Professions Books

D. Corbett Everidge was a man whose sworn duty was to uphold the laws of North Carolina. As a college instructor, military police officer, former probation officer, and a serving magistrate Everidge was a man of impeccable reputation. Due to an unfortunate chain of events Everidge would find his reputation, and even his freedom, in jeopardy.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent, details the events that transpired, which put a distinguished career in jeopardy, along with the author's freedom. Guilty Until Proven Innocent also serves an inside look at the nuts and bolts of the North Carolina legal system. All aspects of the legal process are discussed as Everidge explains well the duties of all of the players within the system. Investigative techniques, execution of warrants, and prosecutorial strategies are all discussed. The book also analyzes the effect the media has on the judicial system. Also explored is the emotional toll which is placed on the defendant, the defendant's friends, and their families.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent serves as a cautionary tale of what can happen when the system fails those who it is meant to protect. As intelligent as it is entertaining, students of law, sociology, and criminal justice, will find Guilty Until Proven Innocent a valuable tool for research. Ultimately Guilty Until Proven Innocent leaves it up to the reader to judge guilt or innocence in the case of the State of North Carolina versus David Corbett Everidge.

In the stump speeches that he delivers during his presidential campaign stops, John Edwards often expounds on how there are, in truth, two Americas: one for the rich, and a separate one for the poor. In light of such cases as OJ Simpson and Michael Jackson, the same can also be said for the criminal justice system. In Guilty Until Proven Innocent, though, D. Corbett Everidge proves that the real truth is that the two different criminal justice systems are broken down as: one that works in theory, and another that works in actual practice.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent tracks the real-life legal drama that effectively ruined Everidge's career in public service before it was even given a chance to take-off. Becoming a criminal magistrate in the year 2000, Everidge served Patterson County, North Carolina with honor and pride. Having risen through the ranks as first a security officer and then a probation officer, Everidge was more than familiar with the political goings-on behind the scenes of courtroom trials and everyday legal wrangling, but he was determined to discharge his duties fairly and with respect to the law. All that changed forever one night - and over nothing more than a simple difference of opinion.

Following a brief clash with a couple incorrigible Sheriff's deputies, Everidge's world quickly began to spin out of control. Dead-set on revenge for Everidge's unwillingness to kowtow to them, the deputies soon launched an all-out smear campaign against him, leveling baseless allegations, filing false legal documents, and fraudulently reporting instances of unprofessional conduct that reached all the way to Everidge's superior: the County Clerk Of Court himself. Doomed by a worsening legal and political catastrophe, Everidge soon discovered just how "fair and impartial" the criminal justice system really is, ultimately paying too high a price for simply standing his ground to defend those who had done no wrong - most especially himself.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent is a disturbing read, but also an eye-opening and absolutely essential one. As you witness the downward spiral of Everidge's career (through no fault of his own), you shudder to realize that the sinister forces such as those that claimed it - and almost his life - are allowed to wreak havoc unchecked. Moreover, the fact that they usurped someone in such an important position as criminal magistrate leaves you with little comfort regarding your own rights as an ordinary citizen.

The most telling aspect of Everidge's tale, though, is the details: he willingly provides invaluable insight into the real workings of the criminal justice system itself, lending you a peak into regular events you would never imagine happening everyday. From some judges falling asleep on the bench in the middle of trials to other judges convicting defendants without even reviewing their cases, the real world of "justice" leaves alot to be desired - and explained.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent gives a stunning account of the intermarriage of politics & law that you can't afford to ignore. You never know: just like Everidge, your own life and liberty may be decided by it one day.

The best one-volume source about the legal history of the Second Amendment. This paperback is a distillation of the most important items from Cottrol's three-volume hardback series on the same topic. Included in the paperback version are the two leading Supreme Court cases on the Second Amendment (Presser v. Illinois and United States v. Miller) and one of the most important state court cases (the 19th-century Tennessee decision, Aymette v. State). The full text of the Brady Act and the 1986 Firearms Owners Protection Act are included. But the most useful parts of the book are the reprints of ten major law or history journal articles about the Second Amendment. Topics covered include the English background of the Second Amendment, the original intent of the Second Amendment, and the Second Amendment in the context of citizenship and civic responsibility. Because Cottrol has made the book scrupulously balanced, four of the ten articles represent the gun prohibitionists' viewpoint that the Second Amendment guarantees essentially no right that an individual American could exercise. This anti-rights view represents far less than 40% of the serious scholarship about the Second Amendment, and thus the Cottrol book may create the mistaken impression that the anti-rights scholars are a more significant element of the scholarly community than they really are. The book's careful balance, however, makes it an ideal item for a school library. Cottrol's opening essay is as good an introduction to the meaning of the Second Amendment as you'll find anywhere. Review by Dave Kopel, Independence Institute, http://i2i.org

Professor Cottrol's book is an extremely useful collection of original documents: cases, statutes, law review articles and so on. The scholarship is meticulous, and the presentation is balanced. His lengthy introduction is practically worth the price of the book itself: an extended monograph on constitutional interpretation that rivals many of the law review articles he reproduces in both length and analysis.

