In Indefensible, author David Feige recounts his activities as a pro-bono attorney working in the New York City court system.
The book is a work of non-fiction, yet it reads like a fictional piece. It is difficult to believe the apparent frequent miscarriages of justice that take place in the courtrooms: the lackadaisical prosecutors, the judges with agendas, the indigent accused are all embroiled in a dance whose ultimate goal seems to be the perpetuation of the system, rather than the arrival of justice. There are numerous cases, for example, of domestic disputes being dramatically overblown by the police and prosecutors, and the accused finding themselves incarcerated for weeks or months awaiting trial all the while their spouses are pleading for their release. There are the minor drug offenders locked up for months awaiting trial -- in many cases for longer than their sentences would have been had they simply plead guilty.
The book is entertaining yet frightening at the same time. Feige does an excellent job of describing the plight of the indigent when they fail to avoid prosecution for the most minor of offenses; one can see that the police and the courts in NYC have a good racket going. The message is clear: you don't want to become involved in the system if you can help it.
Excellent reading for those who still believe in the system of American justice.
