Virtual Justice

In this fascinating book a distinguished legal authority and former prosecutor examines the flaws, contradictions, and weaknesses in the American justice system. The gripping stories he tells about the investigation and trial of criminal cases -- from evidence gathering to jury selection to plea bargaining -- reveal what's really going on and demonstrate how the system often delivers virtual -- rather than actual -- justice. "Virtual Justice both enlightens and entertains. It is a vivid, incisive, sometimes disquieting account of the many fictions imbedded in our earnest but oft-foundering criminal justice system". -- Scott Turow "This imaginative, careful, and common-sensical book makes a real contribution in stimulating thought about serious and difficult issues". -- Judge Stephen F. Williams, United States Court of Appeals, Washington, D.C. "Uviller's critique of America's criminal justice process -- in particular of the jury system and the down-grading of judges -- is sharp and entertaining. His proposals for reform are ingenious and suitably tentative". -- Charles Wheeler, Daily Telegraph "In this thoughtful, accessible, and often personal book, Columbia University law professor Uviller argues that our criminal justice system often errs against the public interest by hampering police and prosecutors in their efforts to stop crime". -- Publishers Weekly "This provocative book written for both a sophisticated lay public and the cognoscenti will open a wonderful dialogue on the fault lines of criminal justice and what repairs are needed". -- Lawrence Fleischer, Lawyer's Bookshelf