Disrobed: An Inside Look at the Life and Work of a Federal Trial Judge

by Frederic Block

The book was written for the general public in an effort to explain, in practical terms, the perspective behind some of the most newsworthy and sensational cases of the last 20 years. Judge Block discusses the death penalty, racketeering, gun laws,drug laws, discrimination laws, race riots, terrorism, and foreign affairs, as well as the more humble aspects of being a man on the bench.

Genres: Law

456 pages, Hardcover

First published July 17, 2012

Reviews

[Khris Sellin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting memoir by a federal judge that gives some insight into the legal field in general and highlights some of the most memorable cases he's handled as a judge.

[Ray Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired federal probation officer I can attest to the heart and accuracy of Judge Block's narrative. I worked in the District of Connecticut for 22 years, and the Northern District of California for 4 years before that. I worked very closely with a number of judges conducting presentence investigations, writing presentence reports/recommendations and assisting the judge in determining a reasonable sentence. The judges I worked for were some of the most intelligent, dedicated and hard working people I have met. The story of his legal career in Suffolk County Long Island was fascinating to me. I grew up on Long Island and was not aware of the unconstitutional practices of the Republican "bosses" in determining the legal structure of the courts. In the late 50s and 60s, if you were a registered democrat you paid higher property taxes and had no chance of sitting on the bench. As far as the federal system, Judge Block writes with a steady, straightforward style that will leave any reader with a sound understanding of the sentencing system. I would have loved to work for Judge Block.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m an attorney, and while I appreciate the fact that this unique book exists (since I was reading it as background for a project I am working on), I had a few issues with it.

1) The book aims to accessible to non-lawyers, but I can’t possibly imagine anyone not practicing law wanting to read this. It’s very bogged down in lawyer shop talk.

2) There’s a LOT of humblebragging and namedropping, which grew quite tiresome.

3) I found the section of the book about the judge’s personal life and career leading up to his appointment to the EDNY to be overlong and not that interesting.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Semi-interesting autobiography of a federal judge. I found the story of his start in law more interesting than the stories of his life on the bench. He tries to present himself as an atypical judge, because he came from a small Long Island firm. But you soon realize that he was active in politics, and that is what got him his seat. Still, he has a decent sense of humor, doesn't take himself too seriously, and explains the law well. Not great, but worth reading.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book explaining the ins and outs of becoming and serving as a federal judge. Perhaps most significantly, on page 161 it answers the oft-asked question: what does a federal judge's law clerk do? The answer: "review papers from the lawyers, check out the applicable law. . . prepare a written memorandum or draft decision, and be awesome." Truer words have never been written.

[Kyle Witherspoon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting, but definitely slow at parts. Probably about 100 pages too long. A good perspective on trial court judging--particularly for the lay person. Lay readers should take care, however, to remember that the way Judge Block makes decisions is not necessarily the way a judge should make decisions--judicial philosophy is subject to substantial debate.

[Chris]

FALSE

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent stories from a highly respected judge.