Doing Justice is a book written by Preet Bharara, a former federal prosecutor in New York City. The book is a collection of essays that explore various aspects of the criminal justice system in the United States. Bharara draws on his own experiences as a prosecutor to offer insights into the challenges and complexities of the criminal justice system. The book is divided into three parts, each of which contains several chapters that focus on different aspects of the system.
Part 1: The Prosecutor’s Oath
In the first part of the book, Bharara discusses the role of the prosecutor in the criminal justice system. He argues that prosecutors have a unique and important role to play in ensuring that justice is served. Bharara explains that prosecutors are responsible for deciding who to charge, what crimes to charge them with, and how to present the evidence against them. He argues that prosecutors must be independent and impartial, and that they must always act in the interests of justice.
Chapter 1: The Prosecutor’s Oath
In the first chapter of the book, Bharara discusses the oath that prosecutors take when they enter their profession. He argues that the oath is a sacred and important document that sets out the principles that prosecutors must follow. Bharara explains that the oath requires prosecutors to seek justice, not merely to convict.
Chapter 2: The Power of the Prosecutor
In the second chapter, Bharara discusses the power that prosecutors wield in the criminal justice system. He argues that prosecutors have a great deal of discretion in deciding who to charge and what crimes to charge them with. Bharara explains that this power must be used responsibly and fairly.
Chapter 3: The Independence of the Prosecutor
In the third chapter, Bharara discusses the importance of independence in the criminal justice system. He argues that prosecutors must be independent of political influence and must act in the interests of justice, not political gain.
Part 2: The Criminal Justice System
In the second part of the book, Bharara discusses the criminal justice system as a whole. He explores the various actors and institutions that make up the system, and he offers insights into the challenges and complexities of the system.
Chapter 4: The Police
In the fourth chapter, Bharara discusses the role of the police in the criminal justice system. He argues that the police are essential to the system, but that they must act with integrity and respect for the law.
Chapter 5: The Courts
In the fifth chapter, Bharara discusses the role of the courts in the criminal justice system. He argues that the courts are essential to the system, but that they must act with fairness and impartiality.
Chapter 6: The Defense Lawyer
In the sixth chapter, Bharara discusses the role of the defense lawyer in the criminal justice system. He argues that the defense lawyer is essential to the system, and that they must act with integrity and skill.
Part 3: The Future of Justice
In the third part of the book, Bharara offers his thoughts on the future of the criminal justice system. He argues that the system must be reformed to ensure that it is fair and effective.
Chapter 7: The Need for Reform
In the seventh chapter, Bharara discusses the need for reform in the criminal justice system. He argues that the system is broken and that it must be fixed to ensure that justice is served.
Chapter 8: The Role of Technology
In the eighth chapter, Bharara discusses the role of technology in the criminal justice system. He argues that technology can be used to improve the system, but that it must be used responsibly.
Chapter 9: The Importance of Education
In the ninth chapter, Bharara discusses the importance of education in the criminal justice system. He argues that education is essential to ensuring that justice is served.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Doing Justice is a thought-provoking book that explores the complexities of the criminal justice system in the United States. Bharara offers insights into the various actors and institutions that make up the system, and he argues that the system must be reformed to ensure that justice is served. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the criminal justice system.
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