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Courtroom: The Story Of Samuel S. Leibowitz
Courtroom: The Story of Samuel S. Leibowitz Book Description Quentin Reynolds has contributed to Courtroom: The Story of Samuel S. Leibowitz as an author.Reynolds is a distinguished journalist
- GenresTrue CrimeLaw
419 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1950
6 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Quentin Reynolds
88 books16 followersBorn in the Bronx, New York, on April 11, 1902, to a school principal and his wife, Quentin James Reynolds grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Manual Training High School. He enrolled at Brown University and excelled in football, boxing, and swimming. In fact, after earning his Ph.D. he spent a year on a professional football team. Going from job to job, Reynolds couldn't find a career he enjoyed. His father suggested law school, and by the time he earned his degree, Reynolds had finally figured out what he wanted to do.
Journalism, not law, appealed to Reynolds, and he worked as a reporter and then a sports columnist. In 1933 he was sent as a feature writer to report on Germany and the rise of Hitler. At that time, Reynolds was writing for the International News Service. The Germans didn't approve of Reynolds's slant against the Third Reich and national socialism; however, from the article Reynolds gained employment at Collier's Weekly for whom he eventually penned 384 articles and short stories over a fifteen year span, eventually rising to the position of associate editor. A prolific writer, Reynolds's fame came during an assignment to cover the erupting World War II.
Reynolds spent time in France and then fled to England. While there he came to appreciate and respect the British. In account after account he portrayed the strong will and determination of a nation fighting for its very survival. He penned seven books about the war, broadcasted for the British Broadcasting Company, narrated two film documentaries, and lectured in the United States. Reynolds's popularity soared as people learned of his bravery and the risks he took to get the story.
Unfortunately for Reynolds, not everyone found him admirable. A Hearst columnist disputed his claims and suggested Reynolds was cowardly. After five years in the court system, Reynolds won over $175,000 in the libel judgement. This wasn't his only time he was brought to the public's attention for questionable acts. In 1952 Reynolds had penned a book about a Canadian spy, only to later find out that he had been duped and misled into believing a false tale. The publisher in turn changed the book from nonfiction to fiction.
When Reynolds traveled to Manila, Philippines, to research the president for a biography, he became ill with abdominal cancer. He passed away on March 17, 1965 at the age of sixty-two.
Journalism, not law, appealed to Reynolds, and he worked as a reporter and then a sports columnist. In 1933 he was sent as a feature writer to report on Germany and the rise of Hitler. At that time, Reynolds was writing for the International News Service. The Germans didn't approve of Reynolds's slant against the Third Reich and national socialism; however, from the article Reynolds gained employment at Collier's Weekly for whom he eventually penned 384 articles and short stories over a fifteen year span, eventually rising to the position of associate editor. A prolific writer, Reynolds's fame came during an assignment to cover the erupting World War II.
Reynolds spent time in France and then fled to England. While there he came to appreciate and respect the British. In account after account he portrayed the strong will and determination of a nation fighting for its very survival. He penned seven books about the war, broadcasted for the British Broadcasting Company, narrated two film documentaries, and lectured in the United States. Reynolds's popularity soared as people learned of his bravery and the risks he took to get the story.
Unfortunately for Reynolds, not everyone found him admirable. A Hearst columnist disputed his claims and suggested Reynolds was cowardly. After five years in the court system, Reynolds won over $175,000 in the libel judgement. This wasn't his only time he was brought to the public's attention for questionable acts. In 1952 Reynolds had penned a book about a Canadian spy, only to later find out that he had been duped and misled into believing a false tale. The publisher in turn changed the book from nonfiction to fiction.
When Reynolds traveled to Manila, Philippines, to research the president for a biography, he became ill with abdominal cancer. He passed away on March 17, 1965 at the age of sixty-two.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 5, 2008
Reynolds did a fine job with this biography of Liebowitz, noted criminal defense attorney of the "gangster era" and later Kings County. New York, trial judge. "Courtroom" should be required reading for prospective trial lawyers.
Expertly written, the book probes deeply into many of Liebowitz's courtroom experiences, analyzing his instincts, his attention to detail and his techniques, without ever becoming bogged-down or dull. We learn how the master selected jurors and then reached out to them with his courtroom manner and compelling arguments. We watch as his determined cross examination turns up the slightest flaw in a prosecution witness's testimony and as he uses that flaw to shred the witness's credibility.
