Trials Books

This is a highly readable and engaging book on the topic, covering the history of abortion laws from early 1800s to the Clinton years. To explain the legal shifts throughout those 200 years, the authors describe the social, political, religious and scientific forces that have lead up to each turning point, and how those shifts in turn have influenced further shifts in a seemingly never ending chain. They do so by presenting the various sides of the debate in an even-handed and concise manner, without losing depth on the one hand and without getting bogged down with technicalities on the other. What I found of particular interest was the behind-the-scenes debates of the Justices both in Griswold v. Connecticut and in Roe v. Wade that shed light on their final decision.

One of many controversial Supreme court cases in the United States is the case of Roe v Wade. Norma McCourvey was a 23 year old pregnant divorced women. Norma took on the name of Jane Roe to secure her identity infont of the public. Roe lived in the state of Texas. She wanted to terminate her pregnancy the only obstacle was that with in the state of Texas a women was not allowed to have an abortion unless her life depended on it.Roe was pregnant from an affair she had which caused her marriage to fail. Roe took the case to the Supreme court alleging that her rights were being violated and that under the amendments 1,4 9 and 14 she had a choice. The attorneys who would carry on this case were two young women named Sarh Weddington adn Linda Coffee. Both had recently graduated from the University of Texas. Sarah at the time was also pregnant,but would go on and have the child. Attorney Henry Wade was force with the decision to allow Norma nad other women to have an abortion. Two years after the case was presented the court decided that in fact a womens right to choose on what to do with her body was hers and nobody else.
I would reccomend this book to everyone who is interested in politics. Due to the fact that no matter how someone feels towards a certain topic you may never know what your decision might be. I might one day become a lawyer and reading this book opened my eyes ;to realize that I can not allow my morals and beliefs to get in the way of my profession. I would also reccomend this book to anyone who has strong feelings on whether abortion should be legal or not. Finally I just enjoyed this book because although abortion is a very controversial topic it is also one a very easy book to read and comprehend.

Despite the fact that the typeface on cover of this book is perhaps too reminiscent of Bram Stoker's classic novel, this is a solid, "no nonsense" reference work. It does not attempt to sway or influence the reader's opinion of the Salem witchcraft trials episode, but instead offers a precise, objective overview of all its events, complete with a wide variety of academic interpretations, representative original documents, key biographies and various other related bonus materials. When used in a classroom setting, or as a general reference on the subject, this edition eliminates the need for separately published collections of primary sources -- an indispensable quality for any introductory book.

As an educator for 25 years teaching colonial New England, I was excited to see this book being published. I received my copy and I feel it is the best resource there is on the witchcraft trials. All the information you need is here.

Children's detective stories seem to be perpetually "in," and The Salem Witch Trials: An Untold Mystery from History (as with others in this series) plays on that theme successfully. Without giving us a name, the author introduces us to the narrator, a young girl who is curious...a trait that every detective needs! This young lady isn't curious about just anything, she's particularly curious about her fathers file of mysteries that have never been solved..."histories mysteries." The narrator then goes on to detail her "process" for trying to figure out the given mystery...first she reads as much as she can about the incident, learning everything she can, and she keeps a notebook of the most important clues and information. Some of the books in this series include maps and timelines (though this one does not)! This particular "case" focuses on The Salem Witch Trials (its possible causes).

With that bit out of the way, the book transforms into a fact filled narrative of the events, starting with the long cold winter of 1692, leading into the various events that lead up to the witch trials and ending with a summery of five of the most popular theories "what really happened." This final section is done in the notebook style, and the narrator has included questions for the reader to answer, which if answered, will help the reader figure out which of the theories are most likely...at the very least, it's an excellent opportunity for a class project (dividing students up into groups and each exploring a given theory and presenting to the class, with discussion at the end on which of the theories are most likely...and maybe even encouraging students to come up with their own theories!). The story ends with the narrator saying she's really not sure WHICH theory is right...but she's got her own and now she hopes you (the reader) do too.

