Reviews (6)

Something Missing!
This book is meant as a polemic against Oliver Wendell Holmes, and in particular, how his skeptical worldview can seen in his decisions. Books without conclusions
The author might have explored Holmes's skepticism more, but he oddly leaves many questions open that he could have addressed. What values should drive the law? We are left wondering.

Judging the Past
In his own day, Holmes was revered as the greatest, wisest judge in the English-speaking world. Today, however, Holmes' significance is downplayed in law schools across America, or he is trashed as he is in this book. The dramatic decline in Holmes' popularity and influence has resulted from his opinion in a single case, Buck v. Bell (1927), in which Holmes advocated sterilization of "imbeciles." Since the Holocaust, sterilization is understandably unpopular, especially among Jews, who dominate the faculties at America's top law schools and write many widely-used casebooks. Holmes, who wrote his opinion in Buck v. Bell long before the Holocaust, has been lumped into the Nazi camp (the Nazis tried to use Buck v. Bell at Nuernberg to defend their practices) by modern liberals, and manyso-called "legal scholars" now dismiss Holmes' ideas without consideration and do not include his opinions in their casebooks. One of the central tenets of historiography is that it is improper to judge historical figures by the moral standards of today. Alschuler violates this principle again and again--excoriating a great mind because of the way its ideas were used by others. Compare this book to THE ESSENTIAL HOLMES, which is both scholarly and readable. It is also written by Judge Posner, an influential modern jurist respected by liberals and conservatives. Do your own reasoning, draw your own conclusions, and be fooled by no one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1841-1935    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Historical - U.S.    7. Holmes, Oliver Wendell,    8. Judges    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. United States    11. 20th century    12. Biography & Autobiography / Lawyers & Judges    13. Biography: general    14. Legal profession    15. USA    16. c 1800 to c 1900   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Government - National    4. Journalism    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. Media Studies    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Communication Studies    10. Communication | Journalism    11. Language Arts & Disciplines / Journalism    12. Media, information & communication industries    13. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    14. USA    15. c 1970 to c 1980    16. c 1980 to c 1990   

Reviews (14)

The tragic vision of the Left
This fascinating book will make uncomfortable reading for committed progressives, so I am not surprised by the many negative reviews.Progressives no doubt also loathe David Horowitz's book RADICAL SON, which was a thoughtful description of the underside of the idealistic 1960s and its aftermath.FAMILY CIRCLE covers similar material and provides much food for thought.
Fascinating, flawed study of a terrorist
I enjoyed this study of the colorful, unconventional Boudin family. I agree with other readers that there was too much space given to the father, Leonard Boudin, an intense, civil rights attorney, who specialized in representing the radical left. So it's not surprising that his daughter, Kathy Boudin, became a radical protestor of the Vietnam War and a loud, snarling member of the Weather Underground. While other members of this pathetic group finally threw in the towel and turned themselves into the law after careers as bombers, killers and trouble-makers, Kathy Boudin stuck it out. You read in horrified fascination how she became a key member of the killers who murdered two police officers in a foiled Brinks truck armed robbery. Even behind bars for 21 years, she played the role of wronged martyr. I remember during the sixties, when the Weather Underground was at its peak of fury. My college roommate dubbed them, The Marx Brothers of Terrorism. He hit the nail on the head. No one knew really what these rich, wealthy white kids were protesting. None had ever worked anywhere in their lives. Even when they supposedly went underground, their wealthy parents and friends supported them and gave them safe houses. Yet, you caught occasional glimpses of them on television as they shrieked and cursed and acted like lunatics. In their own pathetic little reality, they dramatized themselves as great revolutionaries who would foment a nation wide revolution to destroy America's values. No one knew what they wanted to replace them with.

