Description
Book Synopsis: Law clerks have been a permanent fixture in the halls of the United States Supreme Court from its founding, but the relationship between clerks and their justices has generally been cloaked in secrecy. While the role of the justice is both public and formal, particularly in terms of the decisions a justice makes and the power that he or she can wield in the American political system, the clerk has historically operated behind closed doors. Do clerks make actual decisions that they impart to justices, or are they only research assistants that carry out the instructions of the decision makers—the justices?
Based on Supreme Court archives, the personal papers of justices and other figures at the Supreme Court, and interviews and written surveys with 150 former clerks, Sorcerers’ Apprentices is a rare behind-the-scenes look at the life of a law clerk, and how it has evolved since its nineteenth-century beginnings. Artemus Ward and David L. Weiden reveal that throughout history, clerks have not only written briefs, but made significant decisions about cases that are often unseen by those outside of justices’ chambers. Should clerks have this power, they ask, and, equally important, what does this tell us about the relationship between the Supreme Court’s accountability to and relationship with the American public?
Sorcerers’ Apprentices not only sheds light on the little-known role of the clerk but offers provocative suggestions for reforming the institution of the Supreme Court clerk. Anyone that has worked as a law clerk, is considering clerking, or is interested in learning about what happens in the chambers of Supreme Court justices will want to read this engaging and comprehensive examination of how the role of the law clerk has evolved over its long history.
Details
Unlock the secrets behind one of the most intriguing positions in American jurisprudence with Sorcerers' Apprentices: 100 Years of Law Clerks at the United States Supreme Court. Delve into the hidden world of Supreme Court law clerks and discover the untold stories behind their pivotal role in shaping American legal history. With extensive research from Supreme Court archives, personal papers of justices, and interviews with former clerks, this captivating book provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the life of a law clerk like never before.
At the heart of this compelling narrative lies the question: do law clerks merely serve as assistants to the justices or do they wield significant decision-making power? Through fascinating anecdotes and insider accounts, authors Artemus Ward and David L. Weiden reveal that clerks have not only played a crucial role in briefing cases but have also influenced court rulings behind closed doors.
With thought-provoking insights, Sorcerers' Apprentices explores the implications of the clerk's power and its impact on the Supreme Court's accountability to the American public. This groundbreaking book challenges conventional perceptions and offers compelling suggestions for reforming the institution of Supreme Court clerks.
If you are a law clerk, aspiring to become one, or simply intrigued by the inner workings of the Supreme Court, this comprehensive examination of the clerk's evolving role is a must-read. Gain a deeper understanding of how these behind-the-scenes magicians shape the course of American justice. Uncover the hidden truths and seize the opportunity to be a part of the discussion by ordering your copy of Sorcerers' Apprentices: 100 Years of Law Clerks at the United States Supreme Court today!
To explore the fascinating world of Supreme Court law clerks, click here.
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