Presenting a sophisticated narrative history
of the Supreme Court, Irons The Courage of Their Convictions,
etc. illustrates the beguiling legacy left by the Constitution''s
framers, who conjured up the high Court without providing an
instruction manual. Irons is clear about where his ideological
sympathy lies, calling Justice William Brennan "my judicial ideal
and inspiration" and quoting Brennan''s famous formulation that "the
genius of the Constitution" rests in "the adaptability of its great
principles to cope with current problems and current needs." Irons
traces the development of the Court''s peculiar institutional
workings from its first proceedings under Chief Justice John Jay to
the struggle for individual liberties during the successive Warren,
Burger and Rehnquist Courts. In characterizing the Court as a
bastion of racism, classism and sexism prior to Earl Warren''s
ascendancy, he often tends to use extended arguments when quick
jabs would suffice. But as he delves into the personalities of
litigants, justices and senators who, as far back as 1831, fought
fiercely over the confirmations of Supreme Court nominees, Irons
proves himself a master of American legal and political history. He
is particularly lucid when recounting how Reconstruction reforms,
such as the Fourteenth Amendment, that were intended to ensure the
liberties of individuals were co-opted by the Gilded Age Court to
protect the liberties of business. Irons combines careful research
with a populist passion. In doing so, he breathes abundant life
into old documents and reminds readers that today''s fiercest
arguments about rights are the continuation of the endless American
conversation
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