Amy Bach

The theme running through this book is that, however ideal the system is designed, its actual practice can leave much to be desired. The sources of that shortfall come from a variety of sources: individuals appropriating unto themselves prerogatives meant to reside elsewhere; well-meaning functionaries overwhelmed by underfunded offices; and even a few less savory explanations, such as the view that collegiality or membership within the "tribe" outweighs the fate of the defendant or the integrity of the justice system itself. All her arguments are documented through examples she collected herself over a period of many years. Most of her instances support her worries -- Chapter 3 seems a bit overstated, given the examples she provides. But in sum, a worthwhile study that brings to our attention how the American legal system really works, not how politicians and others paying little attention say it ought to work.… (mere)