Courtroom: the Story of Samuel S. Leibowitz

Plot

Reynolds did a fine job with this biography of Liebowitz, noted criminal defense attorney of the "gangster era" and later Kings County, New York, trial judge. "Courtroom" should be required reading for prospective trial lawyers.

Expertly written, the book probes deeply into many of Liebowitz's courtroom experiences, analyzing his instincts, his attention to detail and his techniques, without ever becoming bogged-down or dull. We learn how the master selected jurors and then reached out to them with his courtroom manner and compelling arguments. We watch as his determined cross examination turns up the slightest flaw in a prosecution witness's testimony and as he uses that flaw to shred the witness's credibility.

Reynolds spends considerable time on the historic Scottsboro Boys case and deals with Liebowitz's defense of Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll, Al Capone, Bruno Richard Hauptmann (Lindbergh baby case), and others. Chicago Outfit boss Al Capone, Murder Inc. leader Louis "Lepke" Buchalter, Owen Madden and Dutch Schultz make brief appearances in the narrative.

The author also uses his work to deal with some of the major criminology and law enforcement issues of Liebowitz's era. These include anthropological criminology (Liebowitz opposed the theory that violent criminals were evolutionary throwbacks) and police brutality.

Shortcomings in the work include the lack of an index and the absence of photographs. Those interested in American Mafia history could be let down by the short attention given to Liebowitz's prominent mob boss clients.