Reynolds spends considerable time on the historic Scottsboro Boys case and deals with Liebowitz's defense of Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll, Al Capone, Bruno Richard Hauptmann (Lindbergh baby case), and others. Chicago Outfit boss Al Capone, Murder Inc. leader Louis "Lepke" Buchalter, Owen Madden and Dutch Schultz make brief appearances in the narrative.
The author also uses his work to deal with some of the major criminology and law enforcement issues of Liebowitz's era. These include anthropological criminology (Liebowitz opposed the theory that violent criminals were evolutionary throwbacks) and police brutality.
Shortcomings in the work include the lack of an index and the absence of photographs. Those interested in American Mafia history could be let down by the short attention given to Liebowitz's prominent mob boss clients.
Expertly written, the book probes deeply into many of Liebowitz's courtroom experiences, analyzing his instincts, his attention to detail and his techniques, without ever becoming bogged-down or dull. We learn how the master selected jurors and then reached out to them with his courtroom manner and compelling arguments. We watch as his determined cross examination turns up the slightest flaw in a prosecution witness's testimony and as he uses that flaw to shred the witness's credibility.
Reynolds spends considerable time on the historic Scottsboro Boys case and deals with Liebowitz's defense of Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll, Al Capone, Bruno Richard Hauptmann (Lindbergh baby case), and others. Chicago Outfit boss Al Capone, Murder Inc. leader Louis "Lepke" Buchalter, Owen Madden and Dutch Schultz make brief appearances in the narrative.
The author also uses his work to deal with some of the major criminology and law enforcement issues of Liebowitz's era. These include anthropological criminology (Liebowitz opposed the theory that violent criminals were evolutionary throwbacks) and police brutality.
Shortcomings in the work include the lack of an index and the absence of photographs. Those interested in American Mafia history could be let down by the short attention given to Liebowitz's prominent mob boss clients.
September 11, 2012
Bought this book for the cover art, but have found there is much more to it. Sometimes a bit dry, but yet very interesting.
I was not familiar with Samuel Leibowitz, but this book has shown me what an interesting life he lived. His involvement in the court system and the people he represented, along with what he did for various individuals made him all that more real.
His immersion into his cases and the lengths he went to in preparing for them illustrated his dedication to each person received full representation. His follow-up on cases he presided over, as judge, showed his compassion for his fellow man.
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the judicial system and someone who dedicated their life to it.
I was not familiar with Samuel Leibowitz, but this book has shown me what an interesting life he lived. His involvement in the court system and the people he represented, along with what he did for various individuals made him all that more real.
His immersion into his cases and the lengths he went to in preparing for them illustrated his dedication to each person received full representation. His follow-up on cases he presided over, as judge, showed his compassion for his fellow man.
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the judicial system and someone who dedicated their life to it.
July 23, 2015
Este es del tipo de libro que todo abogado debería leer.
Una obra magistral de Quemtin Reynols, que nos relata la vida de Samuel Leibowitz en las cortes penales de Estados Unidos.
Totalmente agradecida de que este ejemplar haya llegado a mis manos. Fue una experiencia increíble, que me mostró lo que podría ser mi vida con!o abogada penalista.
Una obra magistral de Quemtin Reynols, que nos relata la vida de Samuel Leibowitz en las cortes penales de Estados Unidos.
Totalmente agradecida de que este ejemplar haya llegado a mis manos. Fue una experiencia increíble, que me mostró lo que podría ser mi vida con!o abogada penalista.
February 18, 2010
excellent work on Leibowitz and a good read,to learn about American Jurisprudence
July 11, 2018
I'd wager that the name "Samuel Leibowitz" means nothing to the general public today, though by all rights he ought to be nearly as well-known as fellow defense attorney Clarence Darrow. Why the enduring celebrity status for the one and not the other? Sure, Darrow had some politically explosive (bad pun) cases, but none were as important as Leibowitz's representation of the "Scottsboro Boys." Loeb and Leopold? Two-bit psychopaths, really, but their fame endures along with Darrow's. What about Robert Irwin -- the so-called "Mad Sculptor" -- who slaughtered 3 people in mid-Manhattan and earned national attention for his subsequent flight and capture -- by a newspaper, which dutifully ensconced Irwin a hotel room for an interview before turning him over to authorities! (Leading Ben Hecht to caustically observe that he should be entitled to royalties for the real-world rip-off of "Front Page"). Leibowitz represented Irwin and saved him from execution (a much bigger deal in those days). Leibowitz in his time represented dozens, perhaps hundred of defendants, with nary a loss. Bill James gingerly suggests that Leibowitz's string of victories is a tad too impressive, and might instead be attributed in part to bribery and jury tampering, "Popular Crime," p. 100. All the more reason to puzzle over why his fame has evaporated. Veteran journalist Quentin Reynolds did his best, 65 years ago, to keep Leibowitz in the public imagination, and the result -- though a bit too credulous if not hagiographic for contemporary tastes -- is a worthwhile read. If nothing else, you'll get a glimpse of why (shenanigans aside), Leibowitz was so successful: competitive, egotistical, exceptionally bright, and endowed with a sensibility that anticipated many modern innovations (such as skepticism of eyewitness IDs and jury reliance on demonstrative evidence). Maybe, just maybe, someone will see fit to take a stab at introducing a remarkable talent to a modern audience.
