Solomonic Justice: How the Israeli Supreme Court Became a Beacon of Justice in the MIddle East

Online Bookclub Review:

Reviewed by Lana Bennet, November, 2025

“Solomonic Justice” by Joel D. Joseph presents a captivating and highly educational exploration of the Israeli Supreme Court. I was initially equipped only with a basic knowledge of legal systems, but the author’s research not only enlightened me but also made me see the often-misconceived side of Israel’s top court. It is very evident that the writer is deeply admiring the institution, and he has managed to convey that feeling in every single chapter.

What I found most captivating was the author’s principal contention that the Israeli Supreme Court, amidst a sea of conflict, has been a beacon of justice. The author not only delivers an argument that is hard to resist but also goes through the opposite opinions, starting from the major Eichmann Trial to the latest decisions. He does not merely enumerate cases but also depicts how the court has been the unceasing protector of human rights, not just for minority groups like Arabs and Ethiopian Jews, but also how it has made the government accountable. The book illustrates that, in the absence of a formal constitution, this court has actively defended the ideals of a republic and liberty.

I was particularly impressed with the passages where the author elaborates on the intricacies of certain landmark cases. The section on the Eichmann Trial was utterly fascinating. It was not merely a dry legal analysis; it was an important remembrance of how the court stood for due process when the whole nation was clamoring for quick revenge. The portion where the judges asserted a fair trial, irrespective of the ghastly nature of Eichmann’s crimes, really emphasized the court’s unwavering commitment to the law. It is a remarkable example of justice rather than revenge.

I also found the parts that revealed the court’s more “contemporary” and empathetic approach appealing. There is an incident where the author brings up the discussion of a case concerning the rights of Ethiopian Jews. He explains in detail how the court played a significant role in ‘hiding’ their religious liberties and protecting them by equal treatment, in fact, when they had to face resistance from different parts of the government. This was a clear indication that the court is not only concerned with major political controversies; it also guards the rights of individual equality and minorities, which I found very touching.

Moreover, I greatly appreciated the illustrations of the American judicial system. The author makes it clear that the Israeli judiciary is much more open and accessible to common people and public interest groups, which is an important reason and a point where he argues that their system is more in tune with the people’s needs. The idea of “Solomonic Justice”, where in simplicity the court gives both sides a partial victory by passing balanced judgments, was strikingly insightful. It is indeed a different way of dealing with disputes than the often-dominant winner-takes-all model, and it is a reflection of the ever-present human urge for justice and compromise.

One very small point I would raise is that the book is somewhat biased in favor of the court and therefore does not really elaborate on the weaknesses of the court’s position. However, still, as an introduction and a defense of the institution, it is a significant and persuasive reading. It is a valuable book for all who want to delve into the topics of transnational law, political sagacity, or the intricacies of Israeli society. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I give this book a perfect score of 5 stars.