Trials Books

I feel sorry and pity on Dr. Michael Nieland and me. A lot of time, I felt the stories are so outrages that I can hardly believe him, or I don't want to believe him. But I know it's true. I am right now facing the same stories in my real life. I don't know if I should feel relief because I am not the only one. I do wish maybe the author can provide a list of organizations and attorney as appendix. This is a must read for anyone that might heading towards the direction.

Dr. Mendelson gives a gripping account of how the legal system views fathers as people who don't care about their children. As a soon to be divorced dad myself, I found that what I am going through right now is (while specific details are different)similar to what his ex put him through. Dr. Mendelson never gave up and I believe never will...no matter how difficult and biased the courts are against fathers. I could not put this book down. Although this book gives no real ideas on how to fight a vicious ex for your childrens' rights to see you, it did give me one very important thing...HOPE! I encourage every father who is currently battling the court system for custody or the right to see their children on a regular basis to read this book!!

In my search for a book that would detail and prepare me for the custody process, I found this book to be very insightful. Not only does Mendelson do a good job in describing the bureaucracy and secret underbelly within family law, but he is able to give it a real life perspective because of its direct influence from Michael Nieland, the father and main charcter. I got the feeling that his story was fully represented. Nieland's personal anecdotes gave this real life story even more validity and emotion. It does not read as a text book at all. If you are currently going through or are preparing for custody proceedings, this book can be a difficult and bitter read at times, however it can save you from the unexpected and unforseen and may even help you stay focused, rather than lost in a whirlwind of anxiety and personal tragedy. My only complaint would be that there is not much discussed regarding the attorney/client relationship.

This man's achille's heel was that he had a lot of money. Hadhe not been a "fat cash cow" the divorce"industry" sharks might not have smelled the blood. His account is so ridiculously typical of what goes on it makes me sick. Judges ruining lives with their pen tips, lawyers allowed to run loose with their limited intellect/big mouths, psycopathic literati (aka psychologists) getting seduced by "poor wives" and so-called professionals allowing six and seven year old kids get victimized in the name of "justice" (only to become dysfunctional citizens later one).

Good book, rotten society.

This book will add a lot to future scientific analysis and understanding of family life and divorce in modern America. It's truly a story of American society going, arguably, beserk; and one father's love for his family lost, in spite of spending a fortune just to remain involved in his children's lives. Many of us have spent $10s of thousands trying to save our life with our children, only to lose out; but thinking that we could have won if ONLY we had more money to pursue the fight. Dr. Nieland, a truly courageous man for letting his story be told; is proof that you can spend $100s of thousand with the same outcome.

Probably only a parent whom has been wrenched away from his child or children can really appreciated what this system can do to the losing parent's entire existence and ability to believe in the American way of life. This book documents, among other things, the role of the "professionals" (custody evaluators) whom society relies on to advise the court as to how to provide for the best interests of the child. Yet these persons support a system which can deprive a perfectly good and loving parent of any kind of a fulfilling life with his children. After reading this book one gets an understanding how the court seems to usually pick one parent as the "best" parent and exclude the other parent in order to remove conflict from the child's life.

Unfortunately for men, almost every study show that, here in the USA, the man rarely wins and is the odd man out... it reminds me of Sonny Bono's autobiography, where the television network decided to reorganize the "Sonny and Cher Commedy Hour" to become the "Cher Commedy Hour", sans Sonny.

God bless Robert Mendelson for this truly epocal tale of one family's story in the cruel world of divorce in today's American system of Justice... one has to believe that there is a better way out there somewhere.

I don't normally read this type of book but it was pushed on me by a persistent relative. To be polite I decided to skim through it. After a few pages I started over and read it through. It reads like fiction.

The story is a well-researched crime, chase, and got you story, but because so many of the people involved, criminals, law, and civilians, are quoted the dialogue tricks the reader into thinking that he is reading a novel. He is transported back in time to the late 20's, and like any great work of fiction, the reader lives the story along with the characters. The only difference is that with The Fleagle Gang the reader doesn't wonder if a scene is real or not, he knows it is.

A great job by Mr. Betz; therefore, a great read.

