James F. Simon Knihy

The Center Holds provides an intimate look at who the Supreme Court justices are, how they have made critical decisions, and why, ultimately, the Rehnquist Revolution failed.Focusing on four key areas of civil rights and liberties—racial discrimination, abortion, criminal law, and First Amendment freedoms— The Center Holds provides an in-depth look at the Supreme Court documents that illustrate the battle between the old liberal order and emerging conservative majority, beginning in the early 1980s. James F. Simon, a former Time correspondent and contributing editor, ex-dean of New York Law School, and nationally recognized scholar of constitutional law, examines key decisions on civil rights and civil liberties in a readable, intimate look at some key Supreme Court Cases and includes absorbing descriptions of confidential memos and drafts gleaned from sources from within the court.

The narrative explores the intense conflict between President Roosevelt and Chief Justice Hughes regarding the New Deal, highlighting it as a pivotal struggle in 20th-century American politics. Through detailed accounts, the book delves into the ideological clashes and power dynamics that shaped this significant period in U.S. history, offering insights into the broader implications for the judicial and executive branches.