices are among the most powerful people in the country. They have the final say on the constitutionality of laws and can shape the course of American history.

Becoming a Supreme Court justice is a long and arduous process. It requires a combination of intelligence, experience, and political savvy. Only a handful of people have ever been appointed to the Court, and even fewer have served for more than a decade.

Young Thurgood: The Making of a Supreme Court Justice

by Larry S. Gibson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	413 pages

In "The Making of a Supreme Court Justice," legal scholar and journalist Jeffrey Toobin takes readers inside the secretive world of the Supreme Court. He reveals the behind-the-scenes stories of how justices are appointed, how they make decisions, and how they interact with each other.

Toobin's book is based on interviews with current and former justices, as well as other insiders. He provides a fascinating glimpse into the workings of the Court and the lives of the people who serve on it.

How Justices Are Appointed

The President of the United States nominates Supreme Court justices, and the Senate confirms them. The nomination process is often highly political, and it can take months or even years for a justice to be confirmed.

In recent years, the nomination process has become increasingly partisan. Presidents have nominated justices who share their political views, and the Senate has often been divided along party lines in confirming them.

This partisanship has led to some controversial nominations. In 2018, President Donald Trump nominated Brett Kavanaugh to the Court. Kavanaugh was accused of sexual misconduct by several women, and his confirmation hearings were contentious. He was ultimately confirmed by a narrow vote of 50-48.

How Justices Make Decisions

Once they are confirmed, Supreme Court justices serve for life. They are not subject to re-election, and they can only be removed from office through impeachment.

Justices make decisions by majority vote. When a case is brought before the Court, the justices hear oral arguments from both sides. They then deliberate in private and vote on the outcome.

The justices' votes are often influenced by their own personal beliefs and experiences. They also consider the precedents set by previous Court decisions.

In some cases, the justices' votes are unanimous. In other cases, they are divided. When the justices are divided, the majority opinion is the opinion of the justices who voted in the majority. The dissenting opinion is the opinion of the justices who voted in the minority.

How Justices Interact with Each Other

The Supreme Court is a small institution. The justices work closely with each other, and they often develop close relationships.

However, the justices also have different opinions and perspectives. They can disagree with each other on legal issues, and they can sometimes clash personally.

These disagreements can lead to tension within the Court. In some cases, the justices have even refused to speak to each other.

Despite their differences, the justices must work together to decide cases. They must also maintain a professional relationship with each other.

The Impact of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has a profound impact on American society. Its decisions can affect everything from the way we live our lives to the way our government operates.

In recent years, the Court has made a number of controversial decisions. These decisions have sparked debate and protest, and they have led to calls for reform of the Court.

Despite the controversy, the Supreme Court remains a vital institution in American democracy. It is the ultimate arbiter of the law, and its decisions shape the course of American history.

"The Making of a Supreme Court Justice" is a fascinating and informative look inside the secretive world of the Supreme Court. Toobin's book provides a unique perspective on how justices are appointed, how they make decisions, and how they interact with each other.

This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the Supreme Court and its impact on American society.

Young Thurgood: The Making of a Supreme Court Justice

by Larry S. Gibson

4.7 out of 5