Each two page spread (illustration done in subtle tones which emphasize the bleak New England winters and adds to the somber tone of the Puritan lifestyle) is given a narrative box and most include "post-it" style pink, yellow and orange boxes which define terms used in the narrative box and most include a cut out of a spiral notebook which is meant to be the narrator taking her notes...which provides additional information and/or perspective on the information given in the narrative box. I love the section on the theories...the way they are presented with questions that the reader should be able to answer directly out of the text and/or with minimal additional research. I really do think this would make an excellent group project for a classroom, or the jumping off point for a written report by a single student...or just interesting reading!! I'd say this book is idea for kids ages 4-10, as a real aloud to about age 6, older kids will enjoy reading this alone...the text is EASY...but the opportunity for exploring the theories and doing additional research is what I think makes it suitable for readers 8-10. I give it five stars and think it would make a fine addition to any classroom or school library. I love the format; it presents the necessary information (and definitions) on the page (without flipping back and forth to a glossary) in a way that doesn't detract from the narrative or the illustrations. There is a bibliography, but it's located in the front of the book, just before the title page, rather than in the back. Pick this up for your curious young reader, you won't be disappointed!

I picked this book up at my local library, keen to know how the authors and illustrator approached a dark theme in our history catering to younger readers [Grades 3-6]. I was pleased with the approach as though it doesn't provide comprehensive details on the events surrounding the Salem Witch Trials, it does have a unique approach.

The illustrations are done in somber hues, which enhance the bleakness of the period in which the events occur. There are boxed texts explaining how the witch trials unfolded, and difficult phrases or words are explained, also in boxed text.

What I liked about the book was its investigative approach. The reader is given a set of leading and thought-provoking questions at the end of the book which are meant to help the reader come to his/her own conclusions about the true origins of the historical event. A possible set of hypotheses are provided for us to ponder over, and the questions are simple [as they are aimed at a younger audience], yet thought-provoking.

All in all, this is a refreshing approach to a significant event in US history, simply written and beautifully illustrated.

If you have school age girls (or boys for that matter) they should read this book. If they have an interest in science, its a must read. I could feel the vibration at liftoff

One of my students discovered this book and loved it. It's now on my "great reads" list--books that every student will enjoy. The book moves fast and is at just the right comprehension level, without skipping any of the science. Sally Ride is truly an inspiration. The cover's a little blah and the photos are black and white, which may put off some kids, but once they start reading, they won't stop.

This book should be required reading for all pre-law students. It is a fast-paced, fun look at the underside of the legal profession. If anything the reality is often more unseemly than it is portrayed by Mr. Chester. I could relate to all-too much of it, but this time I was laughing.

This was truly an enjoyable read, I was laughing from the first pages about Gary's trials and trevails in law school through the myriad of cases, trials and stories in the book. It also makes you really think about what goes into being a lawyer and what happens in a court room. All in all, its a great book to read and fun too.


Evan Weiner

This book is an informative and well written account of this century's most influential cases. I would recommend it to anyone, who as a young adult is thinking of law school.

It was interesting to learn, through these stories, about how the courtroom works. I'd heard about some of the trials before, but didn't know how they turned out or what the details were. The stories were suspenseful. I especially liked the Scopes "Monkey Trial," the O.J. Simpson Trial, and the Sacco-Vanzetti Trial. I'm ten and I loved this book.

Jena Galifany just keeps them coming with this second book in the Shadows Forge series continuing a great story with characters that feel like family. A well written narrative of a British Band that has trials on every tour they embark on. This collection of books should be on everyones book shelves!!! Thanks Jena...keep 'em coming!

The ShadowsForge tour is still going on but not without a new element of danger. This time the boys have received a warning message that because one of them apparently slept with the sender's woman, he was going to extract justice. Freaked out, the management has made the tour a security stronghold. Geoff Richards isn't used to having someone follow his every move and to have his moves regulated. After all he has a reputation to uphold and there are all of those lovely ladies out there just waiting for him. Valerie Leonard is a journalist that is doing a biography of the members of ShadowsForge. Her first meeting with Geoff is interesting to say the least and their second one isn't much better. However Valerie agrees to date Geoff if he can keep the deal she makes him - two weeks without sex. Geoff agrees, thinking it will be a breeze - little does he know. While this is going on it, appears that the same person who sent the warning letter is targeting Geoff.

The entire band and crew are there to help, tease and torment Geoff as he tries to win his bet and not be injured by all of the unexplainable accidents that seem to be going on. When Geoff has to save Valerie from the same madman, can he win the woman and defeat the madman or will this trial be the last of the tour?