This book is interesting because I'm not sure how much I enjoyed it! The book is about the 1928 robbery of the First National Bank of Lamar Colorado committed by the "Fleagle Gang". The Fleagle's were a group of brothers. There were 4 of them, Ralph, Fred, Little Jake and Walter. Whether they were all thieves or whether it was just Ralph and Little Jake isn't easily determined by the book. It's definite that the other two brothers knew of Ralph's and Little Jake's activities and offered assistance that eight years later would have had them thrown in jail.
While I'm not sure I enjoyed the books reliance on old newspaper articles to tell the Fleagle's history; the use of the articles brings the reader into the dramatic events. A traditional narrative would have told the story much quicker and still have been interesting.
This book is the first I've read about a robbery that was prior to the depression. The Lamar robbery was violent: 2 deaths during the robbery; a hostage murdered; a doctor kidnapped and murdered. A comparison with some of the depression bandits who were both vilified and praised in different circles would make for interesting commentary.
Ralph Fleagle or maybe it was the sire Jake Fleagle made the commentary that they didn't steal from anyone who couldn't afford it. Sound Familiar? Crime was on the increase and local police were at a disadvantage because of jurisdiction problems and inferior transportation. Hmmm....
Anyway, one of the things that I liked about this group of cold blooded murdering thieves is that they took a very pragmatic approach to gang membership. While Ralph and Little Jake were the corner stones they actually hired other gang members for each job for a set fee. The hired men in the Lamar, Co. robbery, Abshier and Royston, each got $1500 for their part and a date with the hangman.
Oh yeah, this case is also great because it's one where forensic science really brought the killers to justice. One fingerprint brought the whole gang down during a time when there was a huge amount of skepticism on the science.
Posted by bestyegg on Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Mr. Betz tells the story of the Fleagle gang in a creative writing style, with the use of various reporters of the time period, which made the book very readable and flow well. Betz also goes into the various law enforecment techniques of the time period and various changes in forensic science used to solve crimes and prosecute criminals. This is one book to read if you like the gangsters period of the 1920s. I higly recommend it.

Mike Koch, Author of "The Kimes Gang."

Jake and Ralph Fleagle and their gang were among the most successful outlaws of the 1920s, in terms of both profit and evading identification, until a bloody bank robbery in 1928 and a telltale fingerprint that unmasked them. In 1930, Jake Fleagle rivaled Fred "Killer" Burke as America's most wanted fugitive and rewards for his capture far exceeded those offered later for John Dillinger, today regarded as the premier bandit of the Depression era. Largely forgotten today, the crime put Lamar, Colorado and Garden City, Kansas on the map and rocketed Jake Fleagle into the national headlines. Slight vestiges of his immortality remain still in the "Evil Eye Fleegle" character created by Al Capp and the treasure hunters seeking Jake's alleged hoard of buried bank loot in the vicinity of Branson and Hollister, Missouri. The massive coverage given here to all aspects of the Lamar bank job, the investigation, and the tracking down of the killer gang may be a bit overwhelming to the casual reader but this carefully researched account is an essential for crime historians.

Four bandits, gunplay, two murders, a car chase, and a shoot out with police - and that is just the first chapter! This book is filled with everything that Hollywood dreams of for blockbuster movies - good vs. bad, drama, murder, and a thrilling cross-country chase. The author, N.T. Betz, expertly tells the story of the Fleagle Gang, not only through his own words, but also through the words of the reporters, posse members, police, and others who experienced this crime spree. Mr. Betz's research is in-depth and complete. He even included the influences the Fleagles had on culture (i.e. Evil-Eye Fleegle and the Beagle Boys). In addition to the fascinating look into the actions of four criminals and the courts of the late 1920's, this story marks several landmarks in forensics and law enforcement techniques - including the first time a single fingerprint was used to identify an individual and the first transportation of a suspect by airplane. A must read for history and true crime buffs alike!

This book contains invaluable information for women entering the law profession, but it is also recommended for anyone interested in learning more about sociological changes that have (and perhaps more importantly those that haven't) occurred in the workplace.

Ms. English has collected an impressive array of candid and insightful quotes from a multitude of male and female attorneys representing every region of the country. Well researched and written in a highly engaging style, GENDER ON TRIAL provides a window into the world of law regarding the dynamics of the gender differences, attitudes, and interactions that lie therein.

I suspected that I would learn a great deal from reading this book, but I didn't expect to enjoy it so much!

This book is a must read for all people who are interested in work-life balance! If you have children and are a working mother, you will keenly identify with this book. If you are considering having children, get some insight on what to expect. If you are in a leadership capacity in your workplace, read this book and think about how you can best adapt your environment to the changing world. Our subtle daily actions can impact others in a variety of ways and this book points them out.

It is a stunningly thorough and insightful treatment of the topic. English offers us fine read for us non-lawyers who recognize the realities of gender as a part of the modern work place. Little of this is unique to the legal profession, though some of the extremities, arising out of the "live by the billable hour" business model, are perhaps particular to the legal and perhaps the consulting industries. English strikes a balanced tone and searches for realistic answers to the persistent questions of coping with gender in the work place. It all rings very true, including the extremely balanced approach and acknowledgement of the impossibility of eliminating, rather than managing, issues relating to gender in the work place. Her research is exhaustive, balanced and compelling. It is a must read for professionals in all fields, both men and women.

