Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

Crimes and Trials of the Century, edited by Steven Chermak and Frankie Y. Bailey. 2 vols. 709p. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2007. 978-0-313-34109-0; 2007-30704. $199.95.

From the Black Sox baseball scandal to the torturing of prisoners at Abu Ghraib, this survey of American criminal cases examines the development of investigation procedures and judicial processes in the face of constant media attention. The 35 cases examined range from the trials of Al Capone, John Scopes and Alger Hiss to the murder of Yusuf Hawkins, the Tailhook scandal and the Columbine shootings. In every instance, these high-profile cases received intense national news coverage. The sensational details of both crimes and trials were presented daily to a fascinated public. From the Lindbergh kidnapping to Martha Stewart's conviction, such news exposure profoundly affected the conduct of investigations, the decisions of prosecutors and the verdicts of juries, as well as the lives of victims and defendants. The cases were equally influential for inspiring debate on the issues involved. Prison conditions, discrimination, national security and police brutality are just a few of the concerns that have commanded the attention of police, lawmakers, court justices and the public as a result of these cases. The scholarly essays of this guide explore the details of each crime, the legal issues involved, the course of litigation and appeals. The analysis assesses the impact of the media on the case as well as change in laws, criminal justice procedures, and the attitudes of society at large. Frequent sidebars highlight key figures, timelines, and related events. Numerous references and suggestions for further reading guide additional research. This excellent survey will provide students of criminal justice, communication, political science and cultural history with a provocative introduction to key issues in criminal prosecution in the United States.

— John Lawrence