Supreme Anecdotes: Tales from the Supreme Court

by Robert S Peck, Anthony Champagne

Overview

Discover the hidden personalities behind the Supreme Court's most pivotal decisions in this captivating new book. Through vivid anecdotes and intimate stories, readers are introduced to the justices not just as legal minds, but as individuals with distinct characters and quirks. From Chief Justice John Marshall's conviviality and his clever rule to enjoy wine only when it rained, to the tragic tale of John Rutledge's struggle with mental health and public perception, the book brings to life the human side of the Court. Experience the wit and wisdom of justices like Joseph Story, who found a way to please Marshall's love for Madeira, and the resilience of Charles Evans Hughes, whose extraordinary memory left little to be debated during conferences.

Venture into the lives of justices who, despite their influential roles, faced personal battles and societal challenges. Learn about the financial woes of Justice James Wilson, the haunting ailment of John Blair, and the dependence on painkillers that nearly tarnished William Rehnquist's legacy. Discover the humorous yet humble encounters of justices mistaken for tourists or elevator operators, underscoring their relative anonymity despite their significant impact. This book offers a fresh perspective on the Supreme Court, providing an enriched understanding of the justices' thought processes and the institution's political nature through these compelling and often surprising anecdotes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781950544530
Publisher:	Rand-Smith LLC
Publication date:	10/14/2024
Pages:	316
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.71(d)

About the Author

Robert S. Peck is the founder and president of the Center for Constitutional Litigation, P.C., and has argued precedent-setting cases in courts throughout the nation, including in the U.S. Supreme Court. He has served as a president of both the U.S. Supreme Court Fellows Alumni Association and the Freedom to Read Foundation, chair of the RAND Institute for Civil Justice, a board member of the National Center for State Courts and the Civil Justice Research Initiative, a member of the House of Delegates of the American Bar Association, and a Leaders Forum member of the American Association for Justice.

Anthony Champagne is Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Texas at Dallas. In 1990-91, he served as a Supreme Court Judicial Fellow (as did Robert Peck). He is the recipient of three university teaching awards and one University of Texas system teaching award. Champagne's teaching and research focused on the Supreme Court, Congressional leadership, and Texas politics.