LAW / Reference Books

In THE BRETHREN, investigative journalists Bob Woodward and Scott Armstrong look behind the robes of the United States Supreme Court, traditionally the most secretive of the three branches of government. Through references to key cases and decisions, as well as deep research, interviews, and a dose of tabloid-style gossip, Woodward and Armstrong track how the court works, and in doing so reveal that the august body is comprised of individuals with great intellect and experience, yet whose deliberations are marked sometimes by personal rivalries, factions, and compromise. Focusing on six terms of the Burger Court, which followed the historic Warren Court, they show that politics sometimes factors into the decisions, while also showing that the Constitution, however it is argued and debated, remains the fixed point of reference always. Published in 1979, THE BRETHREN was a groundbreaking, behind-the-scenes account that fascinated the reading public.

This title is an unflinching look at a justice system kidnapped by a racist cop, shameless defense lawyers, a starstruck judge, and a dysfunctional jury. It shows what the television cameras could not: behind-the-scenes meetings in which Darden tried to determine whether Detective Mark Fuhrman was telling the truth about his racist views; deteriorating relationships between the defense and prosecution teams, with taunting, baiting, and a pushing match between Darden and Simpson; a judge who let the case get out of control while he collected hourglasses from fans and invited celebrities into his chambers. Darden is candid about his own performance--including the brash decision to put the gloves on Simpson--and details the inner workings of the largest prosecution team in California history. He also recounts the strong relationship between himself and Marcia Clark, who was exhausted by the pressures from a bitter ex-husband and demeaning treatment from the other lawyers and Judge Ito.

This title is an unflinching look at a justice system kidnapped by a racist cop, shameless defense lawyers, a starstruck judge, and a dysfunctional jury. It shows what the television cameras could not: behind-the-scenes meetings in which Darden tried to determine whether Detective Mark Fuhrman was telling the truth about his racist views; deteriorating relationships between the defense and prosecution teams, with taunting, baiting, and a pushing match between Darden and Simpson; a judge who let the case get out of control while he collected hourglasses from fans and invited celebrities into his chambers. Darden is candid about his own performance--including the brash decision to put the gloves on Simpson--and details the inner workings of the largest prosecution team in California history. He also recounts the strong relationship between himself and Marcia Clark, who was exhausted by the pressures from a bitter ex-husband and demeaning treatment from the other lawyers and Judge Ito.