I think the first item the author wants me to mention is that the U.S. Supreme Court Building has a basketball court on its top floor referred to as "the highest court in the land." The author repeats this little gem within the biographies of every Justice noted to have used the court. The first time it's cute. Thereafter, it becomes annoying. (For Mr. Schnackenberg: LOLOLOL! There's your laugh. I get the joke and now I'm moving on.)

The book tells biographical stories about Justices from the Court's inception in 1789 through the confirmation of Justice Alito. It's fairly up to date, but obviously leaves out two of the greatest Justices now sitting: Justice Sotomayor and Justice Kagan.

I was thrilled, however, to read about one of my heroes, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who was turned down for a clerkship following her graduation at the top of her class at Columbia Law School by Justice Felix Frankfurter and Justice Learned Hand (yes, that's his name) because she was a woman. Faced with nearly impenetrable sexism throughout her distinguished career, Justice Ginsburg finally became "the other woman" joining Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the bench in 1993. Sexism still prevailed despite their inclusion. When Chief Justice William Rehnquist wanted to know why women were still complaining about inequality with Susan B. Anthony's image adorning the $1 coin (since out of circulation), Justice Ginsburg almost came undone forcing herself not to blurt out, "No, Your Honor, tokens won't do." She's my favorite, and not only because she shares my love of mystery novels.

Other titillating information available in the book:

Justice Harlan was the Supreme Court Porn Commissioner having set up a dedicated theater in the basement of Supreme Court Building so the justices could try to met out exactly what pornography was. It was a very popular venue among the Justices. Justice Harlan adored his honorary position sending clerks to attend the showings when he was unable and directing the clerks to report back from detailed notes.

Justice Thurgood Marshall disliked President Reagan so much he refused to consider the President vetting him to succeed retiring Chief Justice Warren Burger. Justice Marshall exclaimed, "I wouldn't do the job of dogcatcher for Ronald Reagan," then instructed a clerk, "If I die while that man's president, I want you to just prop me up and keep me voting."

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is honored at the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas.

Justice Clarence Thomas clearly believes he's a redneck and his biography proves to me the guy was not only guilty of sexual harassment but is also a vindictive ass. He is truly inappropriate to be sitting on the bench.

The book is fun! It took me awhile to read because I have been in the midst of trying to get through a doctoral program. This book, however, is perfect for such a situation because each biographical vignette of tantalizing quips and tidbits is approximately five pages in length. I could read about one or two justices each time I got tired of my course work, work, or research without a great deal of commitment. The interludes pepped me right up so I could continue forth trying to save the world.

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P.S. I bought the book used online. Somehow, I ended up with three copies. It was no big deal since I only paid $1 for each of them. If you want a free copy, let me know. I'll eat the postage. ( )

This book is mainly a collection of short biographical material and unusual anecdotes concerning the lives of past and present Justices of the Supreme Court. Due the political leanings expressed by the author, I would think that some are a litte far-fetched. Though slightly entertaining, not recommended. ( )

4852. Secret Lives of the Supreme Court What Your Teachers Never Told You About America's Legendary Justices, by Robert Schnakenberg (read 20 Aug 2011) This book has non-profound gossipy sketches of most recent Supreme Court justices and of the better known earlier justices. It is enjoyable reading, though some of the opinions expressed are shallow. The author over-emphasizes Justice Black's defects, and scorns, rightfully, Chief Justice Burger. A fun-to-read book, but not a serious study., though the bibliography has some good books I've read or would like to read. ( )

I have never read anything by Robert Schnakenberg before, but from his writing I can assume that he is about 20 years old, full of himself, and clearly was not an English major. I expected this to be a fun, chatty, informal book and I suppose it is. But have a little respect, man! I strongly dislike how he repeatedly describes mental illness (saying that Supreme Court Justices are "raving lunatics" is tacky and offensive.) The book also goes right for the gossip and shady dealings without even a shred of support. I know this is not meant as a treatise on judicial behavior, but this book is just tacky and mired in rumor. Flip through the book if you like, but don't go out of your way. ( )