Judging lives

Article Abstract:

Criticisms levied at judicial biography that focus on the verifiability of truths derived from such writings are unjustified, but the problem of inconsequence in biography deserves consideration. Certain scientific or essentialist biographies that seek some truth about events or the subject's inner self should not be dismissed because the conclusion cannot be verified with certainty. Biographies that provide no convincing link between a jurist's life and his work are subject to attack for being inconsequential, but such charges may fail to consider the subjective and political aspects of judging.

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Commentary

Article Abstract:

Judicial biographies provide scholars and the public with an alternative to abstract and theoretical studies, and judicial biographies, in particular, can offer an alternative to the generalizations of legal theory. Scientific judicial biographies attempt to blend understanding of the judicial process and the development of the law with the lives of those that influence the law. Well-written biographies have merit because of the challenges that biographers face in attempting to develop an engaging narrative that also makes contributions to legal scholarship.

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Unrepeatable lessons

Article Abstract:

Judicial biographies have the potential to serve as windows into the personality differences that lead to different approaches to judging, as well as providing insight into exemplary lives. Biography is satisfying in part because of the human interest in the lives of others. Judicial biography can contribute to a better understanding of why certain judges are activist, restrained or moderate. Expositions of the experiences and temperament of particular judges can be applied to analysis of their practices on the bench.

Analysis, Judicial process

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