America's Courts on Trial: Questioning Our Legal System (Issue and Debate)

Pascoe, Elaine

ISBN 10: 0761301046 ISBN 13: 9780761301042

Publisher: Millbrook Pr, 1997

Synopsis

Examines controversial aspects of America's court system such as whether the concept of trial by jury is outmoded, the courts are racially biased, or media coverage of trials should be limited

About this title

From Booklist

Gr. 6^-9. Pascoe offers a succinct summary of the origins, evolution, and current status of the American legal system. After explaning parallel court systems and key constitutional guarantees, such as the right to a jury trial, habeas corpus, and due process, she focuses on the interpretation of these rights during criminal proceedings. High-profile cases involving O. J. Simpson, the Menendez brothers, John DeLorean, and others are superbly used to explore the intent of constitutional rights versus the reality of contemporary trial proceedings. For example, the right to a trial by jury has become a complicated matter involving everything from jury consultants and focus groups to the defendant's race and economic status. Pascoe also discusses victims' rights and the impact of extensive media coverage. Black-and-white photographs and numerous quotes add a sense of immediacy to this fine introduction, which is sure to trigger classroom discussion. Notes and a list of further readings are appended. Karen Simonetti

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up?The trials of William Kennedy Smith, O.J. Simpson, the Menendez Brothers, and the police officers who battered Rodney King have all sparked heated criticisms of the way American courts mete out justice. Without sensationalizing, Pascoe focuses on serious issues raised by the conduct and outcome of these and other controversial trials. The heart of the book is a thoughtful discussion of how race, media exposure, and money affect the administration of the law. There is also balanced coverage of the jury system and the competing rights of defendants and victims. An introductory chapter efficiently explains how courts are organized, historical influences on the American judicial system, and the basic constitutional guarantees. Good-quality black-and-white photographs are appropriate and well placed. This book will be equally useful in school and public libraries.?Claudia Morrow, Berkeley Public Library, CA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Millbrook Pr
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0761301046
• ISBN 13: 9780761301042
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 128