This book is a highly entertaining road map to a not-too-distant future in which "work/life balance in the legal workplace" will be a given for both sexes, a world in which a well-balanced, well-lived life becomes the rule rather than the exception.

As a practicing attorney (male) of thirty years (and an all-too-frequent casualty of the dreaded fourteen hour days), I found this book to be informative, eye-opening, and most of all, encouraging.

Ms. English makes a compelling case for accepting and embracing change. Her book should be required reading at every law firm in America.

Gender on Trial is a very readable and thoughtful analysis of how cultural stereotypes about gender influence men and women's behavior at legal workplaces across the country. The author organizes hundreds of quotes form interviews with lawyers and presents them so well that her argument leaps off the page without any turgid or redundant narrative. Her colorful metaphors bring humor and depth to the story via catchy chapter headings and sub-headings, for example, in Chapter 3, she refers to law firms as "cauldrons of lust", a funny image for the legal profession. I never realized there was so much sexual activity going on behind closed(or not so closed) office doors!

As a female non-lawyer, many of the anecdotes rang true to me as I looked back on my own awkward experiences navigating the corporate world twenty years ago. Generally, I think professional workplace behavior is gradually becoming more sensitive to gender differences, but there is a long way to go. Gender on Trial should be mandatory reading for Human Resource professionals and both men and women in all managerial positions, not just lawyers.

Once started I was unable to put down Chette Williams wonderful book full of life stories and messages of hope. Don't shy away if your not part of the Tiger Family or a football fan. This book is about life and what we make of it as individuals and has a group of people.
Thank you Chaplain Williams for sharing your journey with us.

Just an unbelievable testimony to the work God did in Chette's life at Auburn as a player and now as the team chaplain. God has used Chette in enormous ways both on and off the field and you can read about them first hand in this book. If you are like me, you won't be able to put it down and it will change your life!! Thanks Chette!!

Chette Williams' passion and living faith come alive in this simply elegant touching work. It is a personal, genuine and inspirational account of his challenging life as an initially troubled and lost college student and football player who in God's hands is transformed into first a team leader, and then is miraculously led on to be a minister and "fighting soldier" from the toughest neighborhoods of New Orleans to his return as chaplain for Auburn University fooball, where he continues to this day helping tranform the lives of players, coaches and all those God allows to cross his path. It is not a self help book, but with Chette's passionate anecdotal style and the intense experiences and challenges he describes, it is a markedly relevant tool for coaches, teachers and anyone ministering to or leading young people. Don't miss it. When you finish, you'll wish every college student in America could know these truths.

This book is amazing. I finished it in two days, the only reason it took me that long was because I started in the evening of a busy night for me. For me to finish a book that fast says a lot because I have only finished maybe 5 books in high school and college (I'm a sophomore in college now) and I have taken AP English courses in high school and literature courses in college. I just don't typically enjoy reading, but this book was so good that I could not put it down. Well written and great theology and Christian experience anyone, not just athletes, can gain from.

This book is quite different from a lot of books on the Christian faith. It has many short chapters and moves quickly from one area of Chette's life to another. It does cover some details of Auburn football because that is an early part of his life and his current position is as Chaplain for the Tigers. However a good bit of the book covers his family life, interactions with friends growing up, and his early work in Christian ministries. I thought the style of writing was execellent because it blends his view, with comments from other coaches, team members, and friends that provides a compelling view of how God does work in each of our lives - many times in ways that we only understand many years after He does the work.

It is an easy read, and very entertaining to hear some of the behind the scenes stories of Division I football. I really enjoyed reading it.

This is a great classic but you have to devote some time to listening to the CDs, as you would to read the book. Can't complaint about the convenience though; ability to listen to the CDs while driving, at work, at home, etc. is wonderful. If you haven't tried an audio book yet, do so, you will find it to be quite an experience!

I have always been a Scott Brick (Narrator)fan. Now I am also a Truman Capote fan. I can not recommend this book enough. After I listened to this masterpiece I rented the movie "Capote". It was also a great experience.

I read the book many years ago, enjoyed it then, and after the movie Capote, decided to listen to the book. It was great in both audio and book form. Capote was really intrigued by these two murderers so, most of the story involved their lives. The details of the act itself was scarey.

