Scalia: A Court of One
*Starred Review* Though he is widely considered the most outspoken and controversial member of the Supreme Court, Scalia has seen his influence on the court and his colleagues suffer because of those very characteristics. In this thoroughly researched biography, legal scholar Murphy argues that Scalia has adamantly chosen to be “right” rather than influential in pushing his doctrine of “originalism” in interpreting the law on everything from abortion rights to free speech. An unwavering devotion to traditional Catholic faith and love of a good argument have been the guiding forces in Scalia’s life. Murphy traces Scalia’s career of legal practice; teaching; service in the Nixon, Ford, and Reagan administrations; and working for a conservative think tank between administrations. Scalia learned the concept of strict originalism from his academic father, the Catholic Church, and conservative political philosophers. He honed his ideas while at the University of Chicago, working with Robert Bork and law school students to launch what became the Federalist Society. Murphy details Scalia’s behind-the-scenes angling to push himself as the leading advocate for originalism and to get on the Supreme Court. But his scathing critiques set him at odds with conservatives, most notably Sandra Day O’Connor, pushing many to the center. Murphy offers a highly engaged, well-researched analysis of a brash justice whose single-mindedness may ultimately reduce his legacy. --Vanessa Bush