And the Walls Came Tumbling Down: Greatest Closing Arguments Protecting Civil Libertie

by H. Mitchell Caldwell and Michael S. Lief

Book Overview

The second volume in a must-have trilogy of the best closing arguments in American legal history Every day, Americans enjoy the freedom to decide what we do with our property, our bodies, our speech,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743246667
• ISBN13: 9780743246668
• Release Date: September 2004
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

An Excellent book

This remarkable book will bring to vivid life the circumstances and people by which and by whom were created much of the law that defines present-day America. The intense and painful struggles endured by certain remarkable individuals comes brilliantly to life and presents the reader with a strong, you-are-there feeling of participation as far-reaching decisions, and the events that lead up to them, unfold. So much of what passes for American history is in reality but myth and folklore. This book, however, shines a revealing and powerful light on the actual events, strips them of myth, and reveals the compelling and very human nature of their origins. History you may have thought dry and boring, devoid of interest or reality, springs to life in a way that fascinates as it educates. Dry, dead names, memorized by rote for regurgitation on history tests regarding which you never saw the sense or point, become three-dimensional, living, breathing people whose actions compel, whose deeds fascinate, whose stories give you to see not only the great changes brought about by these people, but why those changes were necessary. What previously existed as preposterous law and backward, absurd belief in practice, have been transformed into the rights we foolishly may take for granted today, perhaps equally foolishly assuming they have, in some form, always existed. This book shows vividly the way things really were in America, a fact that, by means of its graphic portrayal, helps us all the more to appreciate things as they are. So much of what so many believe to be things that "couldn't happen here" not only did, but did so in abundance, and would likely be happening right now were it not for the remarkable persons so marvelously and vibrantly given new breath in this book. Whether you are studying law, working in law, or seek only to be an exceptionally informed American, this book is a must. It is riviting, fast-paced, and reads like a particularly well-written novel, only better; you come away with a strong understanding of, and deep appreciation for, the people who fought incredible odds and fierce, mass ignorance to secure for us the America that may well not have been so without them. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, nor can I overstate the value of the other two books in the series, "The Devil's Advocates --Great Closing Arguments in Criminal Law", and "Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury -- Greatest Closing Arguments in Modern Law". All are written with the same fast-moving, reader-involving style, filled with fact, and will utterly destory any idea you may have that history of necessity must be boring. I sincerely hope that these brilliant authors, Michael S Lief and H. Mitchell Caldwell, are planning to bring out more such works.

Another Brilliant Work of Legal Art

Another brilliant piece...Lief has done it again! A must read for the legal novice or the established professional. Lief has a gift for dissecting the subject cases like the legal Ninja he is. This latest work of legal art engages the reader's interest and won't let go... Should be mandatory reading in all the law schools.

Outstanding Piece of Work

An outstanding review of civil rights cases were people stepped up to represent and provide for the freedoms of others and protected what America is all about. High School, college students, and others can really appreciate our history and from where today's societal norms came.

Intresting throughout

Couldn't put the book down. Every chapter was well written and to the level of the average reader. You don't need to be a lawyer to read and enjoy this book. If you love Law and Order this is the real life stuff. Would recommend to anyone.