I have spent much of my life planning to read the great novels but as of yet just have never found the time. Recently I discovered a wonderful alternative is listening to audio books. As of today I have now heard a number of great works but Capote's novel is in a class by itself. The writing is amazing. He owns the English language. Never does he settle for a second best way to describe a thing but writes with the precision of a master craftsman. Describing the deceased mother, whose eyes remained open, Capote refers to them as "death dulled eyes". Speaking of the shrubs he speaks of their "camel-like indifference to drought". Every sentence, every phrase, from cover to cover, is both poetic and gripping. Unlike many authors who begin strong and then begin to dull as the chapters progress, Capote keeps the freshness of his prose up throughout the work.

Simply put, this novel is on level beyond what most of us have ever read. And I must note that the reader on the audio version is intimately involved in the text. The reading in no way detracts from the power of the novel, but actualy enhances it - if that is possible.

This is one of the top 3 books I have ever heard or read - a masterpiece!

When this book was first published it was a sensation, it makes the furor over the Da Vinci look mild in comparison and it made Capote a superstar. What makes this book unique, besides the fantastic writing, was the fact that Capote completely emersed himself in this project, he turned over every stone and completely manipulated everyone involved, to learn every angle of the story. This book is a complete tour de force, this is a book you will never forget, not just because of the crime, so vividly recreated, but also due to Capote's haunting prose. Highly recommended, lives up to all the hype. It's just a shame it ruined Capote, as nakedly ambitious as he was, he was also a true talent.

When reality passes fantasy!

The only book I've purchased twice.

I have yet to encounter a non- fiction piece so captivating and hard to put down as The Killing of Karen Silkwood. This book goes far beyond her life as depicted in the movie, and the story behind all the people who believed in her and sacrificed tremendous amounts of time and energy at great personal danger to themselves after her death is phenomenal. What really amazed me was the sheer number of government agencies that were involved in spying on and covering up evidence as revealed through depositions, leaks, and court ordered documents. So many that no one seemed to be able to link them together (not even among themselves) except Silkwood's legal and investigative team. I had no idea so many police type agencies existed. It really is unsettling. The research this author did feels exhausting it is so through. The story goes on for over 10 years after her death, and it is well worth reading. It is alot more than just a private citizen (survivors) suing a private corporation. This book is reprinted after many years since it's original publication with several follow-up chapters added. The added chapters really tease you especially where the author indicated that a confidential inside source revealed that they saw a file that documented that the FBI knew very clearly who killed Karen Silkwood.

This book is not easy but it is readable if you pay attention to details about the nuclear industry. I suspect Karen's death was murder because she was getting too involved in trying to protect her colleagues and herself from getting cancer. Although the movie version changes the relationship between she and her housemate, this book explains so much more. It is a must have book involving a conspiracy that has never truly gone away. Kerr-McGee is still alive and well and thriving but Karen Gay Silkwood was an important and tragic heroine who died risking her life. She may not have been mother of the year to her three children but her contributions and searh for the truth about nuclear contamination is admirable. I know more about her and I like her. Of course, she is not flawless but human like the rest of us.

I became interested in Karen Silkwood after watching the 1983 movie "Silkwood". The film seemed to suggest that Silkwood was murdered, but a number of reviews I subsequently read dismissed "Silkwood" as an irresponsible docudrama that was based on sensationalism rather than fact.

After reading Richard Rashke's "The Killing of Karen Silkwood", I'd have to say that the film didn't take its allegations far enough. Based on thousands of pages of court documents, including depositions, sworn statements, internal memos, and federal records, Rashke makes a convincing case for the following:

Silkwood was deliberately contaminated with plutonium by someone at Kerr-McGee, perhaps on several occasions. Had she lived, Silkwood had a good likelihood of developing cancer because of the significant exposure she experienced.

Silkwood was most likely carrying important documents the night she was murdered; among other things, she had proof that 42.5 pounds of plutonium was missing from K-M's Cimarron plant, which is enough to make three or four nuclear bombs.

Security at the Cimarron plant was dangerously lax, as were safety measures. Workers received little education in regards to nuclear energy or the safety risks that accompany it, and consequently contamination was not taken seriously by employees.

Union members' (and particularly Karen Silkwood's) rights were repeatedly violated by K-M officials, who continually interfered in union activities and even began to spy on Silkwood.

However, the conspiracy surrounding Silkwood's death became even more heinous and inconceivable as Silkwood's side investigated in preparation for trial. Though the truth will probably never be known, Rashke lays out a compelling - though sketchy - account, involving the FBI, the CIA, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Justice Department, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), and a shadowy network of Iranians, Russians, and Israelis. Rashke hints at an international plutonium smuggling ring, and supplies evidence that the FBI was responsible for illegally and covertly spying on a number of organizations as late as the mid-1970s, including various labor unions and their members - and Silkwood was one of their targets.