In recent years Twayne Publishers has done a fine service for the study of social movements through a series of now twenty-five short studies. These have included such movements as the American Peace Movement, the Antinuclear Movement and the Creationist Movement. While varying in analytical content, they have provided an unusually valuable basis for describing and thinking about the variety of objects contained in the term "Social Movements." Gregg Lee Carter, Professor of Sociology at Bryant College, has added another highly useful volume to that series. Carter's emphasis is largely on two gun control organizations, Handgun Control, Inc. (HLC) and the counterorganization, the National Rifle Association (NRA). Carter also analyses some of the issues and thinking about guns in the U.S., such as their relation to violence, the impediment to gun control in the Second Amendment, and what he describes as the "myth of the frontier legacy." Carter opens with a chapter on the relation of violence to guns and finds the data research ambiguous. In concluding the chapter he poses what he calls the central question for the rest of the book: "why the gun control movement has seen so little success. Why does the United States lack strict national gun control laws?" Much of the remainder of the book attempts to answer this question by closer analysis of the two organizations: the HLC and the NRA. Carter's analysis of the Second Amendment and the alleged role of a frontier legacy convinces him that these often cited explanations have little factual basis; yet the limited victories of the gun control movement and the successful opposition of the NRA remains a problem. The question is deepened by his analysis of polls. Large majorities support control measures although their intensity and commitment may not be deep. The author emphasizes that while the public appears supportive of gun control, they did not approve of banning guns. This reluctance, as he describes it, has been a defining issue in the gun control movement. From its formation in 1974, the HLC has broken with prior organizations that had advocated banning guns. In 1977 a "palace coup" in the NRA transformed that organization from being a spokesman for hunters and rifle users. Prior to that it was unopposed to controls, a sharp contrast to its present fierce antipathy toward all such efforts. Since 1977, it has been highly successful in preventing national legislation for controls. While the HLC, on the other hand, has had some successes, such as the Brady bill, in the main it has not achieved most of its goals. Carter also reviews a number of polls concerned with the sources of gun control support and opposition. While he points to sources of financial support and lobbying activities of the NRA he has no clear analysis of why the organization has been so overwhelmingly opposed to any gun control measures, why its membership is so intense in their support and why legislators are so readily influenced by them. Perhaps there is no ready answer, but to attempt one is essential to more effective analysis. Other lobbying groups have not had intense support like that of the NRA. Perhaps the virtue of shortness is also the vice of limiting analysis. It is fate of studying ongoing movements to be overtaken by events after being written. Currently the movement is seeking its goals on local playing fields and in the courts. Nevertheless the author's historical and sociological data make it a necessary study for social movement analysis and for those concerned with the issues of guns and their control in America.

Joseph Gusfield, University of California, San Diego

Choice, February 1998, p. 1070

Carter, Gregg Lee. The Gun Control Movement. Twayne/Prentice Hall International, 1997. 166p bibl index afp ISBN 0-8057-3885-1

Carter's short book provides a useful introduction to issues related to gun control in the U.S. Among the critical questions he examines are American attitudes toward gun control and the degree to which these attitudes correspond to the agendas of key organizations such as Handgun Control Inc. and the National Rifle Association. In addition, this book explores conflicting interpretations of the Second amendment, the effect of the frontier legacy on American views of guns, and the connections among society, politics, and the gun control movement. In a very well balanced assessment, the author analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the pro- and anticontrol arguments and the organizational capacities of Handgun Control Inc. and the NRA. The introduction includes some valuable cross-national comparisons related to gun violence and gun control. The book also contains some important demographic profiles of typical pro- and anticontrol individuals, and examines the internal contradictionswithin each camp. In sum, this is a helpful overview situated in the broader context of social movement theory.

