A Reluctant Prosecutor: My Journey

by Creighton C. Horton II

Creighton's first love was always music, but after college he found himself performing in courtrooms rather than on stages or in concert halls. Inspired by the portrayal of Atticus Finch in the movie To Kill a Mockingbird, he went to law school to become a defense attorney, but his career path took an unanticipated turn.

For nearly three decades, Creighton prosecuted many of Utah's most notorious criminal cases - cases which drew widespread press attention at the time.

Now, in A Reluctant Prosecutor, he recounts his personal journey through Utah's criminal justice system, with some fascinating twists and turns, and some unforgettable characters. You'll read about bombings, murders, political intrigue, public corruption, polygamists, imperious and eccentric judges, capital cases, con men, overreaching cops, venal public officials, and innocent people convicted of murders they didn't commit.

Throughout the book, Creighton explores aspects of the high-profile cases he prosecuted that were never publicly reported, and he delves deeply into the ethical issues surrounding justice, crime and punishment.

What Others Say:

"Creighton Horton's account of his life as a prosecutor is a gripping, powerful, and authentic tale that should resonate with all types of readers. Prosecutors are supposed to be ministers of justice but, in my experience, they often fall short of that standard. But Creighton Horton walked the walk. He was one of the most noble prosecutors I have ever met, and his memoir is essential reading for those of us concerned with and committed to justice."
- DANIEL S. MEDWED, author of Prosecution Complex - America's Race to Convict and Its Impact on the Innocent, and Professor at Northeastern University School of Law

"A remarkable story, written by a remarkable person, about what inspires him, what troubles him, and what led him to take up a decades-long career as a prosecutor."
- DAVID SCHWENDIMAN, lead prosecutor of the European Union's Special Investigative Task Force investigating crimes against humanity in Kosovo.

"You'll be hooked instantly by this riveting insider look at prosecutors and their surprising power for good. Wow!"
- BARBARA OAKLEY, author of the New York Times science bestseller A Mind for Numbers, and instructor of Learning How to Learn from Coursera, the world's largest and most popular online course

"This book is a profound look at the internal work of a prosecutor driven by a passion to do justice and make the world a better place."
- MICHAEL D. WIMS, author of How to Try a Murder Case, Pretrial and Trial Guidelines for Prosecution and Defense, and former prosecutor, appellate defense counsel, and judge

"Creighton Horton is a natural -- and national -- leader among prosecutors. His genuine interest in putting fairness, truth, and justice first resonates throughout his memoir and his life. This is a book every criminal justice official and lawyer should read."
- KATIE MONROE, leading innocence advocate, former director of the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center, and current director of the Healing Justice Project

"I have little doubt that my and my family's ordeal ever would have occurred if the Rhode Island State Police's single and focused investigation had landed on Creighton's desk for review."
- SCOTT HORNOFF, former Rhode Island Police Officer, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to prison in 1996, and exonerated six year later when the actual murderer came forward and confessed to the crime

354 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2016

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've wanted to read this book since I first heard that "Crate" was going to put his experiences as a prosecutor down on paper. It did not disappoint. Living in Utah, this book was of great interest to me since I remember some of the cases in it. It's also interesting to me to hear it from a prosecutor's perspective and what goes on behind the scenes. I've often wondered and had questions in my mind about why and how some things happened in cases. Creighton answered those questions. Being for the death penalty, I couldn't understand why others were against it. The author made some very valid reasons, which I had never considered before. I also couldn't understand why some criminals were sentenced to death for their crimes and others were not. Yet all evidence pointed to the killer, some even admitting to the crime and yet only received a sentence of life in prison. Crate explained these things. I agree and glad he had a hand in passing a bill for the innocence legislation and exonerating innocent people. There are so many things he was involved in that I didn't realize existed and thank goodness he was. He was fair and clear-minded in his thinking. He seemed to weigh everything out by studying and getting other peoples ideas and thoughts before he acted. Why can't more prosecutor's be this way.

[Michele Casper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by a good friend's husband, otherwise I might not have picked it up. Though essentially somewhat shy, Creight Horton ends up becoming a prosecutor, serving in Salt Lake City. His ultimate goal is to see justice done, not only for the guilty, but for the innocent as well. If all prosecutors, all attorneys for that matter, held themselves to as high a moral standard as Horton, we could have more confidence in the system. And if this were to extend to politicians . . . How much better the world would be. Horton was involved in many high profile Utah cases, mainly in the 80s and 90s. The stories are well written and very interesting. My husband likes to watch the tv show Law and Order and I feel I now have a greater understanding of how the whole criminal justice system works. I never gave it much thought before. Horton never sought the limelight, though, and asserts that what he is most satisfied with is the work he did to help shape and change laws in Utah to bring more accountability to the guilty and better protect the innocent. This was quite an enlightening read!

[Milo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally got around to reading Creight's book. I think the fact that I read this in three days says something, as nonfiction generally tends to take me a while to read even if I enjoy it. Excellent writing. The number of stories in here are incredible, incredible that one person was involved with so much! I especially appreciated the thoughtful comments on the draft and on the death penalty.

[Russell Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Should be required reading for first year law students.

Creight brings wit and humor in this excellent narrative recounting his work as a renouned prosecutor. Anyone considering applying to law school should read this autobiography. No nonsense, honest appraisal of what it's like in the trenches, without legal jargon or ego. A rare find. Russell L. Baldwin, Attorney.

[Skip Montanaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice memoir of the author's time as a prosecuting attorney in Utah. (Full disclosure, we were roommates for a bit way back in college.)

[Paul Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, especially if you are from Utah

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun reading this book and hearing more about Creighton's experiences as a prosecutor. Although I did not know him personally, I heard him present at several conferences over the years. Reading his book was like have a long conversation with him. Very enjoyable!