Rashke's story might sound unbelievable, but most of it is based on public court documents. His interviews with the assorted players in the case may be less trustworthy; yet, many statements are corroborated by court papers. Also lending credence to the Silkwood camp's version of the story is the fact that several significant witnesses died, disappeared, or were threatened during the investigation and ensuing court case. Additionally, the Silkwood lawyers and investigator received death threats and were followed and even assaulted - one must wonder why, if the Silkwood case was wholly without merit. Especially appalling is the federal government's role in the affair, and their failure to cooperate with the civil case.

"Who Killed Karen Silkwood" reads like a novel - it's a compelling book that's hard to put down. Indeed, I expect that I won't soon be able to forget about Silkwood's story and its larger implications. I'm far from what you'd call a conspiracy nut (though I love the X-Files, I identify with Scully as opposed to Mulder!) - yet, the evidence in this case is as convincing as it is frightening. The final two pages will simply blow you away.

My only gripe - Rashke's update to the 2nd edition of the book (released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Silkwood's death) was sorely lacking. He made no mention of what's become of those involved in the case; of any information, either directly or indirectly related to the case, that's been discovered since the end of the investigation; or of the movie, which was a critical and box-office success. Rashke coins the newest section "The Legacy", but he doesn't discuss Silkwood's legacy even briefly. The new chapters focus on the court battles since May 1979 and K-M's troubles with and termination of their nuclear program, but speak little of Silkwood.

Here is a story that has probably been largely forgotten, of a young woman who fought a powerful corporation and an inept government (and very likely died for her efforts), and the idealistic and courageous people who came together to discover the truth.

If you were alive in the 70s you might remember Karen Silkwood, her mysterious death, and the court case that went on for years. At least two movies were made about her, but movies scripts can seldom tell the whole story or portray history with accuracy because of the demands of drama and story arc. So while I thought that I had a fairly good understanding of the events of Karen Silkwood's death, I have learned from reading this book that there was so very much more to the story. Not only was Silkwood incredibly brave, but the lawyers who took on her case were equally so. In more than one instance, Dan Sheehan, the lead attorney, must tell his investigator, "You're about to be killed. I've been contacted by the White House..."

From rural Oklahoma and an undereducated young working class woman whose cause was simply to improve the working conditions for the employees in a Kerr-McGee plutonium plant, arose what was possibly a conspiracy that could rival any international spy network: FBI, CIA, NSA, the White House, double agents, foreign powers, death threats, and more. How could such a simple woman as Karen Silkwood become involved in this level of intrigue? Richard Rashke did a masterful job of research, presenting the evidence in such a way that the reader can evaluate the evidence himself.

If Silkwood's story were not true, this book would stand as spirited fiction and would make better reading than many a spy novel; but Silkwood's story is true and this book exposes the depth of corruption, greed, cover-ups, and abuse of power that our government practiced in the 60s and 70s, and probably still practices today. The difference then though, is that exposing the government's actions led to reform-today, no one seems to care.

I read this book 20 years ago. The story and the people are still burned in my mind. This is true crime at its very best: smart, literate, and sympathetic. Nancy Wright wrote a classic and if she ever writes another I'll be pre-ordering it. Highly recommended.

I was happy to see the other 5-star reviews here, as I think this is one of the most readable true crime books I have read, and I have read hundreds (probably). In fact, I think I read this years ago when it was first published (1984), and when I started it last week I said to myself, Yes, I've read this........ But I kept on going because it was so compelling. It reads like a novel. I am sad to see that evidentally Nancy Wright has not written any other true crime books -- or has she? Does anyone know? It is also very interesting to see the note below from the real-life Mindy, now known as Sarah Wrigley, and I too am happy to see that she is apparently living a good and healthy life.

As far as Munchausen Syndromy by Proxy is concerned, it is interesting to note that since this was given a name, several children (usually girls) have come forward now that they are adults. Most have terrible memories of the medical aspect of their young lives, but most also love their mothers and try to understand the illness that drove the mothers to harm them as little children. Terribly sad.

I rarely ever feel compelled to write a review, although I am an avid reader. In the past 3 years I have read a lot of "true crime" and this book is on my top 5 list. Accolades to Nancy Wright for bringing to light "Munchausen by Proxy" and for allowing readers to form their own opinions about this case. I wish this book would be more available at mainstream bookstores because quality true crime authors are far and few between.

Dear Amazon: You have a review from Sarah Wrigley, who is one of the central characters of this book, written on February 9, 2004! Sarah is the little girl the Phillips named "Mindy" who was removed from the family's custody. Sarah, I have often wondered how you are and am delighted you wrote a review.

