Reviews

Doing Justice: A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law by Preet Bharara

gavin_hunter's review against another edition

challenging hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.5

crisgt13's review against another edition

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.0

jcoker10's review against another edition

4.0

Really thought provoking—a very human way to think about the justice system. The anecdotal approach is effective and brings alive many of Bharara’s lesson.

skmiles's review against another edition

4.0

Full of colorful, careful and cogent anecdotes, Bharara's book takes you through the steps of prosecution in the American justice system: from inquiry to accusation, from judgement to punishment. His experience and clear concern about the law and morality shine through, though so, too, does he difficulty in exercising criticism against the systems in which he works. Given his work, this is perhaps hardly surprising, and yet evokes some reasonable critique of how easily he slips uses law to stand in for justice or morality, or how easily he assumes that morality is simply a treasure box to discover, then follow.
Nonetheless, this is a useful (and well-written) read for those practicing the law and those hoping for a better understanding of how it operates in this country.

jenmangler's review

3.0

Thought-provoking book about the justice system. This quote best sums up what the book is about: "Smart laws do not assure justice any more than a good recipe guarantees a delicious meal. The law is merely an instrument, and without the involvement of human hands it is as lifeless and uninspiring as a violin kept in its case. The law cannot compel us to love each other or respect each other. It cannot cancel hate or conquer evil; teach grace or extinguish apathy. Every day, the law’s best aims are carried out, for good or ill, by human beings. Justice is served, or thwarted, by human beings. Mercy is bestowed, or refused, by human beings."

jal755's review

5.0

Loved the book, and the only significant issue I had involved his comments on the 2009 financial crisis. I find it hard to believe that the US was unable to prosecute anyone, while Iceland, a nation with more rights and freedoms and less government surveillance and intrusion, successfully prosecuted its citizens involved in the same thing.

jnmauch1's review

4.0

His story and perspective is a unique lens into our justice system. The passion he put into his work was so clear and inspiring. My only complaint is I wish he would have discussed more about the shortcomings of our legal system. Preet is very hopeful throughout (which is honestly needed especially now).

kristen527's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

lekakis's review

4.0

That was surprisingly good. It was very well written and thoughtful. Probably a good read for aspiring lawyers

ifyouhappentoremember's review

3.0

3.5

Well, this is certainly a Prosecutor's thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law. I can't say I agreed with all of his points, but I appreciated his perspective. Preet Bharara illustrates his thoughts on the US Justice system by sharing his stories from his time as a prosecutor for the Southern District of New York. His perspective is a unique one as he rose to the highest position in SDNY, that of US Attorney.

I found the beginning to be slow but strangely, the more interesting portions at the end were quick and short.