Deciding to Decide: Agenda Setting in the United States Supreme Court
Perry's work constitutes first-class social science…In Perry's book we have an example of systematic empirical research that is theory sensitive. (Herbert M. KritzerLaw and Soical Inquiry)Easily the most important study to date…An essential source for anyone with interests in the court's decisional processes (which should include not only many academics, but also every lawyer facing the prospect of drafting or responding to a petition for certiorari). (Sanford LevinsonVirginia Law Review)Perry exudes the curiosity of an anthropologist as he explores the rituals and beliefs of the judicial tribe, especially its most illustrious subset, the Justices of the Supreme Court…A valuable contribution. (Stephen F. WilliamsMichigan Law Review)The strength and significance of Perry's work are that it is perhaps the most holistic and definitive attempt yet made to bring the study of law, courts, and judges into the mainstream of ongoing political science research. The genius of his volume is that this is what he sought to do, and he was done so brilliantly. (Lucius J. BarkerStanford University)