This book was based on a true story...
although Mrs. Phillip was tried and found guilty and did time in prison some people involved with the case said she was innocent. Not remembered it at time cause I was small child I think in my heart i would say she was innocent for a crime she never did ...
after a many years after the trial my family keep close contract with her we just recently in past few years lost contract with each other... Putting past behind us

Having to go to court with out the money to hire a Lawyer several times, this book proved to be a valuable resource. It taught me that Judge and Arbitrators like individuals who are ready and prepared for their cases. If you can not have a lawyer present, you can at least prepare like one.

The authors give honest information on every part of the trial and the trial process. You will learn how to file a complaint to answering a complaint. It gives real information on the process of the trial from filing motions, seeking discovery and settling your case. It caps with judgments and appeals.

I like how the authors make everything easy to understand and the advice is completely useable. This can be used if this is you first time in court or your tenth.

Footnote: Nolo press is the best company that produces law books for the common person. They are always easy to read and pact with good advice.


Enjoy

This is one of the best books I have read and enjoyed about pro se litigation. The large font, great white space, and properly displayed summary tables render the book easy to endure and utilize. The authors offer many proverbs and examples for lay people that alleviate the harshness of legal lingo. Moreover, they even translate the formal and non-technical English words into layman's language. For example, words such as "sanction, impeach, strike, motion, cross, re-cross, direct, and re-direct" are simplified to common readers to mean "punish, discredit, delete, request, and questioning of witnesses in different setting".

The authors realize the hardship of hiring a good and trustworthy lawyer and assist the readers in understanding their rights for self-representation. Not only you will learn how not to be a fool pro se, but also how to expose the foolishness of ill-prepared lawyers and how to feel home among busy birds of a feather different from yours.

The book dissects the court room like an anatomy specimen and shows the reader where everyone belongs. (In one of the traffic violation I attended, a defendant brought his 5-year old son to the courtroom, was not able to control his running between the judge's legs and messing up stacks of papers on the reporter's desk.) This book will familiarize you with the territory such that you will avoid acting childishly. Aside from running between the judge's legs, the pro se will learn how to seek permission to approach a witness, to admit exhibits, to strike evidence, and so on.

The paper work phase is explained in great details to remove the anxiety of the long and contentious process that follows. It offers assurance that anxiety and fear are natural reaction to performing on a stage of adversarial nature. Actors, teachers, lawyers go through what a pro se litigant goes through in laboring to defend his or her arguments. It offers forms for different filing purposes, describes exhibits and trial notebook, and explains how to respond to and make objections.

The trial dissection is also magnificent in describing in details the phases of paper work filing, subject and personal jurisdiction, statute of limitation, and the development of the trial process from filling answers, motions, pretrial material, discovery, and evidentiary issue.

The trial process is well described as well to entail opening statement, direct and cross examination, closing statement. It is preceded with extensive elaboration on how settlement, aberration, and mediation most of times cut the process short of a trial.

The elaborate description of informal and formal discovery process is very helpful to pro se litigants since it saves the exuberant amount of money spent on lawyers to gather documents, depose witness, and disclose evidence. The thorough details of the techniques of discovery are presented in bulleted subsections, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

The book extends it discussion to post-trail phases of appeals and judgment. It then delves into specialized areas such as divorce and bankruptcy. The coherence of the book topics serves the readers a great deal in enabling pro se to focus on pertinent legal claims, their elements, the facts that address each element, and the evidence required to prove the facts.

Three trivial problems are noticeable. One, pages are numbered according to chapters which forces the reader to remember two instead of one number when trying to memorize latest page read. Two, referencing to legal coach is excessively used while the book is intended to self-represented parties. Three, excessive branching of references for further reading are everywhere despite the good 24 healthy chapters of the book.

Mohamed F. El-Hewie
Author of
Essentials of Weightlifting and Strength Training

As a Pro Se Petitioner, I have found this book to be incredibly helpful! It explains all of the ins and outs of trial, how to organize a trial notebook, how to arrange your questioning, and how to cross examine among many other important facts. This book contains the inforation that lawyers know, that we need to know, but have not gone to many years of school. It is written in plain English, and is a MUST for anyone looking to go into or try to avoid going to trial!

I was thoroughly impressed how well written and easy to understand this book is. Each step is completely explained, referenced and many documents have examples printed right in the book. There are great tips and tricks to deal with opposing counsel as well as warnings for what type of red flags and tricks to watch for from the other side. This book is an asset for the novice to the more experienced pro se litigator. Definitely a Five Star book.

I decided to represent myself as a pro se litigant, and turned to this book since it got such good reviews.

