Murder, Culture, and Injustice: Four Sensational Cases in American History

By Walter L. Hixson

Book Overview

Walter Hixson's pithy narrative account of four sensational murder cases---the Lizzie Borden, Lindbergh baby, Sam Sheppard, and O.J. Simpson trials---offers interesting observations into the greater cultural and political forces that shaped their verdicts. His step-by-step analysis of the details of each case provides not only insight by skillful synthesis of the existing literature but also a solid overview of the events surrounding these four cases, each of which became a national obsession as well as a miscarriage of justice. Taking a fresh look at the criminal justice system and the role of the media in the larger American milieu, Hixson delves into sociocultural impacts of crime that are both thought-provoking and fascinating reading.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931968543
• ISBN13: 9781931968546
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: University of Akron Press
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.9" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Great book

I suggest anyone who loves crime to go out and buy this book. It gives you a good perspective of 4 great trials of american history.

Fascinating perspective

Like most people I know, I never wanted to see or hear another word about OJ Simpson. I was however interested in some of the other cases discussed. This book puts all the cases into cultural perspective. It is hard to realize how much we are influenced by the attitudes and social norms of our times. Only with hind sight is everything clearer. My son is 13 and hopes for a career in law and politics. I have encouraged him to read this also. This should be required reading for everyone involved in the media or law.