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A Republic, If You Can Keep It
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Justice Neil Gorsuch reflects on his journey to the Supreme Court, the role of the judge under our Constitution, and the vital responsibility of each American to keep our republic strong.
As Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention, he was reportedly asked what kind of government the founders would propose. He replied, “A republic, i ...more
As Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention, he was reportedly asked what kind of government the founders would propose. He replied, “A republic, i ...more
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For quite a few years now, I have been attempting to read everything I can about the Supreme Court. When I saw this book by Gorsuch, I had to buy it.
The book is well written and is easy to read. The book is not exactly a memoir, but Gorsuch does tell about his life and how he was appointed to the Supreme Court. He came from a family of attorneys so it was no wonder he chose the law. Some chapters appear to be written for the book; some are speeches or papers he has written in the past. Primarily ...more
The book is well written and is easy to read. The book is not exactly a memoir, but Gorsuch does tell about his life and how he was appointed to the Supreme Court. He came from a family of attorneys so it was no wonder he chose the law. Some chapters appear to be written for the book; some are speeches or papers he has written in the past. Primarily ...more
I saw this book at my local library and thought it would be good to get to know one of our newest Supreme Court Justices a little better and I got to say that I am glad I did! Neil Gorsuch provides excerpts from a wide variety of speeches, lectures and decisions that he has made over the years working at a judge and professor. Neil provides insights into the nature of the Constitution, the role of the judge in society, and the importance of originialism and textualism as the best method of inter
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Just finished - everyone who is interested in or concerned about SCOTUS should read this book. Listening to Gorsuch explain his judicial philosophy with concrete examples is encouraging. If we had more like him, the court would cease to be the center of attention because it would stay in its lane, and force the other branches to do the same. Restoring the balance of powers would go a long way to insuring (restoring?) domestic tranquility and to securing the blessings of liberty.
"A good judge kn ...more
"A good judge kn ...more
This is a whole lot more personal memoir and general philosophy within USA discourse than I thought it would be. It's wordy, lawyer exact, and verbose eloquent prone at the same time. The photographs, especially within Colorado are 5 star. Most of the copy is 3.5 stars at least, but I can't round it up because it is in tone smooth but at the same time does not inclusively tie in with the title onus, IMHO.
Much of his opinion and mentoring or procedural articles in sequences at the end are excell ...more
Much of his opinion and mentoring or procedural articles in sequences at the end are excell ...more
Feb 17, 2020
Patrick O'Hannigan
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review of another edition
Shelves:
philosophy-and-values,
business-and-leadership
I read this book after hearing Rush Limbaugh wax enthusiastically about it on air. Most of it is dense, not because it's unclear or badly written, but because Gorsuch writes with so much precision that many ideas are crammed into each paragraph.
Anyone curious about the role or challenges faced by judges in the American legal system should read this book. By the end of it, I found myself wishing that Neil Gorsuch was the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, rather than just one of his esteeme ...more
Anyone curious about the role or challenges faced by judges in the American legal system should read this book. By the end of it, I found myself wishing that Neil Gorsuch was the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, rather than just one of his esteeme ...more
A Valuable Read
This book; though it is largely assembled from existing materials, provides valuable insight into the views and character of Justice Gorsuch. There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking here, but I feel that I step away from it with a better understanding of the man and confidence in him as a principled originalist.
This book; though it is largely assembled from existing materials, provides valuable insight into the views and character of Justice Gorsuch. There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking here, but I feel that I step away from it with a better understanding of the man and confidence in him as a principled originalist.
Thoughtful. Chapter three is a tour-de-force on originalism and textualism. Good book explaining his philosophy in layman’s terms.
Think about everything Gorsuch has done since 2016. Now imagine 352 pages of the polar opposite of all those thoughts and actions. Hypocrisy on every page. It's fucking embarrassing.
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A Republic, If You Can Keep It is an excellent read. Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch writes this amazing read to both tell the reader of his judicial philosophies, but also his views of various subjects related to the law. He does so in both an engaging, but also common man style. This is not an academic read, but one for ordinary people.
A Republic, If You Can Keep It explains the idea of Textualism and Originalism and why they are both important. The case is made very well and in such a mann ...more
A Republic, If You Can Keep It explains the idea of Textualism and Originalism and why they are both important. The case is made very well and in such a mann ...more
Justice Gorsuch has provided the general public a lovely compilation of his own speeches, opinion excerpts, and some personal writings. For those interested in both the world-view and court-view of the new Justice, this book is a recommended read. For those interested in a memoir, a recap of the confirmation hearing, or an intellectual exposition, this is no such book. Perhaps we'll receive one or all of those from Gorsuch in the many years to come.
Honestly, the excerpts from his written opinion ...more
Honestly, the excerpts from his written opinion ...more
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A Republic, If You Can Keep It
• By Neil Gorsuch (with Jane Nitze and David Feder)
Published in 2019, about 350 pages.
