Best Criminal Procedure Law Books of 2025

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption is a powerful memoir by Bryan Stevenson that sheds light on the broken system of justice in America. Through the story of Walter McMillian, a young man wrongly sentenced to death for a murder he didn't commit, Stevenson showcases the corruption, political machinations, and legal brinksmanship that plague the criminal justice system. The book is not only an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice but also an unforgettable account of an idealistic young lawyer's coming of age. Overall, Just Mercy is a must-read for anyone interested in social justice and human rights.

"Life Sentence: The Brief and Tragic Career of Baltimore’s Deadliest Gang Leader" by Mark Bowden is an eye-opening true account of the inner workings of one of Baltimore's deadliest gangs, "Trained to Go." Bowden offers exclusive access to FBI files and unprecedented insight into the notorious leader of TTG, Montana Barronette, who was sentenced to life in prison. The author uses various sources to create an in-depth account of the gang's rise and fall, and the impact it had on the community. Overall, Bowden's book is a must-read for anyone interested in organized crime and the impact it has on society."

You Might Go to Prison, Even Though You're Innocent by Justin Brooks sheds light on the broken US justice system and the flaws that lead to wrongful convictions. Through the author's first-hand accounts, readers are taken on a journey of how even innocent individuals can be incarcerated or sentenced to death. The book is an eye-opening read and essential for anyone who wants to understand how the legal system can fail. Brooks's dedication to freeing wrongly accused individuals is commendable, and his book is a unique addition to the Criminal Procedure Law Books category.

Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Y. Davis challenges readers to reconsider the role of prisons in American society. Davis argues that the prison system is a human rights catastrophe and that the time for decarceration and societal transformation is now. Through well-researched arguments, Davis exposes the racist and sexist underpinnings of the American prison system and how it has become a new form of slavery. The book is a thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on a controversial topic.

The Criminal Law Handbook is a comprehensive guide that breaks down the complexities of the criminal justice system. It covers everything from arrest to sentencing and provides critical information on working with a lawyer. The 17th edition has been updated to include the latest U.S. Supreme Court cases. Written in plain English, it is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding their legal rights. Highly recommended for its straightforward, non-intimidating and informative approach.

True Crime Case Histories - Books 1, 2 & 3: 32 Disturbing True Crime Stories is a three-book collection that delves into the gruesome details of 32 true crime cases. The author does not shy away from describing the horrific crimes in detail, making it a must-read for true crime enthusiasts who are not faint-hearted. The stories include the Canal Killer, the Head in the Bucket, and the Arizona Torso Killer. The collection is available for $22.76, 33% off the original price.

No Visible Bruises by Rachel Louise Snyder is a groundbreaking book that sheds light on domestic violence, one of the most pressing issues that remain locked in silence in America. The book provides an immersive account of the scale of domestic violence in our country and gives context for what we don’t know we’re seeing. Snyder explodes the common myths and provides essential, devastating reading. It is a seminal and breathtaking account of why home is the most dangerous place to be a woman. No Visible Bruises is a must-read that will save lives.

The Little Book of Restorative Teaching Tools offers a fresh approach to teaching restorative justice practices through games, activities, and simulations. The book provides an in-depth understanding of restorative pedagogy and experiential learning strategies, making it an ideal handbook for educators, trainers, consultants, and community leaders. The chapters cover topics such as building a restorative learning community, designing games for teaching restorative practices, and in-depth instructions for games and activities. This book is a valuable resource for those who strive to resolve conflicts and address harm in a restorative way.

The Monster of Florence is a chilling true-crime book that recounts the search for one of the most infamous figures in Italian history. Douglas Preston and Italian investigative journalist Mario Spezi uncover the story of the Monster of Florence, a serial killer who committed double-murders in the hills surrounding Florence. The authors themselves become targets of the police investigation, adding to the already harrowing story. This book is a dark and fascinating descent into a landscape of horror that deserves to be shelