Supreme Conflict: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Control of the United States Supreme Court

I read this book practically in one sitting -- which is saying something for a book about the last twenty years of the Supreme Court. I have some vocational and avocational interest in the subject: as a journalist, I covered many of the judicial nomination battles of the first George W. Bush term, though (as Greenburg points out) there were no Supreme Court nominations then. So, in the course of my work, I met some of the key players in Greenburg's account (including John Roberts when he was nominated the first time, for the U.S. Court of Appeals in D.C.) and I think Greenburg has gotten everything right. And she does as good a job as anyone in explaining the chief mystery of the last couple of decades: how a Court with seven appointees of GOP Presidents could be as moderate as it was. I see little or no evidence of political bias, left or right, in Greenburg's book. Her references to Justice David Souter as a disappointment and an example of poor staff work are clearly stated from the perspective of conservative activists, not necessarily as reflecting the author's views. In addition, Greenburg stays clear of another, subtler form of journalistic bias -- a bias in favor of people whom she knows and who have cooperated with her. Example: Greenburg clearly likes and admires Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and benefited from a lengthy interview with the retired Justice. However, she does not shy away from expressing a (well-deserved) criticism of Justice O'Connor -- that the Justice had no consistent vision of the law and decided cases one by one, almost by instinct and out of a vague sense of what would be "just." This book is hard to put down, and one need not be a Supreme Court "junkie" to feel that way.

I've read a lot of books on the Supreme Court, and this definitely one of the best. Not since Bob Woodward's "The Brethren" has a book provided the true 'inside look' that Court watchers want. And what's great is that the majority of the book has very recently happened. Roberts' and Alito's hearings are still fresh, and here is Greenburg uncovering everything from behind the scenes. One of the true gems of the book has to be the chapter on Clarence Thomas. Greenburg has done a lot as a journalist to show that Thomas truly has been one of the great minds on the Court, and not just the meek Scalia-follower most have thought him to be. But what makes this book great is the way it's written. Greenburg makes longtime SC journalist Linda Greenhouse look like, well, not as great as the Times would care for (and if you check the footnotes on every "mistaken NY Times article," they're almost all by Greenhouse). Honestly, Greenburg writes in a way that is not only intelligible, but truly a delight to read. Unlike Greenhouse's disappointing "Becoming Justice Blackmun," Greenburg is able to discuss cases easily and interestingly. You don't have to be a regular SC fan, a lawyer, or even someone interested in law to enjoy this book. Greenburg has written it in such a way that anyone can understand everything going on, and anyone who picks it up will enjoy it. I really can't wait until Greenburg is recognized as the best SC reporter out there, this book proves that she deserves it.

I just bought the book and finished it in a day. Greenburg has really done a very fine job providing a fascinating account of the Rehnquist and (so soon!) Roberts Courts. I won't spoil anything, but there is a lot of information previously undisclosed regarding the circumstances of O'Connor's and Rehnquist's retirements, the search for replacements, and the nominations of Roberts, Miers, and Alito. There are also segments dedicated to the other justices, and some interesting remarks on Bush v. Gore from Justices O'Connor and Kennedy. Importantly, Greenburg has no discernable bias or agenda, and people of all political stripes will enjoy it. (Though conservatives may revel in the narrative a bit more given that they're the ones who have made progress on the court in the last year and a half with the coming of Roberts and Alito). The best inside account of the Court since Woodward's famed "The Brethren." Greenburg's book does not focus extensively on legal doctrine, but instead looks at the political forces that shape the Court.