OVERVIEW:
Justice Neil Gorsuch reflects on his journey to the Supreme Court, the role of the judge under our Constitution, and the vital responsibility of each American to keep our republic strong.
As Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention, he was reportedly asked what kind of government the founders would propose. He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
In thi ...more
A Republic, If You Can Keep It
• By Neil Gorsuch (with Jane Nitze and David Feder)
Published in 2019, about 350 pages.
OVERVIEW:
Justice Neil Gorsuch reflects on his journey to the Supreme Court, the role of the judge under our Constitution, and the vital responsibility of each American to keep our republic strong.
As Benjamin Franklin left the Constitutional Convention, he was reportedly asked what kind of government the founders would propose. He replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.”
In thi ...more
With ACB confirmed a week ago I was curious about originalism and textualism as it comes to interpretation of the Constitution. I listened to an unabridged audiobook. It was a bit dry at times but interesting overall.
This book helped convince me that separation of powers, not merely suggests, but even demands, a judiciary that applies this philosophy (originalism) to their decision making process.
There are portions that are repetitive in that the book does, in part, deal with past speeches Justi ...more
This book helped convince me that separation of powers, not merely suggests, but even demands, a judiciary that applies this philosophy (originalism) to their decision making process.
There are portions that are repetitive in that the book does, in part, deal with past speeches Justi ...more
Excellently written, of course. The book is more an amalgamation of his past speeches and written judicial opinions cobbled together and organized under thematic unity, and it works. It’s not really a treatise, in case you’re looking for that.
It’s always fascinating to get in the head of a Supreme Court Justice, and this was no exception. I feel a slight connection with Justice Gorsuch because I attended University of Colorado Law school for my first year of law school and I lived in a neighbor ...more
It’s always fascinating to get in the head of a Supreme Court Justice, and this was no exception. I feel a slight connection with Justice Gorsuch because I attended University of Colorado Law school for my first year of law school and I lived in a neighbor ...more
I liked this book (3/5 stars). I remember taking AP Gov in high school and learning about the two methods of interpreting the Constitution, Originalism and Living Constitutionalism, and just automatically linking Conservative -> Originalism and Liberal -> Living Constitutionalism. Although the correlation is present, Justice Gorsuch corrects my thinking. Originalists are not Conservative, they are conservative in the sense that the Constitution's original intent should be conserved.
I found Justi ...more
I found Justi ...more
3 stars!
“Through our history the lawyers who have made the greatest mark on this country were the one that were willing to stand firm for justice in the face of immense pressure and often at grave personal costs”
This novel let me a distinct look in the judiciary view of one of the most important judges on planet earth, and i appreciate it for doing just that.
I learned a lot from the chapters discussing Originalism and how it can be implanted in different situat ...more
This book is a helter-skelter compilation of his Justice Gorsuch's thoughts on a wide range of issues and topics. It was randomly divided between what I termed the book (which expounds on his argument about how the separation of powers is breaking down and the dangers that cause) and his personal paraphernalia (anecdotes, former speeches, court opinions, etc).
I really liked the book sections. The argument was well made and persuasive and I learned a great deal about the justice system in Americ ...more
I really liked the book sections. The argument was well made and persuasive and I learned a great deal about the justice system in Americ ...more
The book is much more than a memoir where justice Gorsuch tells us about his life, background, influences and his professional path to an appointment to the Unites States Supreme Court...It serves as a warning that, as founded, we the people have had our economic, political, legal and personal liberties diminished over time and the "culprit" has been a willingness of our political institutions to erode the distinctions present in the foundational principle of "Checks and Balances"...Also provide
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what should be law verses what is law. People are often unreasonable illogical and self-centered Forgive them anyway. If you are kind people may accuse you of selfish motives Be kind anyway. If you are successful you will win some false fiends and some true enemies Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years building someone could destroy overnight Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness they may be jealous Be h
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I'm glad to have read this book. From the title you might think it would touch on politics, but it steers clear entirely. Gorsuch is concerned to promote a healthy judicial philosophy. He harps again and again on separation of powers (rightfully so), stressing that a good judge is humble. A good judge might not like all of the policy ramifications of his decisions, but that is not his concern. His concern is textualism--interpreting the law as written, not as we might like it to have been writte
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Justice Gorsuch narrates his own book, full of interesting anecdotes and insights from his years as a lawyer, judge, justice, husband, and father (and westerner). Gorsuch opines on the separation of powers, the rule of law, interpretation, problematic case and statutory law, ethics, and private/public life. This book is written for the layperson, but there are parts that seem like they'd be esoteric to one not trained in the language of law. Still, the insights the justice offers are worthy of c
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This is a good book that helped me understand more about the Constitution, the law, our republic, the role of the Supreme Court, Congress, and each of us as citizens. I appreciated the important reminder of the uniqueness of our three branches of government, the role of our judges and lawmakers, and our responsibility to be engaged in our community and country to help keep the power with the people. What a unique and wonderful blessing and responsibility to live in this republic! I was impressed
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What is A Republic, If You Can Keep It about?
