The Priestly Tribe - by Barbara A Perry

About the Book

Perry illuminates the Supreme Court's unique advantages in sustaining a noble public image by its stewardship of the revered Constitution, its constant embrace of the rule of law, the justices' life tenure, its symbols of impartiality and integrity, and a resolute determination to keep its distance from the media. She argues that the Court has bolstered these advantages to avoid traps that have marred Congressional and presidential images, and she demonstrates how the Court has escaped the worst of media coverage.

In this detailed examination of the Court, its justices, decisions, facilities, and programs as well as its place in modern American culture, Perry illustrates that the Court has consciously endeavored to preserve its exalted standing. The Priestly Tribe provides an original and insightful analysis of this intriguing judicial institution for students and scholars of the Court and the general public.

Book Synopsis

Perry illuminates the Supreme Court's unique advantages in sustaining a noble public image by its stewardship of the revered Constitution, its constant embrace of the rule of law, the justices' life tenure, its symbols of impartiality and integrity, and a resolute determination to keep its distance from the media. She argues that the Court has bolstered these advantages to avoid traps that have marred Congressional and presidential images, and she demonstrates how the Court has escaped the worst of media coverage.

In this detailed examination of the Court, its justices, decisions, facilities, and programs as well as its place in modern American culture, Perry illustrates that the Court has consciously endeavored to preserve its exalted standing. The Priestly Tribe provides an original and insightful analysis of this intriguing judicial institution for students and scholars of the Court and the general public.

Review Quotes

"A perceptive, fair-minded portrait of the Supreme Court that both illuminates the internal workings of the high bench and puts the Court in its broader political and public opinion context. A find portrait of the Court by an expert who has viewed it from inside as well as outside."-James MacGregor Burns Williams College

"Barbara Perry's book addresses the questions outsiders are asking about the U.S. Supreme Court. From the stripes on the chief justice's robe to the classical symbolism of the "marble temple," The Priestly tribe illuminates the public images of the Supreme Court. This book stands along side Storm Center as a major contribution."-John Brigham Professor University of Massachusetts, Amherst

"With this book, Barbara Perry establishes herself as one of the nation's most perceptive observers of the Supreme Court. Blessed with keen insight and good judgment, she explores the Supreme Court's image in the American mind and the importance of maintaining the Court's symbolism and legitimacy. In writing [this book], Professor Perry serves the best interests of both the Court and the country."-A.E. Dick Howard White Burkett Miller Professor of Law and Public Affairs University of Virginia

.,."raises important issues."-Contemporary Sociology

?...raises important issues.?-Contemporary Sociology

?The Priestly Tribe provides a unique insight into the current workings and historical background of this most important institution....Members of the media who believe that anyone and everthing are up for adversarial scrutiny would be well-advised to read the book in its entirety.For The Priestly Tribe makes a persuasive ccase that there are institutions and individuals inhabiting them that, despite their flaws, deserve our respect, support, understanding and, yes, even reverence.?-The Federal Lawyer

?This book is well written and raises a thoughtful argument about symbolism and role of the Court in American government....this book is well worth reading. For those already familiar with the Court and who teach about it, this book offers a trove of entertaining stories and anecdotes. I have already incorporated into my own lectures...For students and others who are not familiar with the Court, Perry's accessible style and prose makes this book a perfect supplemental text for undergraduate courses.?-The Law and Politics Book Review

?...raises important issues.??Contemporary Sociology

..."raises important issues."-Contemporary Sociology

"The Priestly Tribe provides a unique insight into the current workings and historical background of this most important institution....Members of the media who believe that anyone and everthing are up for adversarial scrutiny would be well-advised to read the book in its entirety.For The Priestly Tribe makes a persuasive ccase that there are institutions and individuals inhabiting them that, despite their flaws, deserve our respect, support, understanding and, yes, even reverence."-The Federal Lawyer

"This book is well written and raises a thoughtful argument about symbolism and role of the Court in American government....this book is well worth reading. For those already familiar with the Court and who teach about it, this book offers a trove of entertaining stories and anecdotes. I have already incorporated into my own lectures...For students and others who are not familiar with the Court, Perry's accessible style and prose makes this book a perfect supplemental text for undergraduate courses."-The Law and Politics Book Review

About the Author

BARBARA A. PERRY is professor and chair, Department of Government, Sweet Briar College. Professor Perry served as a Judicial Fellow at the United States Supreme Court (1994-1995), where she received the Tom C. Clark Award. Her books include A Representative Supreme Court? The Impact of Race, Religion, and Gender on Appointments (Greenwood Press, 1991), and, with Henry J. Abraham, the seventh edition of Freedom and the Court: Civil Rights and Liberties in the United States (1998).