...a compelling, thoroughly documented, well-reported story--one that challenges readers to probe deeply into their own feelings about justice, racism, violence, police brutality, and media coverage. --San Gabriel Valley Tribune
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By J. Reynolds
Format:Hardcover
The crux of this account is Stacey Koon's observation that when ALL of the evidence (and not just a few seconds of videotape, punctuated by activist oratory) was lawfully presented to a trial jury, and explained in a reasonable fashion, the jury determined that the officers were not guilty of the primary crime with which they had been charged. Everything after that was society's emotional reaction based upon irresponsible media inflammatory over-dosage.
20 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Koon provides his side of events in a way that is surprisingly convincing. Moreover, the book (though sometime redundant in its accounts) is a brisk read. The courtroom sequences bring to mind a Grisham page-turner.
24 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
If you were shocked by the video of the LAPD beating Rodney King in 1991; if you were dumbfounded by the trial that found the police officers innocent of wrongdoing; if you cheered when Rodney King was awarded a multimillion dollar settlement from the city of Los Angeles; READ THIS BOOK! In fact, anyone interested in learning the truth about the "Rodney King beating" should read this book. It is an insightful exposure of media frenzy at it's worst and clearly illustrates the fact that a picture (in this case a video) is not an argument.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Robert Deitz' book on this same subject.
Those who see Stacy Koon's book cover will notice "with Robert Deitz" as
co-author. Subsequent to this book, Mr. Read more
co-author. Subsequent to this book, Mr. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Ronald Brackney
4.0 out of 5 stars
Trial by Media.
This book is great. I found it at Goodwill in layaway for like a buck. I didn't have any particular interest in the topic other than having growing up in Los Angeles as a kid... Read more
Published 21 months ago by B. Coker
5.0 out of 5 stars
This Book Completly Changed my Opinion of Sgt. Koon
When I first saw the home video shot by George Holliday I, like the rest of the world, was shocked at what appeared to be the utter brutality of the beating of Rodney King. Read more
Published on August 29, 2010 by RiverGuide
4.0 out of 5 stars
Everyone Needs To Know What's In This Book
"Rodney King" is practically synonymous with "police brutality". It shouldn't be. Americans saw a short video clip of several cops hitting a black guy with their batons. Read more
Published on February 10, 2010 by Kent Schnake
5.0 out of 5 stars
Police Misconduct? Stay Objective, Read the Book, and then Decide
I know a number of people who actually knew Sergeant Koon when he was on the police department. His reputation, both in terms of character and professionalism, was stellar. Read more
Published on September 13, 2009 by J. Gordon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Presumed Guilty, The Tragedy of the Rodney King Affair
This book was suggested by the trainer of a FTO Supervisor course I recently took, and now I am passing it around to my co-workers as, aside from Sgt. Read more
Published on December 17, 2008 by CPD2005
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Gripping Expose'
"Presumed Guilty" is a compelling, skillfully written first-hand account of the tragedy and drama surrounding the apprehension of Rodney King. Read more
Published on October 16, 2005 by Johnny Spinmaster
5.0 out of 5 stars
truth
It is a shame this book is out of print and that is wasn't given much publicity. It is a fast read and eyeopening to the side of the story that the media kept from the public. Read more
Published on August 17, 2002
4.0 out of 5 stars
For Those Who Dare, The Other Side
An excellent well-written defense of the infamous police who beat Rodney King. Koon, of course, was the Sgt. Read more
Published on July 23, 2002 by The Orange Duke
1.0 out of 5 stars
none
This book is completely ludicrous. What it is basically, is someone refusing to take responsibility for their own actions. Read more
Published on January 29, 2002 by Elena & Elizabeth De Sosa
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