About the book
An illuminating exercise that challenges the reader's beliefs about the justice system
A police trooper inspects a car during a routine traffic stop and finds a vast cache of weapons, complete with automatic rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and black ski masks-a veritable bank robber's kit. Should the men in the car be charged? If so, with what?
A son neglects to care for his elderly mother, whose emaciated form is discovered shortly before she dies a painful death. Is the son's neglect punishable, and if so how?
A career con man writes one bad check too many and is sentenced to life in prison-for a check in the amount of $129.75. Is this just?
A thief steals a backpack, only to find it contains a terrorist bomb. He alerts the police and saves lives, transforming himself from petty criminal to national hero.
These are just a few of the many provocative cases that Paul Robinson presents and unravels in Would You Convict?
Judging crimes and meting out punishment has long been an informal national pasttime. High-profile crimes or particularly brutal ones invariably prompt endless debate, in newspapers, on television, in coffee shops, and on front porches. Our very nature inclines us to be armchair judges, freely waving our metaphorical gavels and opining as to the innocence or guilt-and suitable punishment-of alleged criminals.
Confronting this impulse, Paul Robinson here presents a series of unusual episodes that not only challenged the law, but that defy a facile or knee-jerk verdict. Narrating the facts in compelling, but detached detail, Robinson invites readers to sentence the transgressor (or not), before revealing the final outcome of the case.
The cases described in Would You Convict? engage, shock, even repel. Without a doubt, they will challenge you and your belief system. And the way in which juries and judges have resolved them will almost certainly surprise you.
Editions of Would You Convict?
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780814775301
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780814775318
Read an Excerpt
An illuminating exercise that challenges the reader's beliefs about the justice system
A police trooper inspects a car during a routine traffic stop and finds a vast cache of weapons, complete with automatic rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and black ski masks-a veritable bank robber's kit. Should the men in the car be charged? If so, with what?
A son neglects to care for his elderly mother, whose emaciated form is discovered shortly before she dies a painful death. Is the son's neglect punishable, and if so how?
A career con man writes one bad check too many and is sentenced to life in prison-for a check in the amount of $129.75. Is this just?
A thief steals a backpack, only to find it contains a terrorist bomb. He alerts the police and saves lives, transforming himself from petty criminal to national hero.
These are just a few of the many provocative cases that Paul Robinson presents and unravels in Would You Convict?
Judging crimes and meting out punishment has long been an informal national pasttime. High-profile crimes or particularly brutal ones invariably prompt endless debate, in newspapers, on television, in coffee shops, and on front porches. Our very nature inclines us to be armchair judges, freely waving our metaphorical gavels and opining as to the innocence or guilt-and suitable punishment-of alleged criminals.
Confronting this impulse, Paul Robinson here presents a series of unusual episodes that not only challenged the law, but that defy a facile or knee-jerk verdict. Narrating the facts in compelling, but detached detail, Robinson invites readers to sentence the transgressor (or not), before revealing the final outcome of the case.
The cases described in Would You Convict? engage, shock, even repel. Without a doubt, they will challenge you and your belief system. And the way in which juries and judges have resolved them will almost certainly surprise you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Would You Convict? about?
An illuminating exercise that challenges the reader's beliefs about the justice system
A police trooper inspects a car during a routine traffic stop and finds a vast cache of weapons, complete with automatic rifles, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and black ski masks-a veritable bank robber's kit. Should the men in the car be charged? If so, with what?
A son neglects to care for his elderly mother, whose emaciated form is discovered shortly before she dies a painful death. Is the son's neglect punishable, and if so how?
A career con man writes one bad check too many and is sentenced to life in prison-for a check in the amount of $129.75. Is this just?
A thief steals a backpack, only to find it contains a terrorist bomb. He alerts the police and saves lives, transforming himself from petty criminal to national hero.
These are just a few of the many provocative cases that Paul Robinson presents and unravels in Would You Convict?
Judging crimes and meting out punishment has long been an informal national pasttime. High-profile crimes or particularly brutal ones invariably prompt endless debate, in newspapers, on television, in coffee shops, and on front porches. Our very nature inclines us to be armchair judges, freely waving our metaphorical gavels and opining as to the innocence or guilt-and suitable punishment-of alleged criminals.
Confronting this impulse, Paul Robinson here presents a series of unusual episodes that not only challenged the law, but that defy a facile or knee-jerk verdict. Narrating the facts in compelling, but detached detail, Robinson invites readers to sentence the transgressor (or not), before revealing the final outcome of the case.
The cases described in Would You Convict? engage, shock, even repel. Without a doubt, they will challenge you and your belief system. And the way in which juries and judges have resolved them will almost certainly surprise you.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Would You Convict??
Law > Laws of specific jurisdictions and specific areas of law > Legal systems: general > Legal systems: courts and procedures > Legal systems: judges and judicial powers > Legal systems: lay and citizen judges / juries
Where can I read a sample of Would You Convict??
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780814775301
How long is Would You Convict? and how many pages does it have?
Would You Convict? has 329 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Would You Convict??
Paul H. Robinson
Who is the Publisher of the book Would You Convict??
NYU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Would You Convict? is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780814775301) and paperback(ISBN 9780814775318)
Where can I buy Would You Convict? online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Would You Convict? from below
Where can I buy Would You Convict??