Just Deceits: A Historical Courtroom Mystery

In 1793, Virginia's most powerful family found itself embroiled in scandal: Richard Randolph and his sister-in-law, the beautiful Nancy Randolph, were charged with adultery and infanticide. Richard Randolph demanded a public trial. Richard's stepfather, Judge Henry St. George Tucker, hired John Marshall, a young lawyer who was connected to their family through marriage. John Marshall would go on to become the greatest Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, a man whose theories of law are now taught to every first year law student, though at the time of the Randolph trial he was relatively unknown. Uncertain about Marshall's abilities, the Randolph family-at the last minute and unbeknownst to Marshall-brought in co-counsel; none other than founding father and former Virginia governor Patrick Henry. Henry's wild, improvisational style clashed with Marshall's reasoned defense based on the facts, but Henry was so successful that Marshall was forced to learn from him-and then to improve on the master. Author Michael Schein, a former professor of American legal history, drew on John Marshall's actual trial notes in writing this novel that centers on the trial of the 18th century. Just Deceits shows how the remarkable defense team of wily Patrick Henry and ambitious John Marshall battled each other, their clients, the prosecution, and the truth itself, in an effort to save their clients from the gallows.In its ribald portrayal of a young legal system already driven more by spectacle than evidence, Just Deceits calls into question the feasibility of uncovering "the whole truth." Ultimately, as secrets are revealed and relationships brought to light, Just Deceits tells a story as much about the trials of love as about the trial in the courtroom.

Michael Schein of Seattle is a published poet, story writer, and practicing trial attorney. From 1988û2003 Michael taught American Legal History, which led him to a fascinating high society murder trial defended by John Marshall and Patrick Henry. The result is the historical courtroom mystery, Just Deceits. Michael is also Artistic Director of the annual LitFuse poetry workshop, and his poetry has received honors, including two Pushcart Prize nominations.