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Constitutional Chaos: What Happens When the Government Breaks Its Own Laws
In this alarming book, Fox News commentator Judge Napolitano makes the solid case that there is a pernicious and ever-expanding pattern of government abuse in America's criminal justice system, leading him to establish his general creed: "The government is not your friend." As an attorney, a law professor, a commentator, a judge, and now a successful television personality...more
Hardcover, 234 pages
Published
November 11th 2004
by Nelson Current
(first published 2004)
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Excellent book. Napolitano covers dozens of cases in which the local or federal government has broken its own laws including the case at Ruby Ridge, Waco and the Branch Davidians, the case of Elien Gonzalez, and the many unconstitutional practices since 9/11 and the so-called war on terror.
The founding fathers fought hard to escape the tyranny of King George III. Ironically, over two hundred years later another George has come along and with the PATRIOT act has given the government powers even...more
The founding fathers fought hard to escape the tyranny of King George III. Ironically, over two hundred years later another George has come along and with the PATRIOT act has given the government powers even...more
This provides a traditional Law perspective by Napolitano. His perspective he gives truly made me rethink and look again at the laws that are passed by the government, the manner that they are enforced through the Dept of Justice, and the Constitution of the United States. The only issue I have with the book is the sourcing. He does mention certain events by personal experience, but controversial topics (such as the Waco and Ruby Ridge incidents during the 1990s) doesn't have a footnote or any m...more
Napolitano, a former judge, demonstrates that the government is not in the business of justice, but of power. Our government has lost all restraint and exercises raw power as much as it can, in order to control the lives of those that it is meant to protect. We must be careful to return the authority to the people, and hold the government accountable, lest we too get caught in the machinery of the state.
Contrary to popular belief, the government is most certainly not your friend. We must recogni...more
Contrary to popular belief, the government is most certainly not your friend. We must recogni...more
The book, about Government violations of the US Constitution, is divided into four parts: Rights and Liberties, Wake-Up Call (a personal statement), The War on Terror, and his solutions in "What Can We Do?" of which the first and third part are the main substance. It is a damning critique of our corrupt judicial system and government generally.
Chapter one addresses instances of the feds engaging in illegal abduction, cops routinely lying in court, home invasions and illegal seizures, etc. Chapte...more
Chapter one addresses instances of the feds engaging in illegal abduction, cops routinely lying in court, home invasions and illegal seizures, etc. Chapte...more
"Unless you work for it, sell to it, or receive financial assistance from it, the government is not your friend.
This statement from Constitutional Chaos highlights one of the points that Napolitano makes in this book: when it is not outright breaking the law to achieve a goal it desires, it subverts the law to take what it wants. He discusses the Takings Clause of the 5th Amendment, which has evolved into the 'right' of the government to take property for non-public purposes as long as they can...more
This statement from Constitutional Chaos highlights one of the points that Napolitano makes in this book: when it is not outright breaking the law to achieve a goal it desires, it subverts the law to take what it wants. He discusses the Takings Clause of the 5th Amendment, which has evolved into the 'right' of the government to take property for non-public purposes as long as they can...more
Although his first book, I read it last; definitely beginning (!) to sense a theme here. The government breaks its own laws; the government violates the constitution and infringes on rights all the time. Such a monster must not be allowed to exist.
Saddening reality of today's judicial practices, the abandonment of the citizens having rule over themselves and the right to privacy and freedoms. Current trends have us giving up freedom at an alarming rate, and by the time we notice it may be too late.
Excellent yet frustrating book. I'm sure as a judge he is 100% right but if you read constitutional law books and others you just can't see him being correct. I recommend this book, it isn't sexy but it is well done and Napolitano does a good job.
I found this book to be very helpful to understanding the application of Libertarian political philosophy to law. The simple principle of: If I can't do "X" as an individual why is it suddenly ok when the government does "X" is priceless.
Very interesting book about how the judicial and executive branches of government are denying Constitutional rights to citizens. We need to be aware of what the president and the Supreme Court are doing.
This book will make you ANGRY, and that is a very good thing. The Judge tells all about the behind the scenes of our judicial system and the lawlessness that encompasses it.
This excellent book shows how politicians, judges, prosecutors, and bureaucrats are trampling the U.S. Constitution in the name of law and order and fighting terrorism.
Great, amazing! For a high school student. Oh, this is a complete book written by a judge? Oh. Sorry. My mistake.
Had this been written tighter, the subject matter would have been that much more weightier. But, he seems to take time to (a) point out how great he is and (b) jumps to conclusions not fully developed within his argument.
Had this been written tighter, the subject matter would have been that much more weightier. But, he seems to take time to (a) point out how great he is and (b) jumps to conclusions not fully developed within his argument.
Extremely eye-opening and thought-provoking. The Judge has definitely got me questioning a few things, thanks to this book.
This was written in 2004, just a few short years after 9/11. I would be very interested in reading a revised and updated version of it. I'm sure Judge Napolitano would have a lot more fodder for us to consider.
This was written in 2004, just a few short years after 9/11. I would be very interested in reading a revised and updated version of it. I'm sure Judge Napolitano would have a lot more fodder for us to consider.
I felt like I was reading an essay written by a college student, but the information was really interesting.
Easy read. Legal analysis for the non- lawyer. Nothing special in a good way or a bad way.
Overall: scary how many and how much of our constitutional protections are worn away by the judicial branch that once protected them.
Overall: scary how many and how much of our constitutional protections are worn away by the judicial branch that once protected them.
Scary possibilities but the book shows how terrorism has changed the rules of the democratic game. ..and this during a republican presidency so it has nothing to do with Pres. Obama. I wonder what he will think of......
Interesting read about the breakdown of our Constitution happening all over the country. Some things had me scratching my head a little but others totally resonated. Gotta love the Judge, though!
The Judge is awesome. Great book. Learned about supreme court and helped me understand why some of those on the left get uptight about their consititutonal rights.
Sep 07, 2008
Andrew Nicely
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone who wants to see the government in action
This book opened my eyes to see how the judicial branch of the government really does not follow the constitution at all and how they get away with it.
Read for a political science class I took a couple of years back and thought it was a good read. Pretty interesting stuff actually.
Jul 14, 2012
Brian Blum
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Supporters of Big Government
Recommended to Brian by:
Congressman Ron Paul
Fantastic ... and scary. Terrific book - well written and especially pertinent considering the upcoming election season.
Yet another journey into what ails this nations I have come to love.
We should listen, and then act
We should listen, and then act
May 23, 2013
Ryan
marked it as to-read
May 23, 2013
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May 10, 2013
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Andrew Paolo Napolitano is a former New Jersey Superior Court Judge. He is a political and senior judicial analyst for Fox News Channel, commenting on legal news and trials. Napolitano started on the channel in 1998. He is a Libertarian and a strong advocate of the Constitution, viewing it as a contract that must, according to rule of law, be interpreted the way its authors intended or else be inv...more
More about Andrew P. Napolitano...
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