Supreme Court Opinions of Clarence Thomas 1991-2006: A Conservative's Perspective [Hardcover]

Henry Mark Holzer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786430036 | ISBN-13: 978-0786430031 | Publication Date: January 24, 2007

In his fifteen years as an associate justice of the Supreme Court, Clarence Thomas has written nearly 350 opinions. Thousands of Thomas's eloquent and thoughtful words are thus available for Americans to examine. Yet much of the public still bases its opinion of Thomas on the words of the American media, going as far back as the bruising confirmation battle of 1991. Widespread, uncritical acceptance of glib assumptions has greatly distorted the record and even the character of this formidable justice. This book offers readers the opportunity to consider the real Clarence Thomas-the formidable intellectual and defender of the Constitution, amply represented by his writings. It analyzes his most important majority, concurring, and dissenting opinions from 1991 through 2006. The author argues that Thomas's opinions reveal a consistent adherence to the principles of federalism, separation of powers, limited judicial review, and regard for individual rights as contemplated by the framers of the Constitution. An appendix contains a list of every opinion Thomas has written and notes whether it was a majority, concurring, or dissenting opinion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"recommended" --Catholic Library World

"an eye-opening, must-read...important" --theconservativevoice

"definitive" --FrontPage Magazine.com --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Henry Mark Holzer is a professor emeritus at Brooklyn Law School. He is the coauthor of "Aid and Comfort" (2002, reprinted in softcover in 2006).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (January 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786430036
• ISBN-13: 978-0786430031
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,568,326 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An underrated gem, December 16, 2008

By 

Eric W. Palfreyman (McKinney, TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Supreme Court Opinions of Clarence Thomas 1991-2006: A Conservative's Perspective (Hardcover)

Clarence Thomas is the most disparaged Supreme Court justice in history. In my view, improperly. This book does an excellent job evaluating his judicial philosophy through his opinions--whether majority, concurring, or dissenting. Holzer weaves his own understanding of Thomas's originalist philosophy with Thomas's own words through his published opinions. I am unaware of this type of analysis of Thomas's work, and think it is about time someone took an objective, even sympathetic, look at his rulings. I recently finished Thomas's memoir, "My Grandfather's Son" and combining that with this work, my regard for Thomas has only increased. The book is thoughtful, well-organized, and carries a good balance of Thomas's writings and Holzer's introductory and analytic comments. If I could add anything to the book, I would like an extended chapter, by Thomas himself, providing a detailed look at what he thinks originalism is and why it is important. I view this book as a valuable addition to my library. In addition, like the book, "Scalia Dissents," it is a pleasure to read.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brief review of Justice Thomas' Supreme Court opinions, May 27, 2009

By 

K. Dunsmore (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Supreme Court Opinions of Clarence Thomas 1991-2006: A Conservative's Perspective (Hardcover)

Henry Mark Holzer has written a carefully-researched analysis of Justice Thomas' opinions and especially, his dissents. He concludes that Thomas consistently seeks the Framers' intent in his decisions, giving Americans a true constitutional defender on the Court.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent analysis, August 14, 2009

By 

A. D. Cavaluzzi - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Supreme Court Opinions of Clarence Thomas 1991-2006: A Conservative's Perspective (Hardcover)

This is a fair, balanced and complete review of the significant elements of Justice Thomas's jurisprudence. Unlike the media, which often ignores or misrepresents Thomas's opinions, the author has provided a clear and objective account of the justice's work. This is a higly readable book and certainly an important addition to the Supreme Court bibliography.