The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court

by Jeffrey Toobin
The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Investigative Journalism
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  • ID: 9256
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2026-01-04
  • ISBN: 9780307472892
  • Publisher: Anchor
  • Published: 2008-09-30
  • Reviews: 3

In The Nine, Jeffrey Toobin takes readers into the secretive world of the Supreme Court, offering an exclusive look at the personal and professional dynamics among the justices. Through interviews and historical context, Toobin explores how the Court operates and the significant changes it faces on issues like abortion, civil rights, and church-state relations. /n/n This riveting account provides a unique perspective on one of the most influential institutions in American life, highlighting the complex interplay of personalities and ideologies that shape the nation's legal landscape.

Reviews
Legal Legacy · 2016-12-20
comprehensive 4.00

The author weaves together the stories of the Supreme Court justices, providing a comprehensive review of their decisions and personalities.

The reviewer praises 'The Nine' for its thorough and engaging exploration of the Supreme Court justices and their decisions. They appreciate the author's ability to blend personal anecdotes with legal analysis, creating a rich tapestry of the court's history. The book is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of the Supreme Court and the individuals who shape its decisions. The reviewer also notes the author's balanced approach, which provides insights into both the conservative and liberal perspectives within the court.

Quick quotes

    Toobin does a terrific job of weaving the stories of the personalities of the recent Supreme Court into a review of the decisions they have handled.

    The book provides a comprehensive and engaging look at the Supreme Court and its justices.

    Toobin's balanced approach offers valuable insights into both the conservative and liberal perspectives within the court.

Taylor & Francis Online · M O'Connor · 2009-01-01
insightful 3.50

The book is well-written and easily understood, though some may argue that the conservative justices are not portrayed favorably.

The reviewer finds 'The Nine' to be well-written and accessible, making it a good read for those interested in the Supreme Court. They note that the book provides a detailed and engaging look at the court's inner workings, though some critics may argue that the conservative justices are not portrayed as favorably as their liberal counterparts. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to make complex legal topics understandable and engaging, though they acknowledge that the book's perspective may not be entirely balanced. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the Supreme Court and its justices.

Quick quotes

    The Toobin book is well written and easily understood although some critics may argue that he has not portrayed the Court's conservative justices as favorably as their liberal colleagues.

    Toobin's analysis of the various personalities and political dynamics within the court is both insightful and engaging.

    The book provides a detailed and nuanced look at the Supreme Court and its justices, making it a valuable resource for legal scholars and enthusiasts alike.

The New York Times · 2007-09-23
engaging 4.50

The book is engaging, erudite, and accessible, making it hard to put down. The author's storytelling skills bring the Supreme Court's inner workings to life.

The reviewer found 'The Nine' to be a compelling read, praising its engaging narrative and accessible style. They highlight the author's ability to make complex legal topics understandable and entertaining. The book provides a unique glimpse into the personalities and dynamics of the Supreme Court justices, making it a fascinating exploration of the court's inner workings. The reviewer also appreciates the candid and sometimes controversial insights into the justices' personal and professional lives, which add depth to the overall narrative.

Quick quotes

    So, not surprisingly, 'The Nine' is engaging, erudite, candid and accessible, often hard to put down.

    Toobin is a natural storyteller, and the book is filled with vivid portraits of the justices and their clashes.

    The book provides a fascinating and often surprising look at the inner workings of the Supreme Court.

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