The book delves into the establishment and evolution of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Services, highlighting its creation and the challenges it has faced over the years. Jonathan Lurie offers an insightful analysis of the court's role in navigating the complex dynamics between civil and military authority, shedding light on a significant yet overlooked aspect of the American legal system. With a balanced approach, the work enriches the understanding of military justice in the United States.
The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1868, sought to
protect the rights of the newly freed slaves; but its first important test -
centered on a vitriolic dispute among the white butchers of mid-Reconstruction
New Orleans - did not arise until five years later. This is a guide to one of
the US Supreme Court's most famous cases.
"Jonathan Lurie offers a comprehensive examination of the Supreme Court tenure of the only person to have held the offices of president of the United States and chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. Taft joined the Court during the Jazz Age and the era of prohibition, a period of disillusion and retreat from the idealism reflected during Woodrow Wilson's presidency. Lurie considers how conservative trends at this time were reflected in key decisions of Taft's court. Although Taft was considered an undistinguished chief executive, such a characterization cannot be applied to his tenure as chief justice. Lurie demonstrates that Taft's leadership on this tribunal, matched by his productive relations with Congress, in effect created the modern Supreme Court. Furthermore he draws on the unpublished letters Taft wrote to his three children, Robert, Helen, and Charles, generally once a week. His missives contain an intriguing mixture of family news, insights concerning contemporaneous political issues, and occasional commentary on his fellow justices and cases under consideration. Lurie structures his study in parallel with the eight full terms in which Taft occupied the center seat. Lurie examines key decisions while avoiding legal jargon wherever possible. The high point of Taft's chief justiceship was the period from 1921 to 1925. The second part of his tenure was in fact a period of slow decline, with his health worsening with each passing year. By early 1930 he was forced to resign, and his death soon followed. In the epilogue Lurie explains why Taft is still regarded as an outstanding chief justice--if not a great jurist--and details why this distinction is important."-- Provided by publisher
The book explores the complex relationship between William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt, offering a fresh perspective on Taft's presidency. It situates Taft within the broader progressive movement, highlighting his policies and challenges. By re-evaluating his contributions and interactions with Roosevelt, the narrative provides a nuanced understanding of Taft's role in American history and the evolution of progressive ideals during his time in office.
The book explores the evolution of military law and conduct through four historical chapters, focusing on key periods such as the Civil War, World War II, the post-war era, and post-9/11 developments. Each chapter features essential documents, including Supreme Court briefs and articles from prominent publications, providing insights into military justice's relationship with constitutional law. The introductions analyze how federal and state statutes have impacted civilian oversight of the military, illustrating the complexities of military governance in American history.
The book delves into the Supreme Court's justices under Chief Justice Salmon Portland Chase, highlighting their "cautiously moderate" approach to jurisprudence over a decade. It offers insights into the dynamics of the Court during this period, exploring key decisions and the influences that shaped their interpretations of the law. Through this examination, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by the justices in navigating legal and political landscapes.
