Customer Reviews

Distorting the Law: Politics, Media, and the Litigation Crisis (Chicago Series in Law and Society)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After having read Stephanie Mencimer's "Blocking the Courthouse Door" I became more interested in the arguments against "tort reform." However, this book did little to enhance that interest.

In defense of the authors, Haltom and McCann, they have presented a thorough discussion of the topic as it relates to politics, media and the litigation crisis, just as the subtitle says. There are chapters for pro-business tort reformers, plaintiffs and sociological scholars opposed to it, newspaper reporting and information selection, the story of "the McDonalds Hot Coffee Lady," tobacco litigation, and a final chapter, which I confess, I had no idea what they were talking about, mainly because I had lost interest. Their analyses are so in depth that they would probably even have John Stossel scratching his head.

My hypnotic trance was due to the academic presentation of information. In fact it was so dry, it almost gave me the Heaves. I object to this for the person who wants to learn AND be entertained. The objection is overruled for the reader who wishes to pursue serious academic study of the tort misinformation from different directions. For the latter, it is at least four stars. Either one will be better informed, and may God have mercy on your soul!

For me, it was a solid three, only because I wanted to find the information interesting.

Can I sue Amazon for this?

This book should be a must read for judges and reporters. It shows how propaganda, rather than fact, controls our lives, beliefs and behavior. It exposes the myths of litigation promoted by the ignorant and those in the sociopathic pursuit of profit.
It is a hard read for the unitiated and the writers assume that the reader has a basic understanding of law and sociology. It is essential reading for those who wish to reflect on the ills of post-modern societal and governmental organization.