A review by caseyulrich555
The Great Dissenter: The Story of John Marshall Harlan, America's Judicial Hero by Peter S. Canellos

5.0

One of my favorite biographies that I’ve read! Tied together the long arc of mid-19th century to early 20th century thinking. I appreciated a history about the court and the way life before, during, and after the civil war helped shaped Harlan’s decisions.

I feel connected to his arc from small town man with limited scope to a man who learned to grow beyond his faults and stand up for what was right.

I also felt like it was an engaging way to introduce me to different cases decided by the Supreme Court and give me a deeper perspective of the courts history as we sit in this new, concerning moment in Supreme Court history.