Democratic Justice - Felix Frankfurter, the Supreme Court, and the Making of the Liberal Establishment

Clearly and gracefully written, this biography provides the reader a significant slice of the political and judicial life of our country over the first six decades of the last century.Professor Snyder has produced a comprehensive history of one of the more significant members of the U.S. Supreme Court. Felix Frankfurter had a hand in many of the notable events of his era, including the Saccco-Vanzetti case, the New Deal, Zionism, the Rosenberg spy case, and Brown v. Board of Education. He encouraged and mentored many of the bright Harvard graduates (such as Dean Acheson) who entered government service.Those interested in the internal dynamics of decision-making at the U.S. Supreme Court, politics within FDR's administration, or those simply wanting to learn more about the man should read this sympathetic account of Frankfurter's life and work. It also provides a good base from which to understand some of the arguments against judicial activism that still circle the current U.S. Supreme Court.While I do not agree with all the author's points and conclusions, he has written a useful and compelling book. I highly recommend it.

Given the current focus on originalism as a means of interpreting the constitution, it is interesting to consider an alternative means of ensuring that law creation comes primarily from legislative bodies.