Description
Book SynopsisFor Richard Posner, legal formalism and formalist judges--notably Antonin Scalia--present the main obstacles to coping with the dizzying pace of technological advance. Posner calls for legal realism--gathering facts, considering context, and reaching a sensible conclusion that inflicts little collateral damage on other areas of the law.
Trade ReviewReflections on Judging…is about what judges should do when confronted with complexity. Like the rest of us, judges face an increasingly bewildering world, marked by daily advances in such areas as social media, the sciences and globalization. Unlike the rest of us, judges must make decisions that enforce their understanding—or misunderstanding—of that complexity onto millions… [Posner’s] willingness to speak to his readers—judges or otherwise—as a jurist with three decades of experience is a strength of this book…
Reflections on Judging is spangled with legal cases in which Posner, faced with disorder, triumphantly cuts through the noise… In Richard A. Posner, our generation has its Learned Hand, its Henry Friendly. In complex times, we can take comfort in the simple fact of his existence. -- Kenji Yoshino * New York Times Book Review *
Posner is a precise, erudite writer with a strong point of view enriched by specific examples accumulated over the course of three decades of professional experience and observation… Posner's insights will resonate with jurists and those who practice before them. His book is highly recommended for those in the legal profession and other court watchers. -- Joan Pedzich * Library Journal (starred review) *
A deep and thought-provoking collection of insightful analyses of various aspects of being a judge, told from an insider's perspective, but with appropriate and equally thoughtful caveats about the advantages and disadvantages of an insider's account. -- Frederick Schauer, University of Virginia School of Law
