Book Review

A PLACE FOR THE MIGHTY by Henry Denker
by Chinedum Umeche

The book begins with a riveting scene - the assassination of a United States Supreme Court Justice, while the court is in session, by an African-American, Midegly Grove.  The assassin is shortly afterwards arrested and he confesses to the crime.

Grove elects Winkler and Scott Ingram as his defence attorneys.  Winkler is a radical and widely disliked throughout the country.  Ingram on the other hand is a quiet, intelligent young lawyer recently called to the Bar.

The case is a seemingly hopeless case.  After all, the confession of the accused was obtained voluntarily.  After meticulous evaluation of the medical history of the accused, and in view of the fact that he had just been released from a psychiatric hospital, Ingram suggests the insanity defence.  Winkler however objects, to Ingram’s amazement!  Winkler introduces his brand of defence: in and out of court, he manipulates witnesses, the jury, the prosecution, and even his own client, defying legal protocol at every step, and making headlines in the news.

Finally, with the help of Ingram, he comes up with a novel doctrine – The Doctrine of Social Inevitability.  Will the court accept this doctrine as a legal defence?

Packed with drama and intrigue, from start to finish, the book is a fascinating journey into the world of super lawyers.

Although this book was first published in the 1970s, Henry Denker’s story is still a source of inspiration to lawyers who intend not only to challenge existing legal orders and framework, but also to introduce new ideas into the law, however mundane they may seem.

For more review on Henry Denker's book, subscribe for this edition of TAKAii magazine

To read more on this article, click here to request for this edition of TAKAii

Send this to a Friend    Print Page

Last Edited on June 18, 2006, 12:00 am.  This page has been viewed 513 times

Click Here to View other Featured Articles in the current edition of TAKAii magazine