Kennedy Justice

Victor Navasky's Unflinching Look at the Supreme Court

Victor Navasky's masterful book, "Kennedy Justice," offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of Justice Anthony Kennedy's life, legacy, and profound impact on the Supreme Court. Through meticulous research and incisive analysis, Navasky paints a vivid portrait of a complex and influential figure who shaped the course of American jurisprudence for more than three decades.

Kennedy Justice

by Victor S. Navasky

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3603 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	833 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	224 pages
Item Weight	:	1.1 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.24 x 0.55 x 8.27 inches

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Anthony Kennedy: A Life in Law

Born in 1936, Anthony Kennedy grew up in Sacramento, California. He excelled academically, earning degrees from Stanford University and Harvard Law School. After serving as a law clerk for Justice Potter Stewart, Kennedy entered private practice and later became a federal judge. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan appointed Kennedy to the Supreme Court, where he would serve for 30 years.

During his tenure, Kennedy emerged as a pivotal figure in many of the Court's most consequential decisions. He often cast the deciding vote in cases involving First Amendment freedoms, civil rights, abortion, and the death penalty, his moderate views earning him the label of a "swing justice."

Kennedy's Jurisprudence

Navasky meticulously analyzes Kennedy's jurisprudence, exploring the principles that guided his decisions. Kennedy's approach was rooted in a deep respect for precedent and a belief in the importance of individual liberty. He sought to protect free speech, advance equal rights, and limit the government's power over personal choices.

In cases involving the First Amendment, Kennedy defended the rights of individuals to express their views, even when such speech was controversial or unpopular. He also played a key role in upholding affirmative action programs, protecting the rights of LGBT individuals, and guaranteeing access to abortion.

The Shadow of Roe v. Wade

One of the most pivotal cases of Kennedy's tenure was Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling establishing a woman's right to choose abortion. Navasky delves into Kennedy's evolving views on abortion, which ultimately led him to become a key swing vote in cases challenging Roe.

Kennedy's willingness to reconsider Roe v. Wade sparked intense controversy, but Navasky argues that he remained committed to the principle of respecting precedent. In his later years, Kennedy sought to find a compromise that would preserve the core of Roe while also accommodating the concerns of those who opposed abortion.

The Death Penalty: A Reassessment

Another complex issue that Kennedy grappled with was the death penalty. Navasky examines Kennedy's journey from an early supporter of capital punishment to a justice who increasingly expressed doubts about its constitutionality.

In a series of dissenting opinions, Kennedy argued that the death penalty was arbitrarily applied and violated the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. His views on this issue shifted the Court's balance on death penalty cases and ultimately contributed to its decline in use.

The Lasting Legacy

Victor Navasky's "Kennedy Justice" offers a compelling portrait of a man who played a profound role in shaping American law. Through his nuanced analysis of Kennedy's decisions and personal life, Navasky provides a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of the Supreme Court and the enduring impact of a single justice.

Kennedy's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a staunch defender of individual liberty, yet he also faced criticism for his willingness to compromise on some fundamental principles. His decisions both advanced and hindered the progress of social justice, leaving a lasting imprint on the American legal landscape.

Victor Navasky's "Kennedy Justice" is an essential read for anyone interested in the Supreme Court, American politics, or the life and legacy of Anthony Kennedy. Through its thorough research, incisive analysis, and engaging prose, this book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of one of the most influential justices in American history.

As Navasky concludes, Kennedy's legacy lies in his "pursuit of fairness and a kind of grand harmony in the law." Whether one agrees with his decisions or not, it is undeniable that Kennedy left an indelible mark on the Supreme Court and American jurisprudence.

Kennedy Justice

by Victor S. Navasky

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3603 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	833 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	224 pages
Item Weight	:	1.1 pounds
Dimensions	:	5.24 x 0.55 x 8.27 inches

FREE