Class starts tomorrow, and from the first few cases I’ve read for the new courses, Property looks to be more controversal than I expected but some of my peers fear that Con Law I will be a lot of issues we take for granted (Marbury establishing judicial review, Hunter’s Lessee the supremecy of the Court). I’m just going to wait and see. Certainly looks to be a change of pace from Torts & Crim, but again, I’ll wait and see.
Of course, with class starting, this means a draastic change in the pace of life. Espcially in reading. Over the break I’ve read a few books, such as:
Woodward’s “The Brethren,” recommended by my Civ Pro prof. Certainly slanted, but a great view into the decision-making process of the Burger Court and the personalities behind those decisions. Thanks to this book, and some of the opinions we read last semester, I took a guess on the outcome of the first Brennan opinion assigned this semester and hit the nail on the head. (Surprised by the Frankfurter dissent, but I haven’t read as much about him yet…)
Toobin’s “The Nine.” Again, recommended by my Civ Pro prof, and I’m sure a ton of 1Ls read both these books during their first year. Picks up where “The Brethren” left off, skimming through the end of the Burger Court and the beginning of the Renquist, really gaining steam with Thomas’ appointment. Again, an interesting look at the personalities on the court and good insight to the law happening behind the immediate opinions.
“The Forgotten Man.” A Christmas gift from my father, and a slant in the opposite direction from the preceeding books. Inside he wrote “Learn about the first Great Depression before the government sends us into the Second.” Optimism! Hope! To be honest, I’m barely halfway through this one, and it might get tabled for a bit. Its interesting, thats for sure, the lead up to the Crash and the backgrounds of the New Dealers presents a lot of new info for my brain to pick apart, but its a heady subject. And I get a lot of those from my casebooks. Reading is a break for my brain, and so…
A birthday gift from a good friend. “Salmonella Men from Planet Porno.” Short stories of the absurdist/slipstream variety. Perfect for my weirder sensibilities, easily digested, and fantastic steps aside from case reading. One of the books I pick up quite often is Steve Martin’s “Pure Drivel,” and this looks to be in similar vein. I’ll certainly finish it before “The Forgotten Man.” But quite a change of pace for “fun” reading, neh?
Now, case readings! Contracts!
