Title
Leaving the Bench: Supreme Court Justices at the End,Used
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Suffering from a bad heart, emphysema, glaucoma, and deafness, Thurgood Marshall finally retired from the Supreme Court at the age of 82 in spite of having always claimed I was appointed to a life term, and I intend to serve it. Many observers felt he should have left much earlier.Life appointments make Supreme Court justices among the most powerful officials in government and allow even dysfunctional judges to stay on long after they should have departed. For that reason, when a justice leaves the bench is often as controversial as when hes appointed. This first comprehensive historical treatment of their deaths, resignations, and retirements explains when and why justices do step down. It considers the diverse circumstances under which they leave office and clarifies why they often are reluctant to, showing how factors like pensions, party loyalty, or personal pride come into play. It also relates physical ailments to mental faculties, offering examples of how a justices disability sometimes affects Court decisions.David Atkinson examines each of the nearly 100 men who have left the bench and provides anecdotal glimpses into the lives of famous and obscure justices alike. He reveals how men like Salmon Chase and William O. Douglas determinedly continued to serve after suffering strokes, how Joseph McKenna persevered despite knowing he was professionally unqualified, and how, long before Thurgood Marshall, the ailing octogenarian Gabriel Duvall finally retired after struggling to protect another ideological position on the Court.Ultimately, Atkinson shows just how human these people are and enhances our understanding of how the Court conducts its business. He also suggests specific ways to improve the present situation, weighing the pros and cons of mandatory retirement and calling for reform in the delegation of duties to law clerkswho in recent years have dominated the actual writing of many justices decisions.As the current Court ages, how long might we expect justices to remain on the bench? Because our next president will likely make several appointments, now is the time to consider what shape the Supreme Court will take in the next century. Offering a wealth of information never before collected, Leaving the Bench provides substantial grist for that debate and will serve as an unimpeachable reference on the Court.
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- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is hardcover. Hardcover bindings are designed for durability and longevity, making them suitable for repeated use.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book contains two hundred sixty-two pages. The length allows for a thorough exploration of the subject matter.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures six and a half inches in length, one inch in width, and nine and a half inches in height. These dimensions make it easy to handle and store.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is David N. Atkinson. He provides insightful analysis into the lives of Supreme Court justices.
- Q: What subject does this book cover? A: This book focuses on the lives and departures of Supreme Court justices. It delves into their retirements, resignations, and the unique circumstances surrounding their exits.
- Q: Is this book suitable for law students? A: Yes, this book is suitable for law students. It offers a comprehensive historical treatment that can enhance understanding of judicial careers.
- Q: How does the book address the retirement of justices? A: The book examines the factors influencing justices' retirements. It discusses how personal pride, party loyalty, and physical ailments can affect their decisions to step down.
- Q: Does this book provide historical context? A: Yes, it provides historical context regarding Supreme Court justices. The author offers anecdotal glimpses into the lives of both famous and obscure justices.
- Q: What recommendations does the author make? A: The author suggests reforms regarding mandatory retirement and the delegation of duties to law clerks. These recommendations aim to improve how justices conduct their business.
- Q: Is this book a used copy? A: Yes, this is a used book in good condition. It may show some signs of wear but remains a valuable resource.
- Q: What audience would benefit from this book? A: This book is beneficial for legal professionals, historians, and anyone interested in the Supreme Court. It provides a deep dive into the judicial system and its figures.
- Q: What are the key themes of the book? A: Key themes include judicial power, the impact of personal health on decision-making, and the circumstances under which justices resign or retire.
- Q: How does the author enhance understanding of the Supreme Court? A: The author enhances understanding by providing humanizing anecdotes about justices. These insights help readers grasp the complexities of judicial roles.
- Q: Can this book be used as a reference? A: Yes, this book can serve as an unimpeachable reference on the Supreme Court. It compiles information not previously collected in one source.
- Q: What is the publication brand of this book? A: The book is published by University Press of Kansas. This publisher is known for its academic and scholarly works.