The Greatest Criminal Cases: Changing the Course of American Law

J. Michael Martinez

mar 2014 · Bloomsbury Publishing USA

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This fascinating book recounts the compelling stories behind 14 of the most important criminal procedure cases in American legal history.

Many constitutional protections that Americans take for granted today—the right to exclude illegally obtained evidence, the right to government-financed counsel, and the right to remain silent, among others—were not part of the original Bill of Rights, but were the result of criminal trials and judicial interpretations. The untold stories behind these cases reveal circumstances far more interesting than any legal dossier can evoke. Author J. Michael Martinez provides a brief introduction to the drama and intrigue behind 14 leading court cases in American law.

This engaging text presents a short summary of high-profile legal proceedings from the late 19th century through recent times and includes key landmark cases in which the court established the parameters of probable cause for searches, the features of due process, and the legality of electronic surveillance. The work offers concise explanations and analysis of the facts as well as the lasting significance of the cases to criminal procedure.

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J. Michael Martinez, PhD, teaches political science, criminal justice, and public administration courses at Kennesaw State University, the University of South Dakota (online), and the University of Georgia, respectively.