Making a Case for Innocence: True Stories of a Criminal Defense Investigator

I have always been interested in the judicial system. Do we have a fair system? If someone has definitely committed a crime then how can we be sure that the person will continue to have the rights that we all have; namely, the right to full counsel and a fair trial. We hear so much from the Crown's side but rarely from the defense side. "Making a Case for Innocence: True Stories of a Criminal Defense Investigator" by April Higuera gives us an insider's look at the defense or as the author wrote, "the dark side" as some people say. April Higuera is in a unique position to think about the court process as she is often hired by the defense to find evidence that will contradict, poke holes or give an alternative to the Crown's case. That isn't to say she agrees with someone who seems to have committed a crime but rather that sometimes evidence is held back, people have tunnel vision, and occasionally people have a time limit and an agenda to close a case quickly. Her point is that the courts cannot be completely fail-safe or impartial when you have human beings involved. We need people like her helping with these cases. I found her book to be an eye opener and really something to think about. There have been so many cases where someone has been found innocent by the use of DNA and others who have been scapegoats for corrupt officials. April does make some very good suggestions and I believe that as she says, "everyone has the right to a fair and impartial trial no matter where the truth leads". I am glad she is investigating because the system that we do have is not perfect by any means and it does seem to work more on the side of "righteousness" rather than relying on pure truth. She seems to have the correct view that it is very important to tell the truth no matter what. I am hoping that Ms. Higuera continues to write books about this issue. This book was very well written in such a way that anyone can read it. It is a must read for those interested in true crime. I received a copy of this book from JKS Communications via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Four out of Five Stars