Un hombre que ha matado a tiros al agresor de su esposa, la hermosa y provocativa Laura Manion, es detenido y acusado de asesinato en primer grado. La acción se desarrolla en un juzgado en una pequeña ciudad del Medio Oeste norteamericano, y los actores son los fiscales, los abogados defensores, el juez, el acusado, y el jurado, el cual decidirá el destino de un hombre. Pero los detalles del crimen y las historias personales de los implicados son secundarios, ya que el drama del juicio criminal revela las complejas cuestiones morales conlleva y que son expuestos hasta su misma esencia y la pregunta más difícil de contestar es: ¿hasta dónde es capaz de llegar un hombre para convencer a sus semejantes de que es inocente de asesinato? ¿Y cuánto será usted capaz de arriesgar para ayudarle?

4/7/22

This was difficult to read as a female attorney in 2021. Sure, it was interesting that a legal novel actually got into the strategy of jury instructions and the order that witnesses are called and when to stop questioning. But, it is so (hopefully) dated it mostly serves as a window into the good old boys club era of legal practice. When secretaries are patted on the butt and women left on the jury because they are pretty to look at. I presume some of the popularity was due to the description of a rape and so many references to where the semen ended up and the details of vaginal smears. Let this molder in the dust bin. ( )

When I was young this was a popular bestseller that I saw my parents reading, so curious about its contents, I read it some 57 years later. The story has authenticity because the author worked as a prosecuting attorney and as a defense lawyer and because some elements of this story were based on a real case. The book revolves around the themes of truth, self-interest, sanity, and the ability of the legal system to deliver justice. Many of the main character's colorful and acerbic asides are worthy of H. L. Mencken. The details of the dialog often reveal what the witnesses are tempted to say, as well as what they do say. These conflicting motives make for a multi-dimensional reading experience. The plot is gripping throughout. This may become a classic of American literature, but at this point awaits a revival. ( )

One of the best mysteries I have read. It is long but not long enough.