Battles on the bench
Subtitle: conflict inside the Supreme Court
By: Phillip J. Cooper.
Publisher: University Press of Kansas
Published: 1995
Place of publication: Lawrence, Kan
Language: eng
Number of pages: 224
Subjects: United States. Supreme Court; United States. Supreme Court -- Officials and employees -- Biography; Judicial process -- United States -- Psychological aspects; Interpersonal conflict -- United States
Description: Felix Frankfurter's blustery depiction of debate within the Supreme Court suggests that combat sometimes supersedes collegiality in those hallowed halls. In fact, as Phillip Cooper shows, conflict is an inescapable fact of life in the Marble Temple.

Cooper peels back the calm, quiet public image of our judicial royalty to reveal their "family" feuds and squabbles. He shows that whether motivated by deeply felt principle or by petty and vindictive impulses, these disputes dramatically shape the Court's decision-making process, the justices' relations with one another, and the public's perception of the Court.

Filled with wonderful vignettes and telling anecdotes, Battles on the Bench illuminates the Court's legendary and little-known clashes from John Marshall to Ruth Ginsberg and helps us understand why the justices fight, how they fight, and why their fights matter. In the process, it reveals a long tradition of strategic flattery, cajolery, name-calling, threats, subterfuge, and sermonizing - all in an effort to win over or run over fellow justices.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [211]-216) and index.