Out of Order: Stories from the History of the Supreme Court

The first female Supreme Court justice attempts to shed light on some of its transformations, offering "snapshots of the people and events that reflect the Court%E2%80%99s evolution and journey." Since its inception in 1790, the Court has had its share of colorful characters, landmark cases, and an early history that belies its contemporary status as a well-respected institution. O%E2%80%99Connor tells tales of memorable justices%E2%80%94including former president William Howard Taft and first Chief Justice John Jay%E2%80%94and admits to how overwhelming her first day on the job was. She relates how presentations to the court are often nervously made by lawyers, who were famously advised back in 1940 to "rejoice when the Court asks questions." There are no longer interminable oral arguments, because "the Court%E2%80%99s modern practice has homed in on the legal, rather than the emotional, aspects of the case." O%E2%80%99Connor profiles four justices she deems larger than life, and includes a chapter, "Some Laughs on the Bench," that, though amusing, are not exactly belly laughs. The book is rounded out with the text of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and an admirable series of notes. (Mar.)