June 6, 2020
Seldom do you come across a book so magnetic that you disappear into its universe, for the better. Yet again, if it is on the field of study that you pursue in, chances are you will fall in love with it even more. Courtroom is one such book. Based on the life of 'The' Samuel Leibowitz, judge, previously attorney of the State of New York, it describes the trials over the course of his 21 years of practice in the various courtrooms of the country.
He recounts his landmark cases with the narrator as he masterfully cross examines the witnesses, often to win the case. The cases deal with several crimes in the early 20th century America that shook the nation especially the case of the Scottsboro boys which led to a drastic change in the American jury system. The procedural law is dealt with very eloquently including his own take on the proceedings. He also explains the art of cross examination through his own experiences which is a boon for any criminal lawyer, worldwide.
The book is paced like a detective novel, every chapter seeming like a well layered plot. This book will be enjoyable not only to the students of law, but anyone interested in fast paced thriller novels. Thoroughy recommended.
He recounts his landmark cases with the narrator as he masterfully cross examines the witnesses, often to win the case. The cases deal with several crimes in the early 20th century America that shook the nation especially the case of the Scottsboro boys which led to a drastic change in the American jury system. The procedural law is dealt with very eloquently including his own take on the proceedings. He also explains the art of cross examination through his own experiences which is a boon for any criminal lawyer, worldwide.
The book is paced like a detective novel, every chapter seeming like a well layered plot. This book will be enjoyable not only to the students of law, but anyone interested in fast paced thriller novels. Thoroughy recommended.
May 4, 2022
Interesting enough. Leibowitz seems an extremely worthy subject of a biography. He fought for the rights of the accused even when the public had condemned them. We need more admiration for this type of attorney today; it is hard to find a practice more admirable in the profession. He was also an exceedingly decent and human judge. Reynolds does a decent enough job, but with a lot of the drawbacks you expect from a bio written in the 1950s (including but not limited to: hero worship, casual racism, not so casual sexism. He also spends a considerable amount of time ensuring you know that he thinks criminals are “worthless”.) He criticizes newspaper audiences of the 20s-40s for obsessing over high profile crimes, though this book is half pulp itself. I learned a lot about an excellent lawyer, and equally as much about the most dramatic crimes of the era. It is as much true crime as it as a study of a lawyer.
3 stars.
3 stars.
February 25, 2020
Great book! This is a great look back on the criminal justice system of the 1930 and 1940s. Samuel Leibowitz was a great lawyer and judicial figure. Every law student should read this to explore the law before public defenders systems in NY or before Miranda rights and how Leibowitz masterly used cross-examination in his cases. In defending over 100 defendants he lost only one to the death penalty.
November 15, 2022
La traducción al español es PÉSIMA, pero este libro llegó a mis manos dentro de un cajón de libros viejos, de una época en la que las traducciones solían ser muy defectuosas. Sin embargo, el libro en sí es una joya de sabiduría humana y buen juicio jurídico, así como una inspiradora lección de vida.
June 14, 2020
Wonderful book, just the story of the 9 boys and the defense by Samuel S. Leibowitz
make the book much valuable. I first read the book on 1966 and keep buying copies to give to a Friends.
make the book much valuable. I first read the book on 1966 and keep buying copies to give to a Friends.
May 18, 2025
A classic page turner
June 9, 2025
Topically organized anecdotes from the career of Samuel Leibowitz, criminal defense attorney and later judge. Includes the Scotsboro Boys trials, from Leibowitz's perspective.
January 13, 2015
Este libro, llamado "Sala de Jurados" en español, es un libro excelente para todo aquel que esté interesado en las leyes, incluso sin ser abogado o estudiante de derecho. Cada caso se lee de manera entretenida, nunca resulta ser aburrido, el ritmo es bueno, siempre entretenido!
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April 22, 2017The career of Samuel Leibowitz--great defense lawyer--who later became a judge. True stories.
(read 7/15/67)
(read 7/15/67)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews