Crimes of the Century: From Leopold and Loeb to O.J. Simpson

Crimes Of The Century examines the Leopold and Loeb murder case (1924); the Scottsboro Boys case (1931), the Lindberg baby kidnaping case (1932); Alger Hiss and the House Un-American Activities case (1948); and the O.J. Simpson case (1994) in a fascinating analysis of the 20th century American criminal justice system. Each case example highlights significant lessons about criminal behavior and the administration of criminal justice. Fascinating, insightful, compelling, sometimes chilling, often challenging, Crimes Of The Century is very highly recommended reading for students of American jurisprudence, criminal psychology, and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in contemporary crime and the American justice system.

This book is clearly and sispassionately written. It is full of important information on five crucial trials, and throws considerable light on the strenghts and weaknesses of the American administration of justice. One wishes the authors had included more cases. But, even as it is, it is a good book to assign to courses of criminal justice at the undergraduate level. For me, the strongest of the five articles is the one ons the Lindberghs' baby, in which the deleterious influence of unethical and sensationalistic media is well highlighted. And the weakest the O.J. Simpson case, perhaps because its proximity in time. The article on the Scottsboro Trials is very helpful in understanding how the Supreme Court has established precedents that are making justice for all more of a reality in America. In any case, excellent reading, both for people acquainted with the US criminal justice and for those who'd like to start getting to know it.