Quoting from the book jacket: “…Justice [Neil] Gorsuch draws on his nearly thirty-year career as a lawyer, teacher, judge, and justice to explore essential aspects of our Constitution, its separation of powers, and the liberties it is designed to protect. He discusses the role of the judge in our constitutional order, and why he believes that originalism and textualism [emphasis added] are the surest guides to interpreting our nation’s founding docume ...more
Quoting from the book jacket: “…Justice [Neil] Gorsuch draws on his nearly thirty-year career as a lawyer, teacher, judge, and justice to explore essential aspects of our Constitution, its separation of powers, and the liberties it is designed to protect. He discusses the role of the judge in our constitutional order, and why he believes that originalism and textualism [emphasis added] are the surest guides to interpreting our nation’s founding docume ...more
I borrowed this from a library, but nearly the entirety of this $30 book is reassembled from prior writings and speeches, most of which could be found online. I suppose Gorsuch and his co-authors curate the material but even so.
Good, but not worth retention/ a reread
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2020
This book was not published on a large publishing house, and I see why: Though it did have some excellent points and lines of reasoning, it was not a book that was written as a "through composed project." It's more like the judge had a series of speeches that he had written over his a decade as a judge and then he just stapled them together (with a few inserts) to create a new book.
There really was a good bo ...more
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2020
This book was not published on a large publishing house, and I see why: Though it did have some excellent points and lines of reasoning, it was not a book that was written as a "through composed project." It's more like the judge had a series of speeches that he had written over his a decade as a judge and then he just stapled them together (with a few inserts) to create a new book.
There really was a good bo ...more
Neil Gorsuch recently became a Supreme Court judge. His book "A Republic, If You Can Keep It" has biographical elements and some of his personal observations of the law.
Gorsuch gives a brief biography of his life. He discusses his parents and his grandparents and the influence that they had on him. He discussed his nomination to the Supreme Court and the transition that he and his family made to Washington, D.C.
He points out how important the constitution is and how important it is that judges ...more
Gorsuch gives a brief biography of his life. He discusses his parents and his grandparents and the influence that they had on him. He discussed his nomination to the Supreme Court and the transition that he and his family made to Washington, D.C.
He points out how important the constitution is and how important it is that judges ...more
I appreciate that he sees the strict lines drawn by the framers between the three branches of government.
Four stars. A splendid explication of his judicial philosophy by a decent thoughtful man I just happened to have some significant disagreements with.
The realization that we have lost the Supreme Court for a generation is a bitter pill, that reflects the self-indulgent insularity and competitive ineptness of the Left. Accepting the reality that a Republican President will be nominating justices and judges to be approved by a Republican Senate, it is hard to see how we could ask for more than Asso ...more
The realization that we have lost the Supreme Court for a generation is a bitter pill, that reflects the self-indulgent insularity and competitive ineptness of the Left. Accepting the reality that a Republican President will be nominating justices and judges to be approved by a Republican Senate, it is hard to see how we could ask for more than Asso ...more
Really enjoyed the book and I'm elated he's on our Supreme Court. I selected this book for my April Right Books column - here is the column:
Recent decisions by a judge in Wisconsin have greatly affected the April 7th election in response to the coronavirus crisis. These starkly different decisions illustrate two very different ways of approaching the role of the judicial branch.
The decisions show the difference between two competing judicial philosophies—a view that judges can impose their own ...more
Recent decisions by a judge in Wisconsin have greatly affected the April 7th election in response to the coronavirus crisis. These starkly different decisions illustrate two very different ways of approaching the role of the judicial branch.
The decisions show the difference between two competing judicial philosophies—a view that judges can impose their own ...more
An excellent series of reflections from one of the newest Supreme Court justices. This collection of speeches and essays serve as a defense of originalist jurisprudence (the only constitutionally sound method of judicial interpretation) and contemplation of what it means to be a good lawyer/judge. There are many lessons to be learned here ranging from legal ethics to the value of civility and kindness. My time reading this book was time well spent.
Overall, this is a very well written book. Gorsuch does a nice job of explaining his approach to the law. For somebody not trained and/or fascinated by the law, the book may get a bit too detailed. For someone obsessed with the law, perhaps not enough detail. Either way, a good learning opportunity for many and a good refresher for others.
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Neil McGill Gorsuch born August 29, 1967) is an American lawyer who serves as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was nominated by President Donald Trump to succeed Antonin Scalia and took the oath of office on April 10, 2017.
Gorsuch was born and spent his early life in Denver, Colorado, then lived in Bethesda, Maryland, while attending prep school. He earned a Bache ...more
Gorsuch was born and spent his early life in Denver, Colorado, then lived in Bethesda, Maryland, while attending prep school. He earned a Bache ...more
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“Of course, if the law offends the Constitution a judge may strike it down. But there’s nothing in the Constitution that forbids the people’s representatives from adopting stupid laws.”
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“originalism is the worst form of constitutional interpretation, except for all the others.”
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