This document summarizes a book titled "The Politics of Judicial Independence" which examines fundamental questions about the independence of the judiciary and the legitimate political influences on courts. It discusses several essays in the book that address issues related to judicial independence such as conflicts between courts and other branches of government, criticism of judicial actions from political actors, and how to properly define and understand judicial independence. The document analyzes three essays in particular that focus on congressional checks on the Supreme Court, the inherent political connections of courts despite their independence, and how the quality of legal reasoning in court decisions influences political reactions.