I was NOT disappointed. It does a great job chronologically illustrating common judicial patterns, and it will even give you a spectrum of scenarios in case your court system operates a bit differently. There are example dialogs and mock situations to help you understand what to do in certain situations.

Believe it or not, I didn't need the book in the end. There is a statistic that is published in the book pointing out that over 90% of people who go into court usually settle before an actual trial. Because of this statistic, I mentioned it to the Plantiff's attorney and was surprised to hear, "well, then, make us an offer!"

Had I not had the chance to settle out of court, I would have been very prepared to represent myself.

There were a couple of weak spots in the book, but they were of my own wanting to have more information. One of those areas that the book needs to get up to speed on is electronic documents, such as dealing with e-mails, and techniques in proving that e-mails are legitimate.

I'd also like to mention for those of you who are looking for Child Support help, this is not a good book for that. It has a tiny section on Child Support, then leaves you hanging. This may be because laws vary so much, but I thought I'd at least point it out. The book is more for general concepts, so the info falls short once you begin specializing in certain subject matters.

Whatever your case is about, I can't emphasize enough for you to take a morning off from work to go watch some cases in court. You'll eliminate some fear of the unknown, you'll start to see that attorneys go through a similar set of procedures that you are just as capable of performing yourself, and you'll get a feel for how to talk to the judge and those who might be in the same room as you.

The very first part of the essential, very first amendment to our Constitution says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This ringing phrase, so seemingly simple and obvious, has been the focus of an enormous amount of controversy and clarification. It is a great legacy, but what does it really mean? We are still struggling to find out. In _To an Unknown God: Religious Freedom on Trial_ (St. Martin's Press) by Garrett Epps we learn how one of the latest struggles is turning out. It is a fine book to show in detail how a specific constitutional decision came to be made.

On one side of the story was Al Smith. Smith was born into the Klamath tribe, but was pulled out of it to go to Catholic boarding school. Rather late in his life he was introduced to sweat lodges and Native American religion. He was also introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous, and eventually became a respected counselor, speaker, and organizer of treatment centers for alcohol and drug abuse. As he traveled to different reservations to set up recovery programs, he came across peyote religion. It seemed to give some of his clients spiritual strength, and they seemed to do better in overcoming substance abuse if they participated in its religious ceremonies. He began to consider participating in peyote religion. He was told that taking peyote at a ceremony would violate the rules of the treatment center in which he worked, and so he did so. He was thereupon fired, and he filed for unemployment compensation. That filing set the stage for a subsequent battle within the Supreme Court and beyond.

On the other side was Oregon Attorney General David Frohnmayer. He had tried in his political offices in Oregon to mend fences with the tribes of his region. He was, however, very worried about the dangers of drug abuse, and so he felt he was doing the right thing in trying to squelch community acceptance of drugs, ceremonial or not. He approached the Supreme Court proceedings with the mantra, "Drugs are bad. Slippery slope." Not only was peyote illegal, but it was used in a minority religion; if it were allowed, then surely someone would be asking to use other drugs for religious purposes. But he did reflect sadly to his legal team, "How did we get to be the Indian bashers?"

Epps is not only a journalist and lawyer, but also a novelist. His ability to describe personalities and anecdotes serves him well, for although this is a legal story, the human stories within it are what make it live. He has used process of the legal arguments as a springboard for an examination of many connected subjects: the history of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; the story of Alcoholics Anonymous; the tale of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and the Oregon town that was taken over by his devotees; the saga of the Road Man who is the ceremonial leader of the peyote religion. These set pieces are fascinating, and strengthen the main story. It is disconcerting that there is no pat final resolution, but Epps writes, "The law of religious freedom remains unsettled." Thus may it ever be.

This book is one of the best looks at a Supreme Court case in quite some time. Examining Oregon v. Smith, one of the most important yet unheralded legal battles of our time, Epps' book plumbs the depths Indian rights, religious freedom and states rights in a manor which devestates the intellectual pretensions of Court conservatives such as Justice Scalia. The only quible one can have with the book it that it has too much detail on Oregon Attorney General Frohnmeyer. Other than that minor matter, this is a top rate book. Of additional note, the book provides an exceptionaly concise yet comprehensive overview of the Rajhneesh cult afair in Oregon, relying to good effect on the journalism of Oregon Magazine's Win McCormack.

