A Law for the Lion: A Tale of Crime and Injustice in the Borderlands (Jack and Doris Smothers Series in Texas History, Life, and Culture, Number Eleven) [Paperback]

Beatriz de la Garza (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2003

"Esto no es cosa de armas" (this is not a matter for weapons). These were the last words of Don Francisco Gutiérrez before Alonzo W. Allee shot and killed him and his son, Manuel Gutiérrez. What began as a simple dispute over Allee's unauthorized tenancy on a Gutiérrez family ranch near Laredo, Texas, led not only to the slaying of these two prominent Mexican landowners but also to a blatant miscarriage of justice. In this engrossing account of the 1912 crime and the subsequent trial of Allee, Beatriz de la Garza delves into the political, ethnic, and cultural worlds of the Texas-Mexico border to expose the tensions between the Anglo minority and the Mexican majority that propelled the killings and their aftermath. Drawing on original sources, she uncovers how influential Anglos financed a first-class legal team for Allee's defense and also discusses how Anglo-owned newspapers helped shape public opinion in Allee's favor. In telling the story of this long-ago crime and its tragic results, de la Garza sheds new light on the interethnic struggles that defined life on the border a century ago, on the mystique of the Texas Rangers (Allee was said to be a Ranger), and on the legal framework that once institutionalized violence and lawlessness in Texas.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I find this story interesting and captivating. I think it will be of general interest to the public because the story chronicles an important part of our history. It can serve to gauge the progress we've made in society and in our legal system. I strongly recommend it." --Hon. Raul A. Gonzalez, former Justice, Texas Supreme Court

About the Author

Beatriz de la Garza is an attorney and writer in Austin, Texas. Her previous books are The Candy Vendor's Boy and Other Stories and Pillars of Gold and Silver.

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press; 1st edition (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292701896
• ISBN-13: 978-0292701892
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,424,583 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historical perspective, February 15, 2010

By 

Senator Zaffirini (Laredo, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Law for the Lion: A Tale of Crime and Injustice in the Borderlands (Jack and Doris Smothers Series in Texas History, Life, and Culture, Number Eleven) (Paperback)

Because the murdered victims were my husband's grandfather and great grandfather, I am familiar with this tragedy. Beatriz de la Garza reports this stunning injustice accurately and meaningfully. I recommend it highly to anyone interested in understanding the history of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in Texas. Judith Zaffirini, Texas State Senator