Saturday, October 29, 2005

Radicals In Robes

Radicals in robes: Why extreme right-wing courts are wrong for America. This is a book written by Cass R. Stein, distinguished professor of jurisprudence at The University Of Chicago Law School. For a layman like me who finds it difficult to muddle through the court system in USA , this book review is rather illuminating.

Sustein looks at the constitutional issues from the conservative and liberal angles and the level of judicial activism of the Courts. This was seen in the Harriet Miers nomination when she withdrew her name under severe pressure from the conservatives. This is the state of affairs in the most powerful country in which separation of state and religion is enshrined in the constitution.

Look once again at the heading and you will see that the problem of 'Radicals in Robes' exists in other countries too. Whenever religion is used for poltical ends it leads to division and conflict within races and communities. The result sometimes is uncontrolled emotion and deadly consequences. So the call for religious zealots- hold your breath, take a step back and offer your hand to live in peace.

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