Her treachery resulted in the killing of two policemen
I enjoyed reading this book very much, and recommend it to all readers.It was a fascinating look at Kathy Boudin and those radical student leftists known as the Weather Underground who declared war on America in protest to the Vietnam War.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1912-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Boudin, Jean    5. Boudin, Kathy    6. Boudin, Leonard,    7. Criminals & Outlaws    8. History    9. History & Theory - General    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Left-wing extremists    12. Political    13. Political Doctrines    14. Politics/International Relations    15. Radicalism    16. Social Reform    17. United States    18. United States - 20th Century    19. History / United States / 20th Century   

Reviews (1)

Finally we know the truth about Jack Ruby!
No serious reader who is interested in the circumstances of the assassination of John Kennedy and the subsequent murder of his assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, should miss this book which provides valuable insight into the motives of Oswald's killer, Jack Ruby, through the eyes of the trial judge; the statements made by Jack Ruby to the Warren Commission and during the course of Ruby's FBI polygraph examination.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Historical - U.S.    3. History    4. History: American    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. United States - 20th Century    7. Biography: general    8. USA   

Reviews (7)

The liberal that liked it!
Okay, there are several books on Thomas out there.This is my first.That said, the author is a gifted writer.This book is as accessible as a novel.Really.Non-lawyers don't have to beware.
One of the best biographies I've read
From page 1 to the last you won't be able to put down this book. If you are interested in reading something that will lift your spirits and give you back some faith in individual honesty you need to read this.
Buy this book in spite of the biased review Amazon provides
It is quite simply a masterpiece. Justice Thomas is portrayed as a real human being who has survived the castigation of the far Left... with a dignity that speaks loud and clear above the wailing of the extreme left Liberals who cannot believe a man of color exists who they cannot control.Read how this man of incredible intellect and courage overcomes all odds to become the first black intellectual to occupy the bench.Unlike Thurgood Marshall who knew political correctness before it became the defacto "law of the land", this biography portrays a true independent thinker and voice for judicial freedom that will not be silenced. The depths to which the Left will sink in its outrage when anyone escapes from the plantation is well documented.The viciousness of the Left and NOW during the Hill debacle is nicely contrasted with their mute impotent silence during the Clinton impeachment proceedings.It is well written and well researched, and most importantly unbiased unlike other competing biographies. Somehow this bio was allowed to be published. Do not forgo the opportunity to read and own your own copy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1948-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Judges    7. Lawyers & Judges    8. People of Color    9. Political    10. Thomas, Clarence,    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / Political   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Lawyers & Judges    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography / Lawyers & Judges    5. Judges    6. Non-Classifiable   

Subjects:  1. United States    2. Law    3. Legal Reference / Law Profession    4. Legal System    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. Courts - Supreme Court    7. Legal History    8. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    9. Courts & procedure    10. Law / General    11. USA    12. Courts    13. Constitutional    14. Constitutional Law    15. Conservatism    16. Constitutional history   

Subjects:  1. 1831-1894    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Bradwell, Myra,    6. History    7. Illinois    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. Practice Of Law    10. Sociology Of Women    11. United States    12. Women lawyers    13. Women's rights    14. Bradwell, Myra    15. Courts & procedure    16. USA    17. Women's studies   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Lawyers & Judges    5. People of Color    6. Women    7. Black studies    8. Women's studies   

Reviews (1)

Touching and evocative first-person account for mourners
I picked this off a bookstore shelf a couple of weeks ago, and I'm VERY glad I did."When Things Get Back to Normal" is a small-sized paperback, consisting of the journal the author kept for a year following her husband's unexpected death.It's not a book *about* death and grieving; it's a book (a striking, beautiful, gut-level one) that expresses how one person was *hit* by it, and how things looked through her eyes as she came to grips with what happened and eventually began to pick up her life again.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bereavement    2. Biography    3. Death, Grief, Bereavement    4. Deuil    5. Educators    6. Family & Relationships    7. Family/Marriage    8. Feminism & Feminist Theory    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. Newfoundland    11. Nonfiction    12. Nonfiction - General    13. Widows    14. Family & Relationships / Death, Grief, Bereavement   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Lawyers & Judges    3. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Civil Procedure    5. Civil rights movements    6. Civil rights workers    7. Dees, Morris    8. History    9. Lawyers    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Southern States    12. U.S. - Political And Civil Rights Of Blacks   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (1)

