Taking Back the Constitution by Mark Tushnet

978-0300245981


320 Pages
Publisher: Yale University Press
Release Date: July 14, 2020

Non-fiction, History, Politics, Judicial Branch, Law

There is a reference from John Roberts that judges are like umpires at a ballgame calling balls and strikes. To me it is hard to see legal issues broken down to such simple definitions since the law seems to be more shades of gray. The placement of judges shows how the court could lean for decades.


This book is written as a reference book and although at times was difficult to read, I enjoyed learning about the Supreme Court and how it operates. It explains the difference between originalists and living constitutionalists referring how the constitution is interpreted. The basis seems to be intent of specific words which seems difficult to gage from a document written over 200 years ago. If you are interested in the law, politics, or the future direction of the country, you may enjoy this book.

Taking Back the Constitution : Activist Judges and the Next Age of American Law is an insightful and thought provoking look at how judges’ own views influence how they decide cases. Extremely relevant and eye opening read.