Here's an excerpt from the thoughtful review of Fighting for Their Lives that was posted a few days ago on the American Criminal Law Review's blog:
No matter what you think about capital punishment, it is hard not to be moved by the stories in this book. The stories are both tragic and uplifting, and give an additional dimension to an important debate. The difficulty of working in a thankless job trying to protect those that a large portion of the population believe deserve to die, combined with the emotional toll of nearly certain losses that end in execution is something that very few can relate to, but there is a benefit to a greater understanding of what is arguably one of the most controversial institutions in American law. It is doubtful that this book will change many minds; it enhances the tragedy of the death penalty for those who oppose it, and one can easily imagine an outspoken supporter asking why we concentrate on the lawyers when it is the victims of these criminals who should be our concern. Regardless, the book is a fascinating look into an extraordinary community within the legal profession, and adds a few more important voices to the death penalty debate.
I'm curious -- what do you readers think of the speculation that it's doubtful the book will change many minds?
No matter what you think about capital punishment, it is hard not to be moved by the stories in this book. The stories are both tragic and uplifting, and give an additional dimension to an important debate. The difficulty of working in a thankless job trying to protect those that a large portion of the population believe deserve to die, combined with the emotional toll of nearly certain losses that end in execution is something that very few can relate to, but there is a benefit to a greater understanding of what is arguably one of the most controversial institutions in American law. It is doubtful that this book will change many minds; it enhances the tragedy of the death penalty for those who oppose it, and one can easily imagine an outspoken supporter asking why we concentrate on the lawyers when it is the victims of these criminals who should be our concern. Regardless, the book is a fascinating look into an extraordinary community within the legal profession, and adds a few more important voices to the death penalty debate.
I'm curious -- what do you readers think of the speculation that it's doubtful the book will change many minds?
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