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.

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.

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

Very Enjoyable

I'be enjoyed the story so far. Im about 6;30 left in the book. It's maintained my interest and taught me a great deal about this man and his influence in American history. Author, please stick to what you know though. At 6:38, left in the book, you make a political statement about immigration. Biden just let in around 1000 jihadists in his term with a completely open border, according to SRS and former CIA Agents testimony. Stick to what you know.

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.