The Supreme Court of Florida: 1917-1972.

The Supreme Court of Florida, 1917-1972 By Walter W. Manley II and Canter Brown, Jr.

The second in a series of books chronicling the Florida Supreme Court's inception and growth, The Supreme Court of Florida, 1917-1972 is a collection of stories that not only details the history of the court, but also provides a peek into the making of the state of Florida Americans know today.

Set in an era of significant changes and challenges in Florida, the narrative begins with the hope of a nation emerging from war. Floridians were relatively few, but as the population of the state began to grow and change, so too did the state's court system. Controversy and inner turmoil plague the courts as the state faces new selection processes and new ideas about morality and the government's role in citizens' lives during the earlier years covered.

Spirits rise as the state adapts to the changes, but the hopeful story turns somber when The Great Depression hits. During this period, the court's work is marked by quiet decisions on cases that might have been sensational if the populous did not have the economy on the forefront of its collective mind. The book walks the reader through some of the important cases of the times, grouping them under convenient subject headings and including some analysis on how the courts reach their conclusions.

From there, the story leads gracefully into the volatile times ahead after the New Deal and World War II. A 21-page photo section provides faces for some of the names in the book and brings the era to life as the story approaches the age of civil rights reform.

The Florida Supreme Court has its own revolution as the book wraps up the era and sets the stage for the modern period ahead. The final case decisions of the years provide a glimpse into the origins of modern policy and the issues that shaped the Florida of today.

Peppered with short biographies of judges and justices, along with background on some of the more intriguing cases of the times, The Supreme Court of Florida, 1917-1972 at times reads like a novel. The authors seemingly leave out no detail when it comes to the growing pains and triumphs of an era of major change in Florida. Thorough research makes this book stand alone as a compendium of little-known facts on the state's rich history.

The Supreme Court of Florida, 1917-1972 is available in hard cover from the Florida Supreme Court Historical Society for $65. It may also be purchased as part of a set, along with the first edition, for $115.

The prices include tax and shipping. To purchase, send an email to [e-mail] or send an order by mail to Florida Supreme Court Historical Society, P.O. Box 11344, Tallahassee, FL 32302-3344. Personal checks, Visa, and Mastercard are accepted.