Review by Kalohe -- Junk Justice by Gerry Rising
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Kalohe
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Review by Kalohe -- Junk Justice by Gerry Rising
[Following is a volunteer review of "Junk Justice" by Gerry Rising.]
Junk Justice is a well considered and well written indictment of our criminal justice system, with particular emphasis on the federal system dealing with white collar crime. I would recommend this book with a rating of 4 out of 4, despite some issues it is an honest telling of how our justice system is damaged, if not broken. It is shot through with authentic descriptions of the author’s encounters throughout the justice system from investigation, to trial, to prison and the other punishments he has endured. The editing and language use is top-notch. However, I would mention that at times some unconscious racism comes through in descriptions of his fellow inmates.
Gerry Rising’s narration begins with his turning himself into prison in 2011. His description of the dehumanizing experience of being booked and brought into the system grabs you from the outset and commits you to reading the rest of his story.
He continues with a detailed description of his business, the self-funded health plan administration business. He takes a deep dive into that description and a number of issues surrounding that profession that ultimately pulled him into the legal system. His description can be pretty dense at times, but it is worth the effort required considering how much it impacts what comes after. It is also worth noting that Mr. Rising includes a detailed timeline section and appendices that round out his telling of his experience with Junk Justice.
Mr. Rising details prison life. You experience what it is really like in a minimum security prison, highlighting the day-to-day existence and how socialization is handled. He relates how he became involved with jailhouse “lawyers” in beginning his appeal process. I particularly appreciate his discussion of innocent vs. overcharged, over-sentenced vs. guilty and how those concepts affected him personally and affect our justice system as a whole.
His artful recounting of his appeals journey flows through his use of jailhouse lawyers, his pro se experience (a woeful experience), and his experiences with various attorneys, both defense and prosecution. Those interactions contribute to increased self-awareness and self-analysis on his part, although he also demonstrates blindspots that could use some continued thought and review. All of this makes the reading richer.
His post-release battles are just as poignant, hearings and walls continue. Mr. Rising concludes with a considered indictment of the justice system. This book is a great introduction to and a well-written report of just how our justice system really works.
******
Junk Justice
View: on Bookshelves
Junk Justice is a well considered and well written indictment of our criminal justice system, with particular emphasis on the federal system dealing with white collar crime. I would recommend this book with a rating of 4 out of 4, despite some issues it is an honest telling of how our justice system is damaged, if not broken. It is shot through with authentic descriptions of the author’s encounters throughout the justice system from investigation, to trial, to prison and the other punishments he has endured. The editing and language use is top-notch. However, I would mention that at times some unconscious racism comes through in descriptions of his fellow inmates.
Gerry Rising’s narration begins with his turning himself into prison in 2011. His description of the dehumanizing experience of being booked and brought into the system grabs you from the outset and commits you to reading the rest of his story.
He continues with a detailed description of his business, the self-funded health plan administration business. He takes a deep dive into that description and a number of issues surrounding that profession that ultimately pulled him into the legal system. His description can be pretty dense at times, but it is worth the effort required considering how much it impacts what comes after. It is also worth noting that Mr. Rising includes a detailed timeline section and appendices that round out his telling of his experience with Junk Justice.
Mr. Rising details prison life. You experience what it is really like in a minimum security prison, highlighting the day-to-day existence and how socialization is handled. He relates how he became involved with jailhouse “lawyers” in beginning his appeal process. I particularly appreciate his discussion of innocent vs. overcharged, over-sentenced vs. guilty and how those concepts affected him personally and affect our justice system as a whole.
His artful recounting of his appeals journey flows through his use of jailhouse lawyers, his pro se experience (a woeful experience), and his experiences with various attorneys, both defense and prosecution. Those interactions contribute to increased self-awareness and self-analysis on his part, although he also demonstrates blindspots that could use some continued thought and review. All of this makes the reading richer.
His post-release battles are just as poignant, hearings and walls continue. Mr. Rising concludes with a considered indictment of the justice system. This book is a great introduction to and a well-written report of just how our justice system really works.
******
Junk Justice
View: on Bookshelves
Latest Review: Riven Calyx by Mark Leon Collins
