Of course, he could not chronicle every case and every decision, that would be impossible in a 300-plus page book. However, the reader has to wonder what he left out, and if it would have given the book a different feeling and tone if he had included some more positive cases, as well. Perhaps, like the beat reporters he discusses in the book, he fell under the spell of showcasing the "heater" cases that would be interesting and noteworthy. Certainly, most of the people in this book are criminals, and they committed the crimes they were accused of. However, there seems to be no way to end this cycle of crime and jail. Many of these people clearly need help, not jail time, but there seems to be no help available, even in prison. Many of these people would probably not end up back in the system again and again if they could only get treatment for their problems. Few of the cases revolved around hardened criminals. Rather, they were a grim group of drug offenders, and minor ones at that. Gates ended up in prison for years for selling two rocks of cocaine, a minor infraction compared to those of the importers and major drug dealers who are bringing the drugs into the country.

This book belongs on the bookshelf of anyone interested in the criminal justice system, or anyone pondering a career in the system. While many of the people portrayed in the book are honest, decent people trying to do a good job, many are jaded and overworked,...

It is disturbing to think there are so many bitter and cynical people in the system, and what their attitude does for the people stuck inside the system. It is easy to see how they can become disillusioned and bitter, but it is also a sad commentary on the nation's court system. Before anyone takes a job in the criminal justice system, they should read this book and evaluate their choice carefully. Anyone faced with the criminal justice system would do well to read this book, as well.
In conclusion, this is an important book for a number of reasons. The author took the time to view and understand a wide variety of court operations. He explains them in a way that makes the reader want to know more. In addition, it shows just how crowded and dysfunctional our court system is, and how much it needs to be overhauled. It is an interesting and informative book, but it is a disturbing book in that it points out the many flaws in our criminal justice system. Most of the people caught up inside it are poor, drug addicts, and hopeless. They do not need courtrooms; they need viable treatment options and reasons to go on every day. The criminal justice system is failing many Americans, and that is what makes this book so troublesome and so memorable.