Smart Enough to be Funny
Stand-up comedy is not in the index of this book, but it gets mentioned.Along with a list of Kunstler's film credits is a note that when he tried a comedy routine, he got his biggest laugh for a lawyer joke.I wasinterested, a long time ago, in what Chapter 6 of this book calls Circus inChicago.Back when I was contemplating what I might like to do in a careerin law, I would have enjoyed the opportunity to generate the number oflaughs that are contained in this book.Then I actually found a case thatsaid "Resort to the courts is futile."That was such a changefrom my expectations that an element of humor creeps into my appreciationof the outrageous nature of that truth.As evidence that the author ofthis book is aware of the potent nature of that form of humor, picturethis:"Kunstler objected.The United States attorney jumped up andargued, 'This is outrageous.This man [Kunstler] is the mouthpiece forthese defendants.The Government protests this man's attitude.'"(p.124)I thought that the best legal point in the book was that Bobby Sealecould not be retried on the conspiracy charge after the jury found that theother seven defendants were not guilty of conspiracy.Seale hadn't beencharged with anything else, so further proceedings in his case would havebeen pointless.If there is a fine line between legal logic and the quirksof the system, check this book for the side of the line where the quirksare, and maybe you have already seen bits and pieces of this story on TV. It sure made the newpapers when it was going on. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1919-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. General    7. Kunstler, William Moses,    8. Lawyers    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. Practice Of Law    11. Radicals    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Lawyers & Judges    14. Biography: general    15. Kunstler, William Moses    16. LAWYERS_BIOGRAPHY    17. Legal profession    18. USA   

Editorial Review

Burton S. Katz, a former prosecutor and trial judge, blames the Supreme Court for creating an atmosphere in which the hands of police are tied while known criminals are set free--not because of a dearth of evidence, but due to technicalities and a procedural maze. Katz argues that by creating legal loopholes for defense attorneys, law enforcement officers are more likely to bend the truth concerning how evidence was gathered and whether a defendant was read their rights correctly, a widespread phenomenon known as "testi-lying." This, he says, is not due to dishonesty, but to an understanding of the procedure that must be followed in order to ensure that justice prevails. Along with his critique he offers recommendations for fixing what he views as a broken system, namely by relaxing the current rules regarding gathering of evidence and obtaining confessions--indeed a case of backing up to move forward, for this was precisely the system employed before the Supreme Court effected the changes that Katz rails against. In light of recent high-profile cases involving Rodney King, O.J. Simpson, and the Menendez brothers, Read more

Reviews (2)

Interesting assessment of our criminal justice system
This book does a good job of explaining some of the problems with the criminal justice system.We see how attorneys routinely destroy honest witnesses on the stand, in total violation of professional ethics.We see attorneys hide evidence and doctor documents.We see"expert" witnesses say whatever the attorneys tell them to say.We see police say whatever the procedures imply would be the best testimony to give, accurate or not.And we see some juries intentionally give unjust verdicts, without any fear of reprisals for wrongdoing.
The best of three books by trial court juges.
I've recently read three books by former trial court judges and Katz's is the best of the three.The other two, Guilty by Harold Rothwaz and Don't Pee on My Leg and Tell Me It's Raining by Judy Sheindlin, are both good at presenting the worst examples from the criminal justice system.Sheindlin was also a family court judge and provides additional stories on problems with the juvenile justice system.Katz, however, does a better job of analysis of the problems.He also covers a broader range of issues that affect the system at various stages during the criminal trial process. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Criminal Law    3. Criminal Law - General    4. Criminal Procedure    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. Legal Reference / Law Profession    7. Psychology    8. Biography & Autobiography / Lawyers & Judges    9. USA   

Reviews (2)

Truth Always Beats Fiction
If you're a reader of Grisham or Turow - take some time to read this book.Novels by both give you crime, suspense, mystery and courtroom drama.This book by Robert Surrick gives you the same - but it's not a novel.Unfortunately, it happens to be factual. This is a fast, interesting read - with enough twists and turns to make it impossible to put the book down. Not only is this a must read for lawyers, it's a compelling read for non-lawyers as well.

