Those entering the legal profession would be wise to pay attention to the court of public opinion. Not taught in classes nor discussed much in courtrooms, swaying public opinion can often mark the difference between a sound legal hard-won battle and one that results in a verdict that defies all logic.
Coffey Provides the Pulse of Public Opinion
Kendall Coffey, author of Spinning The Law: Trying Cases in the Court of Public Opinion has long been an advocate of pointing to the evidence but realizing the general masses can easily be led down an emotional path. He does not judge any outcome, nor moralize on any cases. He does, however, provide a fascinating analysis of the evidence presented. More importantly though, Coffey provides the pulse of how the public felt on the particular case. Early on, a parallel is drawn between the case of Levi Weeks and that of OJ Simpson, with the original "dream team"; evidence supporting the alibi; and the first occurrence of shifting blame to the victim for the outcome.
The book is separated into 11 chapters, with a foreword by Alan Dershowitz, famed law professor and author. While the chapters are not quite set in a chronological fashion, there is a timeline of cases leading to particular events. These events include the case of a Cuban refugee boy and how it affected the Florida 2000 recount.
Popular Misconceptions and Myths often Presented as Real by TV Shows
Chapter 10, Pop Law: Legal Myths and the Media is an engrossing dissection of many false beliefs often erroneously based on legal thrillers and tv murder/mystery shows. But it is necessary to delve into chapters 8 and 9 (on the cases themselves and both legal defence and prosecution teams) to fully feel and understand the impact of this chapter. It is interesting to note that the common misconception of trial overturn by reason of entrapment is just that - a misconception.
The final chapter is almost a guide on the types of ways to spin the law for public opinion, in both the court as well as journalistic circles. Press strategies are presented to ensure proper media hooks, with a warning on leaks.
Well Researched Into Legal Cases and Precedents
Spinning The Law: Trying Cases in the Court of Public Opinion by Kendall Coffey is well researched with a section on notes and further investigation. While not all the chapters provide for a gripping tale, this is meant to be a guidebook on both how to use public opinion as well as how to spin that opinion. At no time though does it imply to turn one's back on the legal system; merely how to enhance the evidence for both sides of the case.
Book courtesy of FSB Associates.
References:
Coffey, Kendall. Spinning The Law: Trying Cases in the Court of Public Opinion. Amherst, NY USA: Prometheus Books, 2010
ISBN:978-1-616140210-0
Paym Bergson - Paym Bergson - freelance entrepreneur & career coach with extensive experience working in the educational/professional development ...
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