-Peter Seybold, Indiana University-Bloomington

The Hague: Legal Capital of the World captures a readers head and heart. The book's five hundred and sixty nine pages are as rich in content as the color of its hard glossy cover. Each chapter, respectively introduced with the institution's unique international symbol, shares a two page spread with institution contact information, and elegantly captures the essence of each building through a black and white photograph, as if one is doorstep, awaiting their personal guided tour.

Diplomats, scholars, and students, as well as residents of The Hague, will experience a fruitful feeling of time spent between the pages of this volume. With forwards by the Netherlands' Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Mayor of the City of The Hague, and the former United Nations Legal Counsel, the reader gains perspective on this book's valuable contents which includes treaties, statutes, articles, and more. Within such a vast and dense field, this volume highlights relevant institutional information which is succinctly organized and easy on the eyes. The fluidity and organization of this book clearly represents the contributions of the experts behind the making, and unveils why The Hague, is in fact, "the legal capital of the world". -Lisa Ferrouge

This book is a very organized and well-planned read. Sometimes author's take certain facts for granted but this book was very careful to alway mention the basics along side of the details. I loved it. Also, the footnotes were an added bonus. Professor Van Krieken is very intelligent and still down to earth and this shows in the text. If you need to know anything about international law, history of, the future policies..... you will be able to get it here.
Chelsea Fullilove

Reviewed by Kathleen Dowdell for Reader Views (4/08)

Written by a labor and employment attorney, "Handling Employment for Bosses and Supervisors" presumes to be a guideline for avoiding employee lawsuits. In the author's section, titled "Thirty-One Steps on How to Keep Your Home," he lays out thirty-one ideas of practical information that employers should use to protect themselves from litigation that may cost them their home (employment litigation) or their lives (workplace violence). Hopper spends a good chunk of time explaining employment litigation and its repercussions likening it to going through a divorce. He includes twenty-three factors that cause employment problems and he provides practical, legal suggestions how managers and supervisors can avoid litigation. He points out that "the United States is viewed by many as the most litigious country in the world having more than 20,000 discrimination lawsuits filed in 2000." Staggering figures like that make this book a must have in any employers' library.

The evolution of employment law in the United States began about forty to fifty years ago, modeling itself from England's employment law in the beginning of the 1800s. An interesting fact the author points out is how the term "fired" came about. Back in 1871 "fired out" meant to throw out or eject someone from a place or location. Some years later "out" was dropped and the term "fired" came to be synonymous with "dismissal of an employee." When an employer has to fire someone, he has made two mistakes: hiring the person in the first place and failing to train the person to become productive. Investing in your employees pays off in the long run as is pointed out in one of the thirty-one steps he discusses. Employees, as Hopper points out, should always be treated with dignity and respect. If everyone remembered and acted that way, the workplace would be a better place.

This book contains practical, concise information and makes a great reference for managers and supervisors. Every factor of employment is covered in this book including interviewing techniques, policy writing, sexual harassment, unlawful employment practices, termination, and workplace violence. Hopper uses humor to keep the book from becoming too morose. The subtitle of the book "Guidelines to Avoid Employee Lawsuits, With a Touch of Humor" is aptly named. Quotes of famous people interspersed throughout the book make the information more personal and adaptable to the reader.

I would recommend "Handling Employment for Bosses and Supervisors" to owners of small business as well as managers and supervisors. Its content is informative, practical, and humorous. The book is laid out in short, easy to read sections. By adding humor to the content, Hopper's great writing style makes what could be laborious reading interesting and fun.

Successful attorney Geoffrey H. Hopper writes from a rich background gained from his business experience in steel fabrication and through litigation in the area of employment and business law. In his new book "Handling Employment for Bosses and Supervisors" Geoffrey offers guidelines to improve employee moral, for reducing absenteeism, and litigation fees, while increasing productivity.

The book follows a natural progression beginning with a listing of "23 Factors Causing Employment Problems" and a brief history of employment law in the introduction. He follows with a chapter explaining to the reader why they should be reading this book. The chapters that follow are packed with practical recommendations on subjects including: Employee training, evaluations, employee applications, screening, and interviews. In the final chapters Hopper offers important guidelines for handling sexual harassment issues, violence in the workplace, employment practices, and suggestions for selecting qualified legal counsel.

Geoffrey writes with a flare for humor as he clearly articulates the pitfalls of employer practices in handling human resources. Chapter titles include: "Remember the Blue Haired Lady Doctrine." I particularly enjoyed the pithy quotes and sage advice from such diverse persons as Malcolm Forbes, Dolly Parton, Winston Churchill, and Abigail Van Buren.

