| Edition |
First edition. |
| Description |
xvi, 345 pages ; 25 cm |
| Note |
"A Borzoi Book"--Title page verso. |
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Includes index. |
| Summary |
A former federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York presents an overview of the American justice system, drawing on case histories and personal experiences to discuss why the rule of law is essential to U.S. society. |
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"These are challenging times. We are told truth isn't truth, 'alternative facts' hold sway, and ethics seem less important to many than 'winning.' Rhetoric in the public square promotes fear and division, not empathy and common ground. As Preet Bharara says in [this book], 'Many people find this moment in America alarming. There is rightfully a sense of urgency. But amid all that urgency, it is also vital to take a deep breath, to take a step back, to try to understand how justice is supposed to be accomplished ... It turns out that the law has something to teach us about truth, dignity, and justice. About how to resolve disagreements and disputes--with reason and evidence rather than taunts and character assassination.' Preet Bharara has spent much of his life examining our legal system, most recently as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, fighting for justice and fairness, prosecuting those who would harm the public through violence, fraud, and corruption. Bharara believes that the rule of law plays a critical role in sustaining our democracy, now more than ever. With captivating tales of true crime from his years atop the most storied prosecutor's office in the country--inside stories of terrorists threatening America, mob hit men, billion-dollar fraudsters, corrupt politicians, and even a 'cannibal cop'--Bharara entertains us, but also inspires us to aim high, laying out a path for how to think and act to reach fair and morally correct judgments. He shows us that rational, fact-based thinking, tempered with compassion, can lead us toward truth and justice not only in the courts but in our business lives and in our family dealings. Doing Justice is a much-needed book for today. But it is also much needed for tomorrow and beyond. It is a wise and thought-provoking work about leadership and the need to find the humanity in our legal system as well as in our society and ourselves."--Dust jacket. |
| Contents |
Part I: Inquiry. The truth is elusive : the boys ; Things are not what they seem : "urbane cowboys" ; Gold-standard investigators : the ethic of the mob buster Kenny McCabe ; The problem of confirmation bias : latent fingerprint 17 ; The need for rigor : a death in Soundview ; Curiosity and query : asking basic questions ; The principles of interrogation : "barbarism is not necessary" ; Snitches : the moral quicksand of cooperating witnesses ; Continuity and change : justice through innovation -- Part II: Accusation. The grinding machinery ; God forbid ; Walking away ; Culture ; Bollywood -- Part III: Judgment. Day in court ; The judge ; The trial ; Three men in a room ; The verdict -- Part IV: Punishment. Baby Carlina ; Lord of the flies ; Beyond justice. |
| Subject |
Justice, Administration of -- United States.
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Justice, Administration of -- Moral and ethical aspects.
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Justice.
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Rule of law -- United States.
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POLITICAL SCIENCE / American Government / Judicial Branch.
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TRUE CRIME / General.
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LAW / Government / General.
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| ISBN |
9780525521129 (hardcover) |
|
0525521127 (hardcover) |
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