A Modern David Vs. Goliath
This book, for the uninitaitated, is a pointed look at Pennsylvania's corrupt legal and judicial system as seen through the eyes of Robert Surrick, Esq.Surrick gives chase to those in the legal system who don't pass his ethical standards and he is not afraid to name names and point fingers at the accused.This book offers a never before look at the trials and tribulations of a court system gone awry--from political pandering to nepotism, Surrick writes of his steadfast convictions for ridding the legal system of those who've taken their positions of power too far-often times at his own expense, both personal and professional.Surrick is captivating as a story teller and his book should be mandatory reading for all lawyers-present and future.A great read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Lawyers & Judges    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Biography: general   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Criminology    3. Lawyers & Judges    4. Personal Memoirs    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. True Stories   

Subjects:  1. 1789-1863    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Lawyers    7. Lawyers & Judges    8. Military    9. Petigru, James Louis,    10. Political    11. South Carolina    12. Petigru, James Louis   

Reviews (11)

Beyond Fiction
Saperstein says lawyers work hard. I just finished this book and I am exhausted! It is amazing, and a credit to Saperstein, what one person can do when trained, unleashed and licensed to practice law. What we see is a young, intelligent, and questioning person, confronted with injustice, accept as seemingly his fate, personal responsibility to overcome it. And-- I recall an article about him some years ago in The California Lawyer, entitled "Rich Guy" Saperstein-- he is unapologetic that his work in the public interest has brought him wealth. Entertaining and Inspirational
Although Guy Saperstein probably wrote A CIVIL WARRIOR for a broad based audience, it is very worthwhile reading for attorneys, especially civil litigators.The book begins with a description of Guy Saperstein's childhood days in Southern California, continues with stories of his law school days and the beginnings of his public interest law career. Eventually, we learn of the historic employment discrimination cases he handled.The book is inspirational.Obviously, we are richer for the results Saperstein and and his colleagues obtained through the massive class action employment discrimination cases he launched.However, A CIVIL WARRIOR also gives encouragement and inspiration to the practicing attorney to go "the extra mile" for clients. Many practioners, I believe, would likely have settled much earlier in the various litigations in which Saperstein was involved.Saperstein's description of how his cases were screened, prepared and either tried or settled are completely engrossing.

essential reading
It's a rare treat to read a book that challenges you to become a leader in your chosen craft while imparting specific useful information on its subject matter. If you enjoyed reading the Buffalo Creek Disaster, you'll love this book.Saperstein weaves a personal story within a narrative that you've already heard about in the news. This is the story that you haven't heard.Next time you hear people speak against class action attorneys, pull out your copy of this book and remember the great good that this one attorney has wrought through his craft. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Civil rights workers    4. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    5. Historical - U.S.    6. Lawyers    7. Lawyers & Judges    8. Saperstein, Guy T    9. Sociology    10. United States    11. United States.    12. Biography: general    13. Constitutional & administrative law    14. USA   

Reviews (1)

Judge Johnson - Southern Hero
"Hero in war and peace, implacable enemy of sham and duplicity, living symbol of courage and fairness, jurist par excellence.Through tides of emotion surged menacingly about you, you have read the law as it was, not as other might have wished it to be" (Bass, Taming the Storm, pg. 403) These words inscribed on an honorary degree from Saint Michael's College hung on the wall of Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr.'s chambers and personified the legacy of one of the most significant judges within the last century of American history.In his 1993 book, "Taming the Storm," Dr. Jack Bass goes to great lengths to reveal this modest hero to a generation not necessarily familiar with the judge who stood behind the traditional historic scene in the Civil Rights Movement.Judge Johnson's deeply held beliefs of personal and judicial integrity as well as a strong sense of justice can be seen in his landmark verdicts toward Civil Rights, prison reform, and state mental health care.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Discrimination & Racism    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. United States - 20th Century   

Reviews (1)

Credo to human spirit's endurance
Yerrid reels you right in, detail after vivid detail.You get inside his head and to the heart of the common thread in all his cases -- the nearly indominable strength of the human spirit.Not only is it fascinating how his clients' heart-wrenching stories came to be his legal cases in the first place, but the way he builds and executes his strategies lets you see firsthand the way a top gun lawyer thinks and maneuvers.There are poignant parts, whole sections that will compell you to read on faster and faster, and Yerrid's verbatim closing remarks are phenomenal -- expressive, emotionally charged... just brilliant.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. General    4. Law    5. Lawyers    6. Lawyers & Judges    7. Malpractice    8. Trials    9. United States    10. Yerrid, C. Steven