Employers, and supervisors, as well as indiviual employees will benefit from the important guidelines provided in "Handling Employment for Bosses and Supervisors." This is a "must read book" for every CEO, Human Resource Director, and Department Head.

This book presents a sophisticated exposition and analysis of free speech doctrine and the attacks against it. However, Weinstein also writes in an accessible way to the non-specialist. He goes through the basic history of US free speech doctrine, as well as those from some other countries, and then discusses the latest attacks against. In an age when so many (in my opinion shameful) philosophers and academics (who ought to support intellectual freedom as much as possible) of all stripes are developing sophisticated arguments to repress and censor with little regard for the principle of free speech, this sober book is necessary. Highly recommended!

Weinstein's exploration of the attack on Free Speech is a brilliant examination of one of our fundamental constitutional rights. Filled with insightful observations, Weinstein legal experience as a professor of law at ASU and his early clerkship with Justice Browning show through his elegant prose.

This book is beautifully crafted with a brief introduction by the editor of each biographee followed by a personal segment in the biographees' own words describing how they found their lifetime career. The people selected are from all walks of life and, in some cases, there are "moments of inspiration" while in other cases, it is rather an accumulaton of small moments whereby they find they can do nothing else. This is a wonderful gift for students, but it is also a great read for people of any age. Highly Recommended!

Editor has provided young adults with stimulating, thought provoking biographies of famous persons in different fields of edeavor. Book should be a motivating influence on all who read it.

Theo Wilson covered the great trials in this country from the 50's through the 80's. She spent 10 years preparing this book. Sadly, she died just as the promotional tour was scheduled to begin with an appearance on Tom Snyder's show. Theo's voice, a delight to her many friends, comes through loud and clear. It's hard to decide which is more enjoyable, the many funny annecdotes or the numerous pithy and insightful comments on some of the most famous trials in our lifetimes. Theo was maybe 5 feet tall, but she was a giant as a writer. She lit up every room she was ever in. She also didn't take any guff. While covering Charlie Manson's trial, he tried to intimidate her during a recess in the trial. She said "Oh, Charlie. Grow up!" You owe it to yourself to get this book. Ignore the hard-to-get warning. I saw the publisher yesterday (4-20-97) at the LA Times Festival of Books, and they still have plenty of them. Look for Linda Deutsch, Theo's best friend, on the Today show next week. Linda has decided to complete the promotional tour for the book since Theo is unable to. Linda is the AP's premier court reporter. You'll recognize her from the O.J. trial where she was the only journalist not to get kicked out by Judge Ito.

Theo Wilson was the best reporter of her time, and this book gives her insight into major stories she covered: Jack Ruby, Charles Manson, Patty Hearst and many others. Wilson has a way of making you feel you are right next to her in the courtroom, noticing the details that make a story come alive. When heiress Hearst was on trial, for example, Wilson noted that her millionaire parents sat close to the defense table, but "there never was, during those long weeks, a spontaneous gesture of affection, a hug, a kiss, a hand reached for...They were living through the same nightmare but they could not share its terrors." Theo Wilson was known as the dean of reporters over a 40-year period, most of them for the New York Daily News. Journalists are not held in high regard today, but this book shows how honorable and responsible reporters can be. At the same time, she brings into view the reporter's world while the story is being chased and after the deadlines met. Theo Wilson had many adventures -- some funny, some poignant-- during her career. Reading about them is just plain fun

This is the best book out there for both medical and legal professionals. It is easy to read and and a great resource for all law and medical issues.

Liang's book is the first comprehensive AND comprehensible book on the health care system out there! As a physician who went to medical school decades ago, i never realized how much would change in the practice environment. No one has been able to give a thorough review of all the topics that we need to know now; not my specialty society, certainly not the AMA, and not my state med society. But this book does; it has everything from a great overview of the law, the standard stuff (e.g., med mal, informed consent) AND gives clear and complete explanations of the huge and legalese laden areas of fraud and abuse, antitrust, etc. I found the material on physician contracting really helpful in understanding what I should look for in my contracts. And the stuff on death and dying (e.g., advanced directives) was very helpful for my patients (I copied it for them). I heard of this book from the general counsel's office at our hospital and she uses it a lot too. I tell all the med students and residents who rotate with me about this book. And the web page addresses are really great!

This book is my constant Contracts companion. In class, I have two books open: the casebook & this one. It's super helpful, and I love the funny comic for each case that serves as a visual reminder of the case facts. I wish I had one of these books for all of my boring casebooks.

This made the cases easy to understand. Help me get my best grade first year.