Description
Book Synopsis: A sitting justice reflects upon the authority of the Supreme Court—how that authority was gained and how measures to restructure the Court could undermine both the Court and the constitutional system of checks and balances that depends on it.
A growing chorus of officials and commentators argues that the Supreme Court has become too political. On this view the confirmation process is just an exercise in partisan agenda-setting, and the jurists are no more than “politicians in robes”—their ostensibly neutral judicial philosophies mere camouflage for conservative or liberal convictions. Stephen Breyer, drawing upon his experience as a Supreme Court justice, sounds a cautionary note. Mindful of the Court’s history, he suggests that the judiciary’s hard-won authority could be marred by reforms premised on the assumption of ideological bias. Having, as Hamilton observed, “no influence over either the sword or the purse,” the Court earned its authority by making decisions that have, over time, increased the public’s trust. If public trust is now in decline, one part of the solution is to promote better understandings of how the judiciary actually works: how judges adhere to their oaths and how they try to avoid considerations of politics and popularity.
Breyer warns that political intervention could itself further erode public trust. Without the public’s trust, the Court would no longer be able to act as a check on the other branches of government or as a guarantor of the rule of law, risking serious harm to our constitutional system.
Details
Are you concerned about the state of our Supreme Court? You're not alone. Many officials and commentators argue that the Court has become too political, jeopardizing its authority and the delicate balance of power in our constitutional system. Introducing "The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics" by Stephen Breyer, a sitting justice who reflects upon the Court's authority and warns against measures that could undermine it.
In this thought-provoking book, Breyer draws upon his experience as a Supreme Court justice to offer a cautionary note. He argues that reforms based on the assumption of ideological bias could mar the judiciary's hard-won authority. Instead, he advocates for better understandings of how the judiciary actually works, how judges adhere to their oaths, and how they strive to avoid considerations of politics and popularity.
Why is this important? Because the Court's authority is crucial in maintaining the balance of power between branches of government and upholding the rule of law. Without the public's trust, the Court's ability to act as a check on the other branches of government is seriously compromised. "The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics" delves deep into these issues, shedding light on the inner workings of the judiciary and the potential consequences of political intervention.
If you believe in the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary, this book is a must-read. Gain a deeper understanding of the Court's historical significance and learn why protecting its authority is essential for the functioning of our constitutional system. Take action now and get your copy of "The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics" by Stephen Breyer. Together, let's safeguard the integrity of our Supreme Court and preserve the principles it stands for.
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