Jed S. Rakoff

The Supreme Court’s deference to FDR during World War II resulted in unjustifiable ethical breaches.

Stephen Breyer criticizes recent Supreme Court decisions and argues for a more pragmatic jurisprudence.

William O. Douglas was a strong advocate of conservation, but as a Supreme Court justice his involvement in such issues was often ethically questionable.

Felix Frankfurter was renowned as a liberal lawyer and advocate. Why did he turn out to be such a conservative Supreme Court justice?

In 1790, as the First Amendment was being ratified, George Washington made a promise to American Jews.

“John Marshall...exhibited a subservience to the executive branch that continues to haunt us.”