Cover Image: The Chief

The Chief

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Biskupic’s biography The Chief attempts to offer a portrait of John Roberts, a largely unknown and unassuming figure who has been Chief Justice for quite a few years and is expected to continue for quite some time. To call it a biography might actually be a misnomer as the book offers no more than a quick biographical sketch of Roberts’ personal life and is focused mainly on the development of his judicial philosophy. Much of the book is spent on the cases that came before the High Court during Roberts’ term as Chief Justice, with a particular emphasis on only a few areas: affirmative action, redistricting, political fundraising, gay marriage, and, of course, Obamacare. Very little or no space is afforded to other cases including criminal procedure, First Amendment, or other issues. The discussion of these cases is presented with precedential history and in layman’s terms so that even non-lawyers can grasp the details (I imagine).

Biskupic, whose work for several decades has been as a journalist covering the High Court, takes the view that the Justices decide cases based on party affiliation and which side of the spectrum they sit on rather than taking each case fully neutrally and without preconception. Biskupic is clearly of a Liberal bent and her book is colored by her own philosophy, often picking obscure details of Roberts’ past to make her points. It seems that Biskupic views Roberts as a Conservative in Sheep’s clothing, pretending to be neutral and detached, and explains away Roberts’ vote-switching in the Obamacare cases as an effort to protect the institution of the High Court on a partisan-divided issue.

The book is at its best discussing complicated issues such as the election funding issues in the Citizens United case and the slew of cases addressing affirmative action and redistricting. It fumbles though in offering a nuanced understanding who John Roberts is as a person, seemingly only viewing his life and work through partisan lens.

Was this review helpful?

This was a wonderful biography of the life of John Roberts. Biskupic takes us back generations to show us where Roberts comes from and then brings us forward chronologically, focusing heavily on his education and years as a jurist. It's thorough and very well written. The issue is that the title of the book implies that this will primarily be about Roberts as the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, where only the final few chapters talk about this period. This works as a biography, but I think it was written way too soon in Roberts' tenure as Chief Justice, and Biskupic does acknowledge this at the end of the book. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Joan Biskupic provides many interesting tidbits about the life of Chief Roberts. I learned many great stories about his life.

Was this review helpful?

Joan Biskupic, professionally-renowned critic, investigates the life of Chief Justice John Roberts in this well-documented work. She presents a chronology of Roberts' personal life that is compelling since Roberts is considered an enigmatic figure. In the text, In fact, Roberts is called "an introvert who learned to be an extrovert." Biskupic presents the reader with a man who presides over the highest court of this land and has dedicated his life from an early age to law and justice. Roberts' career has shaped and will continue to shape law and justice in the United States for a long time yet.

Was this review helpful?

President George W. Bush described Chief Justice John Roberts (then a nominee for the Supreme Court) as being 'in spite of the sparkling resume...a gentle man with a gentle soul'. Catholic and extremely intelligent, Chief Justice Roberts was brought up with strong, traditional values. This book is a liberal critique of many of his past decisions on race, immigration, electoral rights, business and abortion (mostly before he was nominated for the Supreme Court), as well as an interesting biography. His dissenting opinion from the Court's 2015 decision to uphold same-sex marriage is an example of his religious and conservative views. 'Just who do you think we are?' he said, protesting about the decision.

Yet he doesn't always make decisions which conform with his views, for example, he preserved Obamacare. Biskupic writes that his desire for high public regard for the independence of the Court sometimes conflicts with his conservative opinions, as they should.

This is an interesting study of one of the most important and influential men in America.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

A well-written look into the life and judicial philosophy of Chief Justice John G. Roberts. The details regarding former Chief Justice's decisions and a look into stare decisis. It was super interesting and I really recommend this to anyone who is interesting in learning where Roberts really stands on the issues and insight to how the Supreme Court operates.

Was this review helpful?