Without Precedent

Chief Justice John Marshall and His Times

By: Joel Richard Paul

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

From the author of Unlikely Allies and Indivisible comes the remarkable story of John Marshall who, as chief justice, statesman, and diplomat, played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States.

No member of America's Founding Generation had a greater impact on the Constitution and the Supreme Court than John Marshall, and no one did more to preserve the delicate unity of the fledgling United States. From the nation's founding in 1776 and for the next forty years, Marshall was at the center of every political battle. As Chief Justice of the United States—the longest-serving in history—he established the independence of the judiciary and the supremacy of the federal Constitution and courts. As the leading Federalist in Virginia, he rivaled his cousin Thomas Jefferson in influence. As a diplomat and secretary of state, he defended American sovereignty against France and Britain, counseled President John Adams, and supervised the construction of the city of Washington. D.C.

This is the astonishing true story of how a rough-cut frontiersman⁠—born in Virginia in 1755 and with little formal education—invented himself as one of the nation's preeminent lawyers and politicians who then reinvented the Constitution to forge a stronger nation. Without Precedent is the engrossing account of the life and times of this exceptional man, who with cunning, imagination, and grace shaped America's future as he held together the Supreme Court, the Constitution, and the country itself.

©2018 Joel Richard Paul (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[Paul] has crafted a scholarly but highly readable and often entertaining chronicle that embeds Marshall among the leading lights of the nation’s founding generation, humanizing him along the way... [Marshall] is justly celebrated as the most far-sighted justice ever to lead the Supreme Court. His lasting achievements are ably served by Mr. Paul’s deeply felt and penetrating biography.”—Wall Street Journal

“Law professor Joel Richard Paul brings exactly the kind of perspective that a legal scholar can best provide to this engaging biography of US Supreme Court Justice John Marshall.”—Christian Science Monitor

“Engrossing... Paul brings to life Marshall’s seminal cases.”—The Weekly Standard

great book on a great chief Justice

well written and read. great I cite on a great man. the author had a little bias against Jefferson in book but Gave great Insight into Marshall's life

Clearly written and narrated

A book that is clearly written and narrated. Very illuminating and engaging. Marshall, the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court in the early years of the nation wrote some of the most important foundational opinions of the court that gave meaning and affect to the Constitution, issues addressing judicial review, commerce, Indian rights, contracts, international law. Fred Sanders does a fine job giving a clear reading of the book.

Time well spent

Loved it. I am working my way through presidential and chief justice biographies in order. This is one of the best among the 19 I've read so far. My respect for Marshall increased a lot and my dislike for Jefferson increased.

Scholarly and Accessible

When I think about Founding Fathers, I usually only think about the Presidents plus Benjamin Franklin. It turns out John Marshall, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from John Adams through Andrew Jackson (34 years--the record for Chief Justices) is as important as any of them in the forming of our nation.

This is the second book I have listened to about Marshall, and it far outshines the other (What Kind of Nation by James F Simon). First of all, it covers much more of Marshall's biography, providing more personal context for his political life. Second, Paul couches his statement and especially his judgments in historical fact and context, sharing the common narratives, both pro and con, about each topic he discusses. Third, Paul goes as far back as necessary to fully contextualize each important case or event he discusses so that the listener can understand the how we got here, what it means and where it leads us of each of the momentous decisions Marshall wrote. So I learned as much, well, more actually, about law as I did about Marshall himself.

Definitely worth listening to. Fascinating history that has implications up through today.

Excellent Perspective and SCOTUS Case Review

John Marshall is best known for his tremendous work in creating an unmatched body of precedent case law. His background and experience as an American Revolution veteran, diplomat, and cabinet member all provide an excellent view of what made the most extraordinary chief justice tick. A master of building consensus and navigating the dangerous political waters that the Supreme Court was forced to sail, Marshall set the course of American Jurisprudence that is still being referred to and relied on today.

John Marshall Chief Justice Biography

He must have been an amazing man. this story is well written andvperformed. His landmark cases still are used as precedent over 200 years later.

Great book, good narration

I'd give this book 5-stars but the anti-Jefferson sentiment was heavy and by the end of the book it became quite annoying. That aside, the book is wonderful.

excellent combination of law and history

excellent combination of law and history .
..Marshall was a giant in both areas. Greatbook.

outstanding book!

Great book for all readers who want to learn more about early American History and the legal challenges we faced as a young country.

Eyeopening History - 5 Stars PLUS

I read a lot of history and this book provided so many new contexts and nuances to a history I thought I already knew.

Most highly recommended. Marshall is second to only Washington in importance to the launching of our Great Experiment.