REASONABLE DOUBTS: The O.J. Simpson Case and the Criminal Justice System

15.2 x 2.5 x 22.2 cm-First edition, 1st printing. Full number line: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1-" Using the O.J. Simpson case as a backdrop, the famous defense lawyer examines the American criminal justice system, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses-Here is the first word, though certainly not the last, from a lawyer involved in the O. J. Simpson case. Dershowitz, whose job was to handle the appeal for the case should it have been necessary, is also one of the foremost (and most prolific) writers about the American legal system. He states in his introduction that this book was not written to change anyone's mind, but rather to explain how, under our criminal justice system, the jury could have properly reached a verdict that millions of people found untenable. Still, one can't help but believe that budging public opinion was a teeny part of Dershowitz's agenda. And despite his claim that he wants primarily to look at the larger issues that surround the case, Dershowitz is not shy about explaining the strengths of the defense case, while dismissing prosecution evidence and theories, often a bit too quickly; in particular, he leaves unanswered many questions about blood evidence and DNA. Dershowitz also shares his disparaging mail (much of it from fellow Jews) and goes after Marcia Clark, who, he claims, supported Detective Fuhrman even after she knew about his racism. No matter what side of the verdict readers come out on, they will find plenty of provocative stuff in these pages. Just when you wanted to forget about the Simpson case, Dershowitz brings up all sorts of new issues to ponder."- Ilene Cooper