Justice Stanley Mosk: A Life at the Center of California Politics and Justice

Justice Stanley Mosk: A Life at the Center of California Politics and Justice Justice Stanley Mosk, A Life at the Center of California Politics and JusticeBy Jacqueline R. Braitman and Gerald F. UelmenJustice Stanley Mosk documented his thoughts throughout his life in speeches, public meetings, newspaper columns, articles, letters, and over 1400 legal opinions. In spite of this, J. Edgar Hoover also kept files on Stanley Mosk, as he did on others as a result of his obsession with, "the communist menace". The authors reviewed a massive amount of material and produced a thorough biography of a remarkable man. This book benefited from Professor Uelmen's legal perspective as well as the historical research background of Ms. Braitman.Examining Justice Mosk's life and 62 years of public service is not possible without including the history and politics in California and the U.S. during that time. Justice Mosk influenced history, for example, in his stand for Civil Rights. As Superior Court Judge he ruled against covenants of grant deeds restricting resale of property to racial minorities. As California Attorney General he challenged the "Caucasian clause" of the PGA, which prevented Charlie Sifford, a successful black golfer, from playing in PGA tournaments.The book provides examples of Justice Mosk's writing in legal opinions and their effect. His opinions have influenced laws in other states, in addition to U.S. Supreme Court decisions. His dissenting opinions are often biting. In reflecting on the value of judicial dissents, he wrote, "...This dissenter speaks of futures, and his voice is pitched to a key that will carry through the years."This book gives the reader insight into Justice Stanley Mosk, the history and politics of his time, and an appreciation of our legal system. Justice Stanley Mosk: A Life at the Center of California Politics and Justice