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“In the end, the law doesn’t do justice. People do.��

I was fortunate to receive this book as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed several months ago. I wasn’t sure whether I would read it or not, so I did not include it in on my currently reading list here. But with recent political events, it was hard not to take some time with it, to hear from someone who revere’s the law.

As our government implodes under the current regime, and democracy takes a backseat, it is hard not to wonder if justice really works. After reading John Grisham’s novels about wrongful convictions, I teetered on the edge of disillusionment with the law. Review of Framed here: /review/show... and The Innocent Man: /review/show...

Can there be hope that corruption won’t permeate the system and that there are still some good honest individuals doing everything they can to uphold Lady Justice?

Enter Bharara who once was the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. His office prosecuted the Times Square Bomber and two top legislators in Albany, N.Y. His background shows him as a fighter of public corruption, with a deep appreciation for the values that define the rule of law which includes: procedural fairness, independence from political influence; and, respect for “truth, dignity, and justice.��

I am feeling hope.

In his podcast, “Stay Tuned with Preet�� he is efficient with his interviews and summarizing cases for the layman. He seems rational, humane, intelligent with immense integrity, and character. With his interviews that sometimes touch on the justice system under Trump, he comes across as reasonable, articulate and smart in his discussions.

So, how is it with his memoir?

He explains in his preface that he has wanted to write a guide for young prosecutors, not so much about the legal texts, but about real human dilemmas. So, in many ways this seems more a teaching tool than a simple memoir. He shares��

This book “might in fact be a guide to justice generally, not only for practitioners, but for real people who strive and struggle in their homes and offices to be fair and just.��

His book is divided into four parts �� Inquiry, Accusation, Judgment and Punishment. As if we are following a criminal case. And yes, those who dispense justice, or are involved are considered regular humans prone to behave accordingly. He is definitely appealing for a time when the law is backed by a system that is supposed to protect the innocent and convict the guilty and will keep present society from descending into lawlessness.

How does that work with a convict as the President of the United States where all rules are broken and not respected?

The author shares that��

“There is a creeping contempt for truth and expertise. …We swim in lies, never corrected. And the concept of justice seems turned on its head �� holding different meaning depending on whether you are a political adversary or ally.��

His storytelling is compelling as readers are introduced to what it is like to work as a federal prosecutor. It is obvious how morally vested he is in the law profession. In such fractured times, when the law seems devoid of morality, his passion shows through.

“Certain norms do matter. Our adversaries are not our enemies; the law is not a political weapon; objective truths do exist; fair process is essential in civilized society.��

Not a political weapon?

Did he really know how dangerous Trump would be as it relates to the law when he wrote this? (This book was originally published in 2019.)

Still, reading this does bring a small sense of hope. Readers will no doubt feel his presence as it relates to ethical justice via the law. Especially knowing he has had interactions with Trump and recognizes the complexity of what that means.

Thus, reading his story, which shines a light on his love and respect for the law, makes this book an appealing memoir.