Doing Justice: A Prosecutor’s Thoughts on Crime, Punishment and the Rule of Law

By Preet Bharara

The New York Times Bestseller

'Simply, utterly brilliant. Bursting with humility and humanity' The Secret Barrister

'An elegant, philosophical and, at times, moving memoir of what it is like to serve as America's most high-profile legal official' Financial Times

Multi-million-dollar fraud. Terrorism. Mafia criminality. Russian espionage.

As United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Preet Bharara prosecuted some of the most high-profile cases in America. In Doing Justice he takes us inside America's criminal justice system to deliver a powerful meditation on justice – what it is, who dispenses it, how it works – and what the law can teach us about thinking and acting justly in our own lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Release date: Mar 19, 2019
• ISBN: 9781408899014

Reviews for Doing Justice

[tangledthread · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I found this book to be heartening at a very discouraging time in our country. The first part of the book reminded me a little of Profiles in Courage.

[charrlygirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Preet Bharara appeared on my radar by getting fired. He was previously head US Attorney of SDNY and he was fired by Donald Trump. He stayed on my radar due to several of his appearances on liberal news media programs. I liked what he had to say, so I requested a copy of the audiobook from my library and here we are.

This book is not about politics, though politics do play a part in our justice system. If you're looking to read this book to hear Mr. Bharara trash Trump, you're looking in the wrong place, (though there are some brief comments.) In this book, he is talking about exactly what is written in the title-namely, justice.

Only a fool would believe that justice is delivered fairly in this country, but Preet Bharara makes me think at least someone is trying to make that happen. He makes me believe that the majority of people in law enforcement, those working in prisons, those working in our various prosecution offices around the country want justice to be applied fairly. He enumerates a few cases where justice WAS served, but only decades later, and only by crazy coincidences-(one of the prosecutors had nearly a photographic memory, for instance.)

SOAPBOX Basically, this entire book boils down to one principle: Do the right thing. Which makes me wonder how many people working in our justice system adopt that principle as their own? Nevertheless, we need a book like this, written by a person like this, to remind us what our goals and principles as a nation actually ARE. Because these days? It is all too easy to forget the tenets upon which this country was founded. It's too easy to forget that our law enforcement agencies and our media all have a job to do and those jobs are the stanchions of our democracy. We depend upon them for our very existence as a country. These aren't popularity contests, there are no alternative facts. There are only facts and the courage to report them, no matter how the president or his henchman and women, (I'm looking at you, Kellianne and Sarah), interpret them. / SOAPBOX

I enjoyed listening to Preet Bharara narrate this himself and I recommend this book!

*Thanks to my local library for the free audio download. Libraries RULE!*

[susan.macura · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have watched Preet Bharara on CNN and have become a huge fan. I find his commentaries to be articulate, insightful and fact-based looks at the issues presented to him. However, I was initially hesitant to pick up his book feeling it might be written for only those with a legal background. I was pleasantly surprised. His book is written for all of us and should be read by all of us, especially if we care about and want to learn more about our legal system. He looks at the process from the investigative stage to the choice to prosecute, as well as what happens if someone is convicted, including the basis for punishment meted out by the courts. He explains the role of the prosecutor, a position he is very familiar with due to his extensive background, and why this role is so important in attaining true justice. He illustrates his points with wonderful stories from his lengthy career, making it a very enjoyable read. I highly recommend it and hope he continues to write. He has a gift.

[mnicol_11 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

All about how justice is done in the USA and how everyone gets their day in court under this fine system. But what do plea bargains have to do with doing justice? This is not considered. Many USA citizens get locked away for years because they succumb to plea bargains from prosecutors. What if the young man accused of murdering his father in 12 Angry Men had been offered a plea bargain and taken it? This is a relatively new development in USA law enforcement. Otherwise - nice anecdotes and uplifting reflections.

[nyiper · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've been thoroughly enjoying Stay Tuned, Preet Bharara's podcast interviews. His intelligence but also his voice is wonderful to listen to, asking questions as well as sharing his own experiences. This book is one of those that needs rereading in order to not only absorb what he is saying but to then go out and do what he says as a fellow human being....beyond the law, we all need to do more listening and respecting of each other. This book needs to be read by students as well as anyone who hears about it ---it's a basic education. Bharara is a story teller and he is extremely talented in the telling. Really, one of the best books I have read in a long time. Just as an earlier review wrote, I, too, am a huge fan.

[storeetllr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A must-read dissertation - though it's anything but dry - on the justice system in America, from investigation to sentencing. Filled with anecdotes that made me think of Criminal Minds, it is underlay with strong principles and explanations for why things are done the way they are, how the system works and why. I have a background in law (as a paralegal and legal secretary for 35-plus years), but no legal background is necessary to enjoy Doing Justice. Short disclaimer: when I retired, I said I never wanted to hear about, read about, or think about the law or lawyers again because I had been so stressed out working for lawyers, but this book made me change my mind and reminded me that a number of the really good attorneys with whom I worked had been former AUSAs. Also, I think I would have loved working for and with Mr. Bharara - he comes across as a principled, intelligent, caring man who isn't afraid to admit to a mistake. (I loved his story from when he was just starting out and his secretary refused to work on a case where he was trying to get Constitutional rights for a convicted murderer, so he did all the secretarial tasks - like photocopying, faxing, typing envelopes - himself.) I listened to this as an audiobook, read by the author, and he was a top-notch narrator. Highly recommended.

[mcelhra · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Preet Bharara was the federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York who was fired by Donald Trump in 2017. (That used to be a dubious distinction – now he is just one of legions of people Trump has dismissed.) However, this book isn’t focused on his firing. His book is a walk through each step of the legal process – inquiry, accusation, judgment and punishment – and how each step works in the context of the SDNY.I found the examples he used in the book fascinating. A book of this nature could easily be dry and boring but Bharara’s style is engaging. I found the section on inquiry to be particularly interesting. It’s such a long, detailed process to develop a rapport with someone so that they will feel comfortable provided information. I had no idea.I listened to the audiobook of Doing Justice. Bharara reads it himself in a conversational manner. He has a podcast about legal topics called Stay Tuned. I haven’t listened to it yet but I plan to soon. If it’s as good as his book, then I know I’ll enjoy it. If you already listen to his podcast, then check out his book. Recommended.

[schmerguls · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

5703. Doing Justice A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law, by Preet Bharara (read 25 Aug 2020) The author was the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 2009 till fired by Trump in 2017. The book tells of many of his experiences as such attorney and and during his time as a prosecutor. He was born in India and came to the U.S. when he was two years old. He graduated from Harvard and from Columbia Law. He tells of big cases he brought while U.S. Attorney and of some remarkable victories--and even of some cases he did not win. I found the book consistently good reading and must believe he really did good things as a prosecutor. I was amazed that he successfully the leading members of the New York General Assembly--I did not know of those prosecutions. We can be glad we have had prosecutors like the author.

[josephking6602 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A broad-range of legal stories & concepts; a nice blend of principles and human interest. A sure bet recommendation.