Greenspan: The Case for the Defence

by Edward L. Greenspan, George Jonas

Good condition

Genres: Law, Canada, Nonfiction

468 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Tim Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an informative read on criminal law and includes interesting anecdotes about Greenspan. The book is a summary of his cases and perspectives rather than a biography. I found his writing style to be crisp and he clearly explains the basic requisite law details, so that the case histories are approachable. The included cases give the reader a sense of the justice system around Toronto in the 1970s and 80s fron a defense attorney's point of view. Overall enjoyable but some of the interludes containing personal anecdotes were a bit over the top.

[Adrian Halpert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this wonderful book for one dollar at a used bookstore. I won't hesitate to say it was one of the best dollars I ever spent.
The Case for the Defence is alternately a biography of Eddie Greenspan, one of Canada's greatest Criminal Defence attorneys before his death in 2014, and discussions of some of his most famous cases. I was engrossed in every page I read and inspired by his commitment to his craft. This book is a window into the life of a fascinating, talented individual, and Canada's criminal justice system.
Now that exams are over, I think I'll read this again.
5/5 Stars

[A Yilmaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Marie Henein’s approach to a memoir— excluding any discussion of her cases— and Greenspan’s approach of discussing primarily cases, I much prefer the latter.

Greenspan’s coauthor (and close friend) contributed biographical information about Greenspan himself, which featured in a series much-welcomed interludes. Excellent editorial choices. Greenspan did not edit the material written about him by Jonas, but his reactions were sometimes captured by Jonas himself. This made for an entertaining kind of dialogue within the book that I found both endearing and revealing.

I really enjoyed this one.

[F. L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book consists of a compendium of war stories authored by the renowned legal titan, Eddie Greenspan. Engrossing and insightful, the book shows Greenspan's attention to detail, wit and legal skill when defending people on charges which could result life sentences in the case of many of the accused he has represented. I particularly liked how Greenspan humanises himself, showing the trepidation at the thought of losing cases and the level of preparation that goes into having to advance novel arguments in court. It's a good book to pick up, though it will be hard to put down.

[Matt Vincelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a character! Insightful and informative. The man is larger than life and a master at persuasion. A fascinating dive into the world of criminal défense, including laymen explanations of the need for the profession, which is often under scrutiny.

[Cyberpope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really opened my eyes towards the case for the existence of criminal defense lawyers -- he highlights several actual cases, in CANADA, in which the prosecution was seriously flawed & the rights of the accused were being discarded.

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for books on true crime and the law, and it was nice to read one from a Canadian perspective from one of the top defence lawyers in the country.