Earl Warren

The definitive biography of one of historys greatest Supreme Court justices. How did a conservative Republican end up creating the most liberal Supreme Court in modern history? This new biography of Earl Warren Sr., based on primary sources and previously unpublished material, brings together for the first time family recollections, anecdotes, mementos, photos, documents, and excerpts from diaries, along with the facts of the great jurists life. The result is the most accurate, up-to-date, and complete picture of the man available. Beginning with Warrens upbringing and Scandinavian immigrant parents who taught him fairness, tolerance, and reverence for the truth, the author then reviews Warrens early career in California as a district attorney. There he helped put an end to corruption in the police department, tackled organized crime, and worked to end illegal gambling and offshore racketeering. After becoming governor, he fought to improve the states public health, education, and prison systems. And he played an important role in the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower as the first Republican president in twenty years. Focusing largely on Warrens remarkable career as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, chapters are devoted to that courts landmark rulings, including Brown v. Board of Education and Miranda. In addition, the author discusses Warrens relationships with Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy. Finally, he delves into the Chief Justices role in spearheading the Warren Report, the official publication documenting the investigation of President Kennedys assassinationfindings that forever etched Warrens name in history. With access to surviving Warren family members, courtesy of Earl Warrens grandson, Judge James Warren, the author has crafted the definitive biography of one of historys greatest Supreme Court justices.