Description
Book SynopsisTried and Convicted offers a controversial look at how our constitutional rights are often circumvented by the criminal justice system with impunity. Readers interested in personal liberties and rights will be intrigued by the ways in which those rights may be trampled should they enter the criminal justice system on the criminal end.
Trade ReviewIn this book, Michael D. Cicchina, a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney, argues quite convincingly that fundamental constitutional liberties are under attack by criminal justice practitioners. ... The author also makes a convincing argument that the right to privacy is a soft law that is routinely violated by governmental agents. ... This book is very eye opening and should be read by anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. It is a concise and well-written work that would make excellent supplemental reading material for virtually any undergraduate or graduate level course related to criminal law or criminal procedure. I strongly recommend this book. Once I opened it, I literally could not stop reading. * International Criminal Justice Review *
Cicchini puts the police, prosecutors and judges on trial—a highly entertaining turn of events! -- Terry Rose, Rose & Rose Law Firm, Senior Partner, Rose & Rose Law Firm, “A” rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the nation’s leading law directory, Named “Lawyer of the Year” by the ACLU of Wisconsin (1991)
In the contrarian spirit of political journalist Christopher Hitchens, Cicchini destroys the prevailing media-driven views on American justice. -- Jay McRoy, Ph.D., professor and chair of English at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, author, Nightmare Japan and coeditor, Monstrous Adaptations
Tried and Convicted brilliantly demonstrates why our constitutional rights are often not what they seem. Michael Cicchini has written a book that can instantly be understood by non-lawyers, but contains much that even practicing lawyers don't know. So you think you know your rights? Wait until you read this. -- Matthew Flynn, senior partner, Quarles & Brady LLP; author, Pryme Knumber
Hyperbole notwithstanding, Tried and Convicted may be the most insightful, raw, and unvarnished look into the criminal justice system, short of being charged with a crime. -- Amy B. Kushner, Ph.D., coauthor, But They Didn’t Read Me My Rights!, contributing author, 101 Gangster Movies and 101 War Movies
Table of ContentsDisclaimer Introduction 1 “How the Hell Did I Wind Up Here?” 2 The Nature of Constitutional Rights 3 “How Can You Defend Those People?” 4 Self-Incrimination: You (Sort of) Have the Right to Remain Silent 5 Privacy: You Have the Right to Be Secure in Your Home (Unless We Really Want to Come In) 6 Confrontation: You (Might) Have the Right to Cross-examine Your Accuser 7 Taking a Step Back: Some Procedural Basics 8 You Have the Right to a Speedy Trial 9 A Fair and Impartial Jury of Your Peers? 10 Judicial Bias: A Fair Trial in a Fair Tribunal? 11 Prosecutor Misconduct and the “Harmless Error” 12 Plea Bargaining: A Deal Is (Not) a Deal 13 Sentencing: Let the Punishment Exceed the Crime 14 You Have the Right to the Effective Assistance of Counsel 15 Moving Forward Further Reading About the Author
