Supreme Inequality

Supreme Inequality examines the U.S. Supreme Court's role in widening economic disparities over the past 50 years. Cohen traces key decisions from the Nixon era through present day, analyzing their impact on wealth distribution, education, campaign finance, and workers' rights. The book presents case studies of landmark rulings that shaped policy around public school funding, corporate power, voting access, and union organizing. Through archival research and interviews, Cohen reconstructs the internal debates and external pressures that influenced the Court's positions on these issues. Legal scholars, historians, journalists and citizens concerned with economic justice will find detailed analysis of constitutional interpretation and judicial philosophy. The narrative connects seemingly disparate cases to reveal patterns in how Supreme Court decisions have affected inequality. The work raises fundamental questions about the Court's function in a democracy and its responsibility to protect vulnerable populations. Cohen's investigation suggests the judicial branch's profound influence on American society extends far beyond traditional civil rights into the realm of economic opportunity and class mobility.

Readers found the book presented clear evidence of how Supreme Court decisions since 1969 have increased economic inequality and reduced protections for workers, voters, and criminal defendants. Readers appreciated: - Detailed case analysis showing the impact of specific rulings - Clear explanations of complex legal concepts - Strong research and documentation - Engaging writing style that avoids legal jargon Common criticisms: - Some felt it had an overly partisan perspective - Several noted redundancy in examples - A few wanted more proposed solutions - Some wanted more historical context pre-1969 Review metrics: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (442 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (168 ratings) Sample reader quote: "Cohen methodically builds his case through specific examples rather than broad rhetoric. The writing is accessible but doesn't oversimplify." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "While I agree with many conclusions, the one-sided presentation undermines credibility." - Amazon reviewer

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🔨 Author Adam Cohen served as a member of The New York Times editorial board and was a former Harvard Law School editor 📚 The book traces a 50-year period of Supreme Court decisions, beginning with the Warren Court's final year in 1969 through 2019 ⚖️ The book argues that the Supreme Court has consistently favored the wealthy and privileged while making it harder for the poor to access education, justice, and political power 🏛️ Cohen reveals how the Nixon administration specifically selected conservative justices Lewis Powell and William Rehnquist to help reverse the progressive direction of the Warren Court 📊 The book examines how Supreme Court decisions have contributed to economic inequality, showing that the top 1% of Americans now own more wealth than the bottom 90% combined, a disparity supported by various Court rulings