An urgent, compact manifesto that will teach you how to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future when talking to police.Law professor James J. Duane became a viral sensation thanks to a 2008 lecture outlining the reasons why you should never agree to answer questions from the police—especially if you are innocent and wish to stay out of trouble with the law. In this timely, relevant, … timely, relevant, and pragmatic new book, he expands on that presentation, offering a vigorous defense of every citizen’s constitutionally protected right to avoid self-incrimination. Getting a lawyer is not only the best policy, Professor Duane argues, it’s also the advice law-enforcement professionals give their own kids.
Using actual case histories of innocent men and women exonerated after decades in prison because of information they voluntarily gave to police, Professor Duane demonstrates the critical importance of a constitutional right not well or widely understood by the average American. Reflecting the most recent attitudes of the Supreme Court, Professor Duane argues that it is now even easier for police to use your own words against you. This lively and informative guide explains what everyone needs to know to protect themselves and those they love.
more
Every American Needs To Read This Book. In well documented yet easy to read prose, Duane lays bare why the stakes are so high for his ultimate premise: If a cop unexpectedly questions you, state your name, why you were in the location they saw you *at the moment they saw you* (and not even a second before), and four simple words: “I want a lawyer.” Citing case after case after case from around the country, many of which have wound up with Supreme Court decisions on them, Duane shows why this is so utterly imperative for every American. And yet he is also careful to bow to our police overlords with “appropriate” obsequiousness, lest they try to attack his argument as being just “anti-cop”. Truly one of the most important books any American will ever read in the modern American police state. Very much recommended.
If you live in the USA and value your own life or the lives of loved ones, this book is a crucial read, as is our book. If you don’t read them, you’re begging for future problems.
Before I read this book, I thought “If I’m innocent, what have I to fear about talking to the police?”. Now I know and all I can say is this is a must read for everyone. The author points out many little known facts about how our system of justice works and how our rights have been eroding little by little. Especially now, in this political environment I would highly recommend this book be read by everyone, especially those with children.
1984 is here, the thugs have won by coopting the entire justice system. we do not have a chance agains all the legal forces,
Every person who values freedom should read this book. Excellent information for anyone. The information in this book could literally save your life and at the least could keep you from being wrongfully convicted of something you never did.
Great insight into the criminal justice world and what you should and should not do when questioned by police.
Shocking. Everyone should read this book.
I could boil this book down to 4 words; in fact the author begs the reader to memorize those 4 words: I want a lawyer.
Don’t take my word for it. This isn’t a book on how to be a jerk or about how all cops are out to get you. Rather, the author beautifully presents why a person should never answer any questions from the police except : what is your name ; why are you here in this place right now?
This is a well-documented short book about our American law-enforcement and legal systems and how we as citizens should not see them as “ serving and protecting ” us but more like “ getting the bad guy as soon as possible” He fleshes out his argument nicely by listing multiple examples of cases later being cleared by DNA evidence after the accused ( and found guilty) had spent decades in jail.
The next time you talk to a friend who is a police officer ask him/her “What do you tell your kids to say to the police if they tell you they just want to ask a few questions?”
It’s an easy and informative read, especially for those who say “ I have nothing to hide, so I’ll answer anything.”
A short read. HOPE you never need its advice!