Trials on Tour is the second chapter in the saga of ShadowsForge, an up and coming British band. This time it is the lead singer, Geoff Richards that is the main focus. Geoff is known for enjoying all the rewards of the being lead signer of a popular band. Valerie not only says no to him, but also sets up an almost impossible bet for Geoff to get a date. Valerie is not like any of the woman that Geoff usually wants to sleep with and his agreeing to the bet shocks him. I was amazed at the lengths Geoff goes through while trying to keep his part of the deal. The element of danger kept the plot interesting and intriguing. Once again all of the members of ShadowsForge appear in Trials on Tour and I was happy to see the day-to-day living that the band members have to go through to make it through this tour. By the end of Trials on Tour I was aware that all the answers were most likely going to be in the next book. Although it did appear that Geoff and Valerie would end up together. I personally will be grabbing the next book just to see if I was right or not on my theories. Trials on Tour can be read alone, but I would suggest reading the books in order.

Jo
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This book gave me nightmares.
That has never happened before.
I have long given up on horror movies as I searched and searched for something that might frighten me.

The stories/facts in this book are true and they are utterly horrific.

Daughter/Girlfriend going "Travelling"....give her this book first.

It should be compulsory reading.

Reading books like this is always very sad. You are always thinking of the victims ends, snuffed out in their prime with their whole lives ahead of them. But the book is mainly about the trial of Rose West- did she, didn't she? Without deciding for you either way there is no doubt that the trial was a bit of a farce and that 'innocent till proven guilty' is a phrase used so often by society as word service to the judicial system that for all intents and purposes it has become meaningless. When a police force backed by society hatred and anger is trying to prove you guilty then you HAVE to prove your innocence in order to fight. Proving her innocence Rose West failed to do but so too did the prosecution fail to prove her guilt. If she was guilty because she 'must have known' then so are other members of the house guilty. There were hundreds of missing bones from the several victims which points to the dismemberment of the bodies happening away from the house and this indicates Fred Wests need to keep things secret from Rose. What makes me angry about this book is that Rose West could indeed be guilty but the trial never proved it one way or the other. Also, it shows that with Fred Wests suicide, the police and society, needing an outlet still for the rage, turned on Rose West like they had Derek Bently many years before when the real killer was too young to be legally prosecuted. A disturbing aspect was the tabloid journalists supplying schoolchildren with eggs to pelt Rose Wests police van so they could photograph it as she was driven off to court before being tried. Also one of the daughters getting offered hundreds of pounds by a newspaper for her inside story and then paid thousands when she added a page full of maternal abuse. This is a book that makes you think. My conclusions afterwards are that it seems so difficult to find the truth in these situations that society is not helped by the judicial system behaving maliciously and incompetently, and governments pandering to the mob by allowing journalistic interference. As I said, the book doesn't show Rose Wests innocence, it only shows that the trial was a farce.

After making every conceivable mistake in our quest to find something fun to do with our retired racing greyhound, we found this book. What a great resource! The author walks you through all the steps to get started in amateur performance events. It's also been a wonderful reference work as we've continued to participate and learn.

I have been enchanted with sighthounds since I was a young girl. I'm still in awe at how they've survived since ancient times virtually the same. This book covers sighthound breeds commonly seen at AKC dog shows: Afghan Hound; Borzoi; Irish Wolfhound; Saluki; Scottish Deerhound; ect.... But there are also fascinating histories of breeds virtually unknown in the USA, or even outside of their homelands. There is also information given on a few breeds believed to be extinct. Photos are not provided for every breed due to the breed's obscurity. The photos & line drawings are all in black & white; some are quite old so the quality isn't the best. I must add that this book is the only one I know of to date that includes information on the Silken Windhound! If you are infatuated by sighthounds as I am, I definately recommend this book to you! It's not for the casual dog person though.

Jackson does an excellent job of uncovering the critical role that social scientific research played in the Supreme Court's classic Brown vs. Board of Education decision in 1954. While many people equate the Brown decision with Clark's classic doll studies, Jackson provides an extremely even-handed look at role that Clark played in the decision, as well as pointing out the numerous studies carried out by other scholars that influenced the Supreme Court. An excellent read for anyone who is interested in this classic decision.

Jackson does an excellent job of uncovering the critical role that social scientific research played in the Supreme Court's classic Brown vs. Board of Education decision in 1954. While many people equate the Brown decision with Clark's classic doll studies, Jackson provides an extremely even-handed look at role that Clark played in the decision, as well as pointing out the numerous studies carried out by other scholars that influenced the Supreme Court. An excellent read for anyone who is interested in this classic decision.