Book Review: The Emperor Wears No Clothes: Life’s Dominion and Dworkin’s Integrity
Introduction
Ronald Dworkin, Professor of Law at New York University School of Law, holds forth in his newest book, Life’s Dominion, on what seems to be the single most divisive and politically charged issue for America today: abortion. Dworkin purports to explain how and why the nation is so divided and what outcome of the conflict is philosophically mandated. Dworkin concludes that the trimester framework of Roe v. Wade is correct, as is the majority opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. The public fanfare with which this book’s publication was met is a sign of the great expectations created by a work with such lofty goals. To the extent that Dworkin is able to persuade even a few readers that a woman’s right to choose should be maintained, he may perform a national service.