Courting Justice: A Lawyer's Casebook, from the Yankees vs. Mlb to Gore vs. Bush

by David Boies

Book Overview

In gripping chapters that read like fiction, the lawyer everyone wants (New York Times Magazine) now examines the varied clients, behind-the-scenes dramas, and 11th-hour strategies that catapulted him... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786868384
• ISBN13: 9780786868384
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Miramax Books
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.6" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

A real page-turner

I was originally drawn to this book after hearing an interview with the author regarding the Bush vs. Gore case, and I figured that the book's best sections would concern that case. Little did I know that this memoir, covering eight cases between 1997 and 2000, would actually prove to be one of those books that is almost impossible to put down, as I couldn't wait to find out what happens next. Boies discusses the importance of the trial lawyer's keeping his arugments relatively simple and straightforward, and clearly he has kept that principle in mind when writing this book. He discusses the technical ins and outs of each case, but does it in a style that not only is undaunting to laymen, but actually engages the average reader. Even chapters like that covering the "Vitamins" case (where most of the scores of defendants settled long before the case went to trial) makes the intricate details of making financial settlements pretty interesting to follow. Some of the cases are so interesting, in and of themselves, that it is almost impossible not to engage the reader, and for me these were the ones to which Boies devoted the most book space, "Habie vs. Habie (54 pages)," US vs. Microsoft (109 pages)," and of course "Bush vs. Gore (106 pages)." Each case has its unique aspects which make it fascinating. With "Habie vs. Habie," I found it very difficult to stop reading, as Boies puts himself in some potentially dangerous situations to achieve the recovery of two children kidnapped by their Guatemalan father --- a man who had millions of dollars, the Guatemalan government, and scores of gun-toting guards at his disposal. The Microsoft case was just plain fun to read about, as Boies absolutely demolishes Microsoft's witnesses on the stand (here in Washington, that case got some impressive airplay at times). "Bush vs. Gore," of course has importance to every American. There are other books that explore every nook and cranny of the Florida elections and recounts, and Boies (who came into the case halfway through) does not do that, but recollections of one of the case's principals is of course extremely important reading, particularly where he shreds the rationale of the US Supreme Court regarding the intervention & decisions made concerning the Florida recount. Whatever one may think of the events leading up to the recount, one cannot help but be left concluding that the USSC seriously compromised its integrity with this decision. Aside from the cases, this cannot really be considered much of a memoir. One is not left with much insight into Boies the private citizen, other than he takes an awful lot of vacations all around the world, and eats at some very nice restaurants. Most of the photographs are of a personal nature, so the reader might be expect find more personal recollections within the book. Good luck with that one, folks. That of course is a minor quibble. This is a book that is informative, interesting and entertaining. I ent

Compelling reading

Often you hear encomiums on a book to the effect that 'I wanted it not to end.' I have often thought such words were overdrawn, since I usually want to finish what I am reading so as to read something else. But NOT this book. I found the book page after page compelling reading, and could not help but be fascinated by the accounts of the high stakes litigation in which Boies was continually engaged. Even a case like the Microsoft anti-trust case, dealing with high tech issues not easy to comprehend, is very well-told and enlightening. This great book concludes with 120 pages on the behind the scene and on the scene account of Bush v. Gore, and tells that complex story clearly and with devastating clarity as to what happened. How Boies could so ably handle such momentous cases in as short a time as he sets out--1997 to 2000--is hard to believe but we know he did. Nor is the usual fault of lawyer books--puffing themselves--evident in this well-written volume. He lets his results do the illuminating of his ability. As the author says, each of the cases he discusses could be the subject of a book in itself and in a way one wishes that each were. This is a marvelous book, which was a sheer joy to read and savor.

What more can you ask for?

I found this book entertaining, informative and insightful. Not only does David Boies have a wonderful story to tell but he is an engaging writer. It reminded me of why I went to law school in the first place and is heads and tails above the standard drivel produced my media-hyped super-lawyers. My guess is that we may see more books from Mr. Boies, both in the fiction and non-fiction areas. I also bought several books to give to friends and clients as holiday presents.

The View From The Top

Most lawyers dream of leading that high-profile case that will bring them the riches and recognition they've worked so hard for--for super-lawyer David Boies, it's just another day at the office. Courting Justice reels readers into the life and view of America's top litigator, through a gripping account of the cases that have brought him fame, fortune and frustration after leaving the top law firm in the country in 1997 to start his own law firm. Boies' legal insights and strategies frame the issues presented in these cases in ways that make sense to both experts and laymen, and allow readers to undertand the powerful interests and high-stakes behind the seminal cases of our day.

riveting

I found Courting Justice to be as much of a page turner as any John Grisham book I 've ever read. Boies' knowledge of the law coupled with his exciting storytelling make this book a must-read for everyone.