Review by Choice Review
This collection offers another addition to the literature analyzing the impeachment of President Clinton and attempting to explain what the events mean for society and its political system. Many of the 21 essays stem from a February 2000 conference at the University of Wisconsin law school. The essays are grouped in one of five areas--politics, law, shaping public opinion, religion, and "the political is personal." Although more than half the authors are law faculty, scholars in areas such as history, ethics, women's studies, political science, religion/theology, English, and nursing/health care also contribute. Most chapters are easy reading, and many authors eschew the polemic bite found so frequently in contemporary writing on Clinton's impeachment. Likewise, the chapters are largely devoid of empirical analyses. Instead, the authors are reflective and analytical and try to place the impeachment in some context. The six chapters of the law section are the strongest, while other chapter authors provide memorable contributions. Readers might find particularly useful Cass Sunstein's "A Case Study in Group Polarization," or Robert Gordon's essay "Legalizing Outrage." Although this book is not the definitive treatment of Clinton's impeachment, the work clearly attains Beverly Moran's goal of starting conversations. Recommended for general readers, undergraduate and graduate libraries in particular. R. E. Dewhirst Northwest Missouri State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
