Laura Kalman Knihy

The book delves into the Legal Realism Movement, exploring its historical context and key figures who shaped its development. It examines the movement's critique of traditional legal theories and its emphasis on the practical application of law in real-world scenarios. Through detailed analysis, the author highlights the impact of Legal Realism on contemporary legal thought and practice, making it a crucial resource for understanding the evolution of legal philosophy.

Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, a group of students at Yale Law School sought to revive democratic ideals and social change associated with the institution's history. Amidst a turbulent social climate, they challenged established professors, leading to a generational clash. Their activism prompted significant reforms in admissions, curriculum, grading, and law practice, ultimately reshaping Yale Law School and influencing the trajectory of American legal education. Laura Kalman highlights this transformative period in a compelling narrative.

The Ford-Carter years, often viewed as unremarkable, were pivotal in shaping contemporary American politics. Laura Kalman reveals how this era fostered a powerful right-wing movement that paved the way for Ronald Reagan's presidency. It also witnessed the evolution of 1960s social movements, as their struggles transitioned from protest to legal battles, significantly influencing Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action and privacy rights. Additionally, the period was marked by an energy crisis, economic challenges, and tensions with Iran, setting the stage for future conflicts.

When Franklin Roosevelt proposed adding up to six new justices to the Supreme Court in 1937, a firestorm exploded. FDR was accused of "Court packing," dictatorial ambitions, political trickery, undermining the rule of law, and undercutting judicial independence. Drawing upon extensive archival research, Laura Kalman revises the conventional wisdom by telling the story as it unfolded in FDR's Gambit. She argues that acumen, not arrogance, accounted for Roosevelt's actions. Far from erring tragically, he came very close to getting additional justices, and the Court itself changed course.