The nine : inside the secret world of the Supreme Court / Jeffrey Toobin.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [351]-353) and index.

1: The federalist war of ideas -- Good versus evil -- Questions presented -- Collision course -- Big heart -- Exiles return? -- What shall be Orthodox -- Writing separately -- Cards to the left -- the year of the rout -- 2: To the brink -- Over the brink -- Perfectly clear -- 3: "a particular sexual act" -- "A law-profession culture" -- Before speaking, saying something -- The green brief -- "Our executive doesn't" -- "A great privilege, indeed" -- 4: "'G' is for God -- Retiring the trophy -- "I know her heart" -- Dinner at the just desserts cafâe -- "I am and always have been ..." -- Phanatics?

As the Supreme Court continues to rule on important issues, it is essential to understand how it operates. Based on exclusive interviews with the justices themselves and other insiders, this is a timely "state of the union" about America's most elite legal institution. From Anthony Kennedy's self-importance, to Antonin Scalia's combativeness, to David Souter's eccentricity, and even Sandra Day O'Connor's fateful breach with President George W. Bush, this book offers a rare personal look at how the individual style of each justice affects the way in which they wield their considerable power. Toobin shows how--since Reagan--conservatives were long thwarted in their attempts to control the Court by some of the very justices they pressured Presidents to appoint. That struggle ended with the recent appointments of John Roberts and Samuel Alito, and Toobin relays the behind-the-scenes drama in detail, as well as the ensuing 2007 Court term.--From publisher description.