Supreme Inequality: The Supreme Court's Fifty-Year Battle for a More Unjust America

Adam Cohen

Quick Take

From New York Times bestselling author Adam Cohen, a revelatory examination of the conservative direction of the Supreme Court over the last fifty years since the Nixon administrationIn the early 1960s, the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Earl Warren was at the height of its power, expanding civil rights for the poor and minorities and promoting equality in dramatic ways through rulings such as Brown v Board of Education and establishing the "Miranda warning" for persons in police custody. But when Warren announced his retirement in 1968, newly elected President Richard Nixon, who had been working tirelessly behind the scenes to put a stop to what he perceived as the Court's liberal agenda, had his new administration launch a total assault on the Warren Court's egalitarian victories, moving to dismantle its legacy and replace liberal justices with others more loyal to his views. During his six years in office, he appointed four justices to the Supreme Court, thereby setting its course for the next fifty years.In Supreme Inequality, Adam Cohen surveys the most significant Supreme Court rulings since Nixon and exposes how rarely the Court has veered away from a pro-corporate agenda. Contrary to what Americans might like to believe, the Court does not protect equally the rights of the poor and disadvantaged, and, in fact, hasn't for decades. Many of the greatest successes of the Warren Court, such as school desegregation, labor unions, voting rights, and class action suits, have been abandoned in favor of rulings that protect privileged Americans who tend to be white, wealthy, and powerful.As the nation comes to grips with two newly Trump-appointed justices, Cohen proves beyond doubt that the trajectory of today's Court is the result of decisions made fifty years ago, decisions that have contributed directly and grievously to our nation's soaring inequality. An triumph of American legal, political, and social history, Supreme Inequality holds to account the highest court in the land, and should shake to its core any optimistic faith we might have in it to provide checks and balances.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Supreme Inequality: The Supreme Court's Fifty-Year Battle for a More Unjust America

Introduction

In "Supreme Inequality: The Supreme Court's Fifty-Year Battle for a More Unjust America," author Adam Cohen delves into the conservative direction of the Supreme Court over the last fifty years since the Nixon administration. Cohen examines the significant Supreme Court rulings since Nixon and reveals how the Court has rarely veered away from a pro-corporate agenda, contributing to the soaring inequality in the United States. This book serves as a wake-up call to readers, highlighting the Supreme Court's role in shaping society and the impact of its decisions on marginalized groups.

About Adam Cohen

Adam Cohen is a New York Times bestselling author known for his engaging and insightful writing style. With a background in law, Cohen brings a unique perspective to his exploration of the Supreme Court's impact on American society. His previous works, including "Imbeciles: The Supreme Court, American Eugenics, and the Sterilization of Carrie Buck" and "Nothing to Fear: FDR's Inner Circle and the Hundred Days That Created Modern America," have garnered critical acclaim for their ability to combine legal expertise with compelling storytelling.

Analysis of Views

The Conservative Takeover: Readers express their shock and disappointment at the conservative direction of the Supreme Court since Nixon's administration. Many feel that the Court has consistently sided with corporate interests and has eroded the rights of disadvantaged groups, such as minorities and the poor.
Lack of Checks and Balances: Some readers argue that the Supreme Court has become a political body, with justices appointed based on their ideological beliefs rather than their ability to provide impartial justice. They believe that this lack of checks and balances has contributed to the erosion of democracy and the entrenchment of inequality.
Importance of Historical Context: Readers appreciate the historical context provided by Cohen, which helps them understand the trajectory of the Supreme Court over the past fifty years. They find it heartbreaking to see how far-reaching decisions made during this period have led to the current state of inequality in America.
Lack of Timelines and Organization: A few readers express frustration with the lack of timelines or a clear organization of cases discussed in the book. They feel that this makes it difficult to follow the progression of events and understand the full impact of each ruling.
Impact on Marginalized Groups: Readers are particularly concerned about the impact of Supreme Court rulings on marginalized groups, such as women, minorities, and low-income individuals. They believe that these rulings have exacerbated existing inequalities and hindered progress towards a more just society.

Reasons for Recommendation

Informative and Accessible: Many readers appreciate how Cohen presents complex legal concepts in an accessible manner, making it easier for non-lawyers to understand the significance of Supreme Court rulings.
Clarity and Logical Structure: Readers praise Cohen's ability to provide clear explanations and maintain a logical structure throughout the book. This helps readers navigate complex topics and follow the progression of events.
Importance of Understanding: Readers believe that understanding the Supreme Court's role in shaping society is crucial, especially given the current political climate. They find Cohen's book to be a valuable resource that sheds light on the long-term consequences of court decisions and encourages critical thinking about the future of American democracy.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Timelines and Organization: Some readers feel that the lack of timelines or organization makes it challenging to follow the progression of events and fully appreciate the impact of each ruling discussed in the book. They believe that this could have been addressed with clearer presentation or an appendix listing key cases.
Polarizing Nature: A few readers find that Cohen's portrayal of Supreme Court rulings tends to lean towards a specific political perspective, which may alienate those with opposing views. They suggest that a more balanced approach could have made the book more accessible to a wider audience.

Conclusion

"Supreme Inequality: The Supreme Court's Fifty-Year Battle for a More Unjust America" by Adam Cohen is a thought-provoking examination of the conservative direction of the Supreme Court over the past fifty years. Through his research and analysis, Cohen sheds light on how court decisions have contributed to soaring inequality in America, eroding rights for marginalized groups, and undermining democratic principles. While some readers appreciate Cohen's informative writing style and historical context, others find issues with the lack of timelines and organization in presenting case information. Nonetheless, many recommend this book for its ability to educate readers on the long-term consequences of court decisions and encourage critical reflection on the future of American democracy.