(Reviewed by JD Jung)
“I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations which dare already to challenge our government in a trial of strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.” – Thomas Jefferson
The Supreme Court didn’t agree. Chief Justice John Marshall considered corporations to have constitutional rights. Though the impact of many decisions has changed or evolved throughout the years, this one has not.
Jefferson wanted the Court’s power reduced or even eliminated and saw it as an “elitist undemocratic institution”, which could prevent social, economic, and political change.
Now I understand his views as I read Last Chance for Justice. This account provides a fascinating, detailed history of the United States Supreme Court from its inception to the current day. Attorney and author Eugene E. Siegel explains the background of the decisions within the political and sociological framework of the times. He also gives examples of when the Court has been apprehensive to take on cases that would affect social change.
He gives examples of notable Supreme Court justices who either advanced rights of citizens or damaged social progress. Many decisions were unfair or downright evil, and he explains the harm that they caused. He also shows rulings that were later rejected.
I found it especially interesting how the interpretation of the rights of free speech have changed over time. Also, some felt that the 13th and 14th Amendments should be applied to protect businesses from governmental interference.
I always thought that the Supreme Court was supposed to be apolitical and have been appalled at many of their rulings. On the contrary, Siegal shows us that the Court has been very political. Many early justices were politicians and President William Howard Taft later held the position of Chief Justice.
The only problem I had with the book was that I felt many of the presidents and justices’ biographies had too much early life detail that didn’t help us to understand how it shaped their worldview. That is minor though, as the reader can skim over that.
Last Chance for Justice gave me better insight into the U.S. Supreme Court and its history and the hope that it will preserve the rights of all Americans, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race.
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