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enlightening. not for immovable minds.　　（2003-06-03）
A book by the legal genius who handled the appeal of the case. . . who incidentally was later part of OJ Simpson's defence team.

The particulars of the Von Bulow case form only half of the pleasures of this book. After all, regardless of our personal opinions of the guilt or innocence of the man, there is the separate and superior question of legal procedure (which must further be distinguished from "technicalities"). Which is precisely why we have LEGAL SYSTEMS, in addition to, separate from, and taking precedence over OPINION POLLS. In fact, it is precisely the complexities of the case which make it exciting--each side having grounds to support its own arguments.

The other pleasure is in beholding Dershowitz's brilliance--ironically enough, manifested not through masterful manipulation of mind-bogglingly complex legal theories and procedures, but by taking a fresh and plain look at each mundane part of the case (any case; the same approach he uses in each of his cases, including later the Simpson case), and find inadequacies in the prosecution's arguments. And it is precisely this which convinces an OBJECTIVE mind to recognise that it is the contradictions that Dershowitz's team of assistants and students pointed out, having remained unexplained and unrefuted, which inevitably led to acquittal on appeal. (Thus, "reversal of fortune".)

It is such OBJECTIVITY with PLAIN MATTERS (say, syringe needles implausibly said to contain traces) that is impressively displayed. Enabling both the winning defender to have solid GROUNDS for his victory, and the losing opponent to have equally-IRREFUTABLE reasons for his failure this time (lessons of which, if applied, should reduce future defeats).

It is this that we learn from the book, or whenever Prof Dershowitz speaks. Which is a bonus, for the Von Bulow is an engaging legal thriller by itself, too.