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The Majesty of the Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice Audiobook
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(3.01) - 272 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In this remarkable book, a national bestseller in hardcover, Sandra Day O’Connor explores the law, her life as a Supreme Court 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, ideas, and landmark cases, O’Connor sheds new light on the basics, exploring through personal observation the evolution of the Court and American democratic traditions. 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 reveals some of the things she has learned and believes about American law and life—reflections gleaned over her years as one of the most powerful and inspiring women in American history.
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"I read this a while ago (can't remember exactly when) and it was a very readable primer on the Supreme Court and the legal system for me (who doesn't know bupkus about these things) as well as a glimpse into O'Connor's life. I remember when she was first appointed and what a big deal it was that a woman was appointed (I was in high school at the time). I'm reminded that I read this book due to the DOMA/Prop 8 cases being argued before SCOTUS this week. I have a better understanding of how the cases got here because of it."
— Sandy (4 out of 5 stars)
The Majesty of the Law Listener Reviews
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" Interesting but a bit simplistic "
— Griff, 1/30/2014 -
" 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, 1/28/2014 -
" The Supreme Court I find fascinating and this book does a good job of explaining the oddities and rituals of the system. The book is fairly conservative without much analysis, critique, or intrigue. It's a fine book, just not that interesting. The discussion of international law and court systems in other countries was interesting and something I haven't read about much before. "
— Bruce, 1/25/2014 -
" Really interesting to learn about the Supreme Court and some of the background in forming our legal system. surprising to realize women were still 2nd class citizens as recently as 35 - 40 years ago! Mrs. O'Conner talks about the legal system today and the best part of the book is near the end where she discusses what is wront with our jury system. This book should be ready by every lawyer and judge in the country....maybe our legal system would improve by leaps and bounds. Very enjoyable read! "
— Linda, 1/21/2014 -
" 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, 1/20/2014 -
" amazing book, I learned a lot of interesting facts about the Supreme Court and this amazing woman. "
— Joanna, 1/14/2014 -
" Some good stories from a person we don't get to hear much personal information about. "
— Paul, 1/6/2014 -
" Fantastic insight to living life on the Supreme Court. Wonderful description of the job of a Supreme Court Justice. "
— Hannah, 12/21/2013 -
" 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, 12/9/2013 -
" Not bad, some chapters I found useful. "
— Douglas, 11/30/2013 -
" 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, 11/27/2013 -
" 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, 11/26/2013 -
" 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, 9/1/2013 -
" 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, 5/10/2013 -
" Good little history review if you can stay awake.....zzzzzzz "
— Amy, 11/18/2012 -
" Reads like a textbook. Too dry. "
— Heather, 4/28/2012 -
" 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, 3/11/2012 -
" 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, 1/24/2012 -
" liked this book enough I have two copies, one is signed. "
— Vangoghadmirer, 6/17/2011 -
" 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 -
" Interesting but a bit simplistic "
— Griff, 11/1/2009 -
" 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, 11/12/2007
About Sandra Day O’Connor
Sandra 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.
About Bernadette Dunne
Bernadette Dunne is the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards and has twice been nominated for the prestigious Audie Award. She studied at the Royal National Theatre in London and the Studio Theater in Washington, DC, and has appeared at the Kennedy Center and off Broadway.