Guilty People

by Abbe Smith

Criminal defense attorneys protect the innocent and guilty alike, but, the majority of criminal defendants are guilty. This is as it should be in a free society. Yet there are many different types of crime and degrees of guilt, and the defense must navigate through a complex criminal justice system that is not always equipped to recognize nuances.
 
In Guilty People , law professor and longtime criminal defense attorney Abbe Smith gives us a thoughtful and honest look at guilty individuals on trial. Each chapter tells compelling stories about real cases she handled; some of her clients were guilty of only petty crimes and misdemeanors, while others committed offenses as grave as rape and murder. In the process, she answers the question that every defense attorney is routinely How can you represent these people?
 
Smith’s answer also tackles seldom-addressed but equally important questions such Who are the people filling our nation’s jails and prisons? Are they as dangerous and depraved as they are usually portrayed? How did they get caught up in the system? And what happens to them there? 
 
This book challenges the assumption that the guilty are a separate species, unworthy of humane treatment. It is dedicated to guilty people—every single one of us.

Genres: Law, Social Justice, Nonfiction

216 pages, Hardcover

Published January 17, 2020

Reviews

[Jonathan Blanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review forthcoming at www.Clause40.org

[ANDREW FREEDMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I've read in the last decade.

I was concerned about paying the high price after having read the sample, but not having put it down and knowing I was reading something that was extraordinary, there was no question. My (deceased) Grandfather, Benjamin D A van, did what Abbe did in Los Angeles from the 20's through the 70's. This is just a fantastic book and I congratulate Abbe Smith on her accomplishments. - - Andrew L Freedman

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after watching Abbe Smith speak at Georgetown Law. It was illuminating and moving. Prof. Smith describes her experiences of representing various types of guilty people -- felons, rapists, and murderers, and why she believes that they are deserving of the human dignity of her representation. She explains the interaction between her simple philosophies and their human stories. She must inspire a great many students to become public defenders.

[Julia Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel a deep gratitude to Abbe Smith for sharing this book with the world. She was brave to share this. The book was touching, meaningful, honest, and the lessons are important. I hope I learn from them.

[shree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reached a flow state reading this LOL, I miss the courtroom so much.

This book is an exercise in questioning your own innocence, or sometimes lack there of. She managed to encapsulate everything I revere but also despise about criminal law into a digestible and cogent read, you would think it was written just yesterday with the stale state of our criminal justice system.

I resonated most by her three truths on what makes a truly excellent lawyer: “respect for the client, dedication to the craft, and a powerful sense of outrage”.

[Matthew Rutzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative about the most daunting aspect of criminal defense: how to defend a guilty person

[Olivia Komanduri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually the best book I’ve ever read

[duck · Rating 5 out of 5]

wish I read this book much earlier in my life. should be required reading.

[Dipesh Mittal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Bible and Gita for criminal defence lawyers.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lawyer interested in social justice, this book was really good. The chapter on Rapists was particularly moving.