The Justice Broker: Lawyers and Ordinary Litigation [Hardcover]

Herbert M. Kritzer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 019506142X | ISBN-13: 978-0195061420 | Publication Date: November 15, 1990

In law, as elsewhere, the ordinary is overshadowed in the popular and academic literature by the dramatic and sensational. While the role and behavior of lawyers in the operation of our criminal justice system has been closely scrutinized, comparatively little research has been devoted to the manner in which lawyers litigate the day-to-day civil (non-criminal) cases that comprise the vast bulk of the workload in state and federal courts. Originally commissioned by the U.S. Department of Justice, this is the first comprehensive national study of the U.S. civil justice system. Kritzer analyzes 1600 cases involving 1400 attorneys in five federal judicial districts. Examining the background, experiences, day-to-day activities, and outlook of civil lawyers, Kritzer finds that the work of lawyers combines the roles of the professional and the broker in many aeas of ordinary litigation. Arguing that lawyers' behavior must be understood in part as a form of brokerage between the client and the legal system, he suggests that the roles of professionals and brokers be considered as complements rather than alternatives in the justice system, and concludes by recommending that lawyers' monopoly on advocacy in civil litigation be restricted. An engaging, lucidly written study, The Justice Broker will be of special interest to practicing lawyers and legal scholars.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A model of competent social-scientific inquiry into a complex social phenomenon. It is dispassionate, thorough, analytically rigourous, and judicious in generalizing and drawing conclusions from the data. Although Kritzer is methodologically self-conscious, he lets the data call the tune and refrains from manipulating his findings to vindicate a preordained theoretical agenda. In reading The Justice Broker, one senses (and shares) the author's satisfaction in achieving a more complete understanding of the complicated lives of ordinary civil litigators."--American Political Science Review

"Excellent."--Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences

"An excellent study of the day-to-day work of lawyers in civil litigation....Highly recommended for public, college, university, and law libraries."--Choice

"A fascinating study....an intelligent, succinct, and thought-provoking analysis....Kritzer has admirably performed a major service for the public law field by his innovative and incisive presentation."--Focus on Law Studies

"An interesting and provocative examination of the practice of law....A particularly valuable research volume....The Justice Broker should be read by scholars studying the role of lawyers in the judicial system as well as by lawyers who are in the business of practicing law."--Perspectives on Political Science

About the Author

Herbert M. Kritzer is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 15, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 019506142X
• ISBN-13: 978-0195061420
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,313,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > Law > One-L > Annotations & Citations

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