Fortas: The Rise and Ruin of a Supreme Court Justice

Fortas was the ultimate insider, from Roosevelt on. He founded one of Washington's most prestigeous law firms, and became the lawyer for a vast array of clients, ranging from Peurto Rico to many large corporations who wanted something from Uncle Sam.But his career will forever be defined by his relationship with Lyndon Johnson. More than Johnson's personal lawyer (which he was), he was also Johnson's political confidant.Not surprisingly, when Johnson had a chance to fill a Supreme Court seat, he gave it to Fortas. Fortas did not want it, and Murphy's description of Johnson's ploy to force Fortas to accept Johnson's "gift" is one of the most telling stories I have ever read about Johnosn.The problem was, once on the Court, Johnson still treated Fortas as both his personal lawyer and his political advisor. Fortas' relationship with Johnson may have gone un noticed, but Johnson decided to do Fortas a second (unwanted) favor, by appointing him as Chief Justice when Warren retired.The tragedy of the Senate confirmation hearings form the center of this remarkable book. As a study in the raw workings of politics (presidential, congressional, and on the court itself), it is unsurpassed. Fortas' life was destroyed, and the Court was handed over to Burger, Nixon, and the conservatives. How would the law be different today if only Fortas had been confirmed?If you can find a copy, snap it up. Such a superb book has no reason to ever be "out of print."