I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this book, and I found it astonishingly good. I had loved Epps's work as a novelist (his "Shad Treatment" is one of the best first novels I know) and I had always wondered if he could apply his writerly powers to non-fiction, as well. "To an Unknown God" draws on all the creative gifts that fans of Epps's earlier books will remember. He takes an important Supreme Court case about religious freedom (he's now a law professor) and tells the story through the remarkable personalities who were involved in the case: Al Smith, the Native American member of a peyote cult who was the plaintiff, and David Frohnmeyer, the all-American Republican wunderkind attorney general of Oregon, who argued that peyote use wasn't protected as an exercise of religious freedom. Epps deconstructs these billboard identities to provide a rich and very moving account of the real people and the heartbreaking pressures that shaped their actions in this legal case. This is a rare book--taking the sometimes dry subject of law and filling it with life. I hope it's a promise of more books to come from Epps, who is a vastly talented writer.

Epps' book is one of the best in recent memory to explore a Supreme Court case. Examining the case of Oregon v. Smith, Epps deploys his skills as both a journalist and a novelist to plumb the depths of Indian rights, religious freedom and states rights. The only quibble one can have is that the book spends too much time on the minutae of Oregon Attorney General Frohnmeyer's life. Other than that minor matter, this is an elegantly told tale. As an aside, Epps presents a concise yet complete recouncting of the Rajhneesh cult saga of the '80's, relying to good effect of the work of Oregon Magazine Editor-in-Chief Win McCormack.

This book could easily have been a bore--yet another detailed legal explication of a Supreme Court case you know you should be interested in, but aren't, because you can't follow the jargon. But in Epps' hands an amazing story comes to life. This is serious constitutional law, with enormous consequences for our country, and it reads like a novel. Anyone concerned with religion and free expression should read it. Or you could just read it because it's a great read!

Each arena has it's Michael Jordan. In the courtroom, it is David Berg. And Berg has taken this natural talent and time-honed skill to a new level as he unlocks certain secrets that have catapulted him to the top of his profession. What most have considered his "magic," he explains as common sense practice. This book should be a required text at every law school. Those in the legal profession should not just read this, they should study it. The difference it will make in case results more than pays for the book, over and over again.

In the Epilogue, David Berg states that the next generation of trial lawyers must win back the public's respect. Given this belief, it is no surprise that this highly accomplished trial lawyer passionately shares with us the lessons he has learned over an astonishing career.

It is difficult for any trial book to cover everything, and Berg's book makes a wise decision to emphasize the need for preparation which has been neglected in the trial literature. For example, over a third of the book, 126 pages, addresses the importance of preparing your case through discovery, conducting mock trials, and spending a lot of thought and time on voir dire.

Throughout the book, Berg shares memorable anectdotal stories from trials he has tried or famous lawyers he has known. The stories make for a very interesting read.

I am in my fifth year now, and I've still never had a jury trial, because of the explosion of alternative dispute resolution. Despite the diminishing frequency of the jury trial, this book is still an absolute must. To me, the following points the author makes are accurate--you must conduct litigation like you will go to trial, and, on occasion, you must actually go to trial. This book teaches you how to act like a real litigator. He emphasizes being a "bulldog about documents," and states the best depositions are the ones that draw blood. He also tells you how to pick a jury, how to open, how to conduct direct and cross, and how to close, among other things. In fairness, there really are just too many good parts to single anything out--the whole damn book is invaluable. Further, it is written with humor and with good stories. Highly recommended.

If you want to learn more about trying cases, get this book and splurge for the deluxe DVD edition. Failure to do so is, as Berg might put it, "false economy."

For example, the DVDs contain large parts Berg's closing in Wyatt v. Sakowitz, videotaped at the old Harris County courthouse. It is a rare glimpse of a masterful closing as it happened. You can hear the nervous tension in Berg's voice, but also the rhythm, emotion, and sincerity of his delivery. A transcript would get only about a tenth of what the tape captures. To use another Bergism, it will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

Berg also provides one of the best guides to jury selection I have seen. He shares strategies that took him decades to develop in a way that even a novice can quickly adopt and use.

Berg once said that history forgets many of the great trial lawyers. Berg's book will preserve not only his achievements, but also those of many of his contemporaries in the various war stories he uses to illustrate his points.

In my 40 years of trial practice, few books are better organized, or present more useful insights in how to try cases. David Berg has been in the pits, has dozens of verdicts in all kinds of civil and criminal cases-everything from murder to patent infringement-and writes about them very well. Drawing on his experience, David explains the importance, goals, and methods of achieving those goals, for each step of representation, from the first meeting with the client, to the final words of closing argument. And while this isn't one of those "war story" book, he does use examples from his own cases and those of other trial lawyers to make his points. This book is a "must read," not just for aspiring trial lawyers, but for all who want to enhance their skills in the courtroom. It should be mandatory reading for law school advocacy classes.