This is an extensive, thought-provoking look at judicial decision making that tackles complex issues. Recommended for law and academic libraries.

Library Journal

Knowles presents an impressive discussion of several cases. Another strength of this work is Knowles' ability to buttress her arguments between and among chapters... forming clear connections throughout the book. Knowles' work packs a punch and could be considered required reading for any number of undergraduate and graduate courses. This book is one of the more interesting and well written books that I have read in recent years.

Tobias Gibson, Monmouth College, Journal of Law & Politics

Helen Knowles has done us a great service in deconstructing Justice Kennedy's faint-hearted libertarianism and helping us better understand the "sweet mystery" of his jurisprudence.

Ilya Shapiro, Cato Institute, Harvard Journal Of Law and Public Policy

.... [offers] an insightful and careful analysis of [Kennedy's] opinions in important areas of constitutional law. Moreover, in her analysis of those opinions, she does uncover some themes that help explain Kennedy's outcomes. And because Kennedy does, in fact, remain the "man in the middle," it is essential for those of us who care about constitutional law to understand his thinking, whatever it might be.

Geoffrey R. Stone, The University of Chicago Law School, Political Science Quarterly

If one does not have preconceived notions regarding Kennedy, it is hard not to admire him after reading this book. The cases Knowles selects cast Kennedy, who often acts as a swing vote, in a golden light- as a passionate fighter for individual rights, equality, and tolerance. Kennedy's supporters and critics will find the analysis of the justice's jurisprudence provoking; the book, however, has much more to offer than a simple review of case law.... The Ties Goes to Freedom will appeal to readers for these and other intriguing issues that lurk just beneath the surface of Knowles's analysis.

Trial

The Tie Goes to Freedom is a...book of...interest to academicians....Knowles’ introduction and conclusion are clear and succinct.

The Federal Lawyer