In the Interest of Justice: Great Opening and Closing Arguments of the Last 100 Years

by Joel Seidemann

Book Overview

Drawing from some of the most well-known courtroom cases of our time, this rich and rewarding volume collects more than two dozen of the most memorable opening and closing arguments made by top prosecutors and defense attorneys in the last 100 years. Carefully selected to explore every major aspect and challenge of the legal process, the speeches showcased here highlight the tactics and strategies, colorful language, and stirring rhetoric that...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006050966X
• ISBN13: 9780060509668
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 373 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Superb snapshot of 20th century legal cultural literacy

With the rapid growth of sensationalist legal coverage on TV news and primetime courtroom drama a la "The Practice", it can be difficult to understand fully the merits of a good trial lawyer's rhetorical virtuoso aside from the twists, turns, and socio-political backdrop which typically capture Americans' attention. With few exceptions, (e.g. Scopes trial, O.J. Simpson trial) the lawyer, that civic advocate and protector of justice, rarely receives deserved recognition. We sit collectively on the edge of our seats with eyes and ears pealed for damning witness testimonies and blood-stained clothes. Evidence is rarely that clear, Seidemann informs us, and most real life cases turn on the efficacy of the lawyer. This book renews our appreciation for a profession derided so often for its dishonesty that we have forgotten the sad and dangerous implications behind the humor. Within these pages of heartwrenching tragedies and controversies that rocked our nation, you will surely reexperience memories of the incidents as the opening/closing statements verify or challenge what you believe. Seidemann reminds us that we have conferred upon lawyers the great responsibility of juridicial guardianship, in order to shake us out of complacency and reaffirm our right to demand their rectitude and loyalty to their oath. For Generation Y and the Millenials, "In the Interest of Justice" should be required reading for the oft neglected legal aspect of cultural literacy. Direct accounts of the gruesome atrocities perpetuated by Adolph Eichmann and the SS, Johnny Cochran's convoluted deconstruction of the Simpson evidence, the Bernard Goetz incident, and the unmitigated hatred of Zacharias Moussaoui in his own words far exceed detached summaries of such pivotal moments in the American psyche. Though older generations have understood and internalized their meaning by living through these events, imperceptibly they seem to hold less and less power as time goes by and new leaders of society step up to the fore. Hopefully, this book will spur other writers to popularize equally important judicial landmarks with the same care to the preservation of the primary evidence and with similar astute and fair explanations. These are more than exciting cases and history lessons: Seidemann compels us to consider personally the merits and risks of the sometimes flawed but inviolable bedrock of American freedom and security: its criminal justice system.

A Book of enormous importance to aspiring trial lawyers

One thing that caught my eye is the different ways Jay Goldberg was able to change approaches from that of humor in they Bess Meyerson case to biting summation in a case involving Sammy "The Bull" Gravano. It seems to me few lawyers (if any) are able to recognize that according to Mark Twain "a laughing jury seldom convicts". But then again, you have to have inborn capacity to switch approaches that would result in laughing a case out of court and then approaching another case with complete hostility to an adversaries witness. My kudos go to the author as well as to Mr. Goldberg.

In the Jury Box

Seidemann has chosen excerpts of opening and closing arguments from some of the most important and famous cases of the last century. But thecases were not chosen merely because they are famous; the arguments are often extremely eloquent and moving. Reading these lawyers' arguments trying sway the jury conveys more emotion and makes these cases more immediate and real than any documentary could. It gives a sense of what it must have been like to be in the jury box deciding these cases. It is interesting to see the different styles the lawyers use. The prosecutors' somber, reverential tone in his opening argument in the trial against Adolph Eichmann contrasts sharply with Gerry Spence's homespun approach in his summation in the Karen Silkwood case, but both lawyers seem to hit the perfect note. In his commentary, Seidemann, a prosecutor in Manhattan, sets the stage for each case and highlights the strategies and techniques employed. His explanations provide an excellent insight into the lawyer's craft. Surprisingly, this book reads like a novel, but it also provides a unique opportunity to get inside the courtroom and learn 20th century history through these cases.

Entertaining and Infomative

Seidemann has compiled a collection of trial transcripts followed by commentary that is at times as masterful and informative as the words of the trial attorneys during the heat of legal battles they faced. This is truly a great book! A very interesting and entertaining read. I highly recommend this book whether one is fascinated by trial work or merely intrigued by the legal system. You won't be disappointed.

Excellent!!!

The courtroom is often times the stage for emotional, historical and gut-wrenching drama. Amidst it all are the trial attorneys who bring these paradigms to light. In The Interest of Justice, author Joel Seidemann through his postscript notes of the opening and closing arguments from some of the most celebrated trials of this century, sheds light on the attorneys' abilities during trial and their techniques that made all the differences in these trials. The author provides the reader with a never before behind the scenes look at the art of being a trial attorney. This book offers an intelligent and experienced commentary on attorneys, their skills and their trials that consumed the nation.