In The Majesty of the Law, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor explores the law, her life as a Justice, and how the Court has evolved and continues to function, grow, and change as an American institution. Tracing some of the origins of American law through history, people, and ideas, O’Connor sheds new light on the basics, and through personal observation she explores the development of institutions and ideas we have come to regard as fundamental. O’Connor discusses notable cases that have shaped American democracy and the Court as we know it today, and she traces the turbulent battle women have fought for a place in our nation’s legal system since America’s inception. Straight-talking, clear-eyed, inspiring, The Majesty of the Law is more than a reflection on O’Connor’s own experiences as the first female Justice of the Supreme Court; it also contains a discussion of how the suffrage movement changed the lives of women—in voting booths, jury boxes, and homes across the country. In The Majesty of the Law, Sandra Day O’Connor reveals some of what she has learned and believes about American law and life, insights gleaned over her years as one of the most powerful and inspiring women in American history.
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"Birth of a nation, Magna Carta, suspend writ of habeas corpus 38K enemies of north behind N lines, liberty and self confidence vs bondage of entitlement, Holmes eugenics, dissention valuable, avg overturn 1/2 acts per year vs FDR 12 in 1st term mult 5.27.35 then court stacking, 1869 women vote WY, then UT CO, the art of reason, incivility yields more suits, US is common law vs civil law, humility is most prized and difficult, justice delayed is justice denied, independent vigorous responsible free press, truth will prevail, life of law more experience than logic, abortion rights vs individual rights."
— Don (4 out of 5 stars)
" I should have known when the guy at the bookstore told me not to buy the book. I got part way into it, and then I just could not take it anymore. "
— Tamsen, 2/5/2014" A great book by an extraordinary woman. I was a bit disappointed that there was very little information about her personally but it presented an enlighted view of the history of law in American. As a follow-up, i an reading "Supreme Courtship" by Christopher Buckley. It's good for me to mix it up a bit. "
— elizabeth, 1/30/2014" Good little history review if you can stay awake.....zzzzzzz "
— Amy, 1/19/2014" Although this book is quite broad, and I already knew a great deal of the information that this book contained, I still enjoyed it immensely. I am continually astounded by O'Connor's clear cut analysis of history and the impact of the Supreme Court, and her suggestions for progress in the judicial system and the whole of democracy in the United States. She is always someone worth reading. "
— Elizabeth, 1/15/2014" This was not an easy read, but worth reading to learn more about the history of the court. I did not know William Howard Taft became Supreme Court Justice AFTER he was President. "
— Amy, 1/12/2014" Fantastic insight to living life on the Supreme Court. Wonderful description of the job of a Supreme Court Justice. "
— Hannah, 12/29/2013" by far the best law book i've read. the former supreme court justice keeps things in perspective but at the same time reveals a profound and inspirational side of constitutional law (i didn't know there was one either...). "
— Cameron, 12/15/2013" amazing book, I learned a lot of interesting facts about the Supreme Court and this amazing woman. "
— Joanna, 12/4/2013" Another one I read in anticipation of my family's trip to DC. This one was a good primer for the Supreme Court and how it works. (Unfortunately we couldn't get in the tour of the Supreme Court and had terrible service in the cafeteria downstairs!) O'Connor writes with candor and even some humor. "
— Doug, 11/2/2013" Reads like a textbook. Too dry. "
— Heather, 10/31/2013" Everyone I know who read this really didn't care for it - but it was okay. There were about 3 chapters that I found to be very interesting. "
— Christen, 8/17/2013" Not bad, some chapters I found useful. "
— Douglas, 7/28/2013" A fascinating look at the thoughts of Justice O'Connor, and many of the legal principles explored don't require a legal background to understand. "
— Colleen, 7/28/2013" liked this book enough I have two copies, one is signed. "
— Vangoghadmirer, 5/28/2013" Interesting but a bit simplistic "
— Griff, 1/23/2013" Can be a little dry at times but overall a good read. For those who have an interest in Sandra Day O'Connor it is well worth the time to read it as she gives great insight into the Court, Justices and the Law. "
— Eric, 11/7/2012" A personal and clearly written look at the Court and some of the important people and decisions that have shaped it into its current posture. "
— Kathy, 11/4/2012" Very comprehensive for such a concise book. Got a little dry at times, but gave great insight into roots and present state of the judicial system in America. "
— Kevin, 10/9/2012" Some good stories from a person we don't get to hear much personal information about. "
— Paul, 6/26/2012" Very comprehensive for such a concise book. Got a little dry at times, but gave great insight into roots and present state of the judicial system in America. "
— Kevin, 4/13/2011" A personal and clearly written look at the Court and some of the important people and decisions that have shaped it into its current posture. "
— Kathy, 8/14/2010" Reads like a textbook. Too dry. "
— Heather, 8/11/2010" Not bad, some chapters I found useful. "
— Douglas, 8/22/2008" by far the best law book i've read. the former supreme court justice keeps things in perspective but at the same time reveals a profound and inspirational side of constitutional law (i didn't know there was one either...). "
— Cameron, 6/4/2008" liked this book enough I have two copies, one is signed. "
— Vangoghadmirer, 3/21/2008" I should have known when the guy at the bookstore told me not to buy the book. I got part way into it, and then I just could not take it anymore. "
— Tamsen, 3/13/2008" Another one I read in anticipation of my family's trip to DC. This one was a good primer for the Supreme Court and how it works. (Unfortunately we couldn't get in the tour of the Supreme Court and had terrible service in the cafeteria downstairs!) O'Connor writes with candor and even some humor. "
— doug, 3/5/2008" Everyone I know who read this really didn't care for it - but it was okay. There were about 3 chapters that I found to be very interesting. "
— Christen, 12/27/2007" Some good stories from a person we don't get to hear much personal information about. "
— Paul, 11/12/2007Sandra Day O’Connor began her public service in Phoenix as the majority leader of the Arizona Senate before becoming a judge. In 1981, President Reagan nominated her as associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, a position she served until 2006. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Lazy B, a memoir about growing up in the Southwest, and The Majesty of the Law, a reflection on American law and life. Currently, she serves as chancellor of the College of William and Mary, and is on the board of trustees of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.