I'd like
to mention, first of all, what this book it not. It is not
for the casual observer of the American judicial system.
Justice Scalia gives a probing examination of various
methods used in Constitutional and judicial interpretation.
If the reader is not consumed with learning law, or
delineating the intent of the Constitution, this book will
probably be a major disappointment.
On the other hand, if you have a solid foundation of
knowledge on the judiciary and the U.S. Constitution, you
will enjoy this book and will learn a great deal of what
Justice Scalia has to offer. Scalia offers up a 50 page
paper on the various methods of judicial interpretation,
each methods strengths and weaknesses, and the how and why
of whether or not each method is viable.
Scalia's paper is then cross-examined by Ronald Dworkin,
Mary Ann Glendon, Amy Gutmann, Lawrence Tribe and Gordon
Wood. Scalia then offers up his rebuttal and I believe,
strengthens his theories of judicial interpretation. I am
not going to go into my own how's and why's, as I am a fan
of Scalia's and would rather allow the reader to reach their
own conclusions.
Whether you like this book, or hate it, one thing is for
certain, you will come away with a much better knowledge of
the U.S. judicial system, how it reaches some of its
conclusions, and what the consequences of continuing with
current methods of judicial interpretation will be on our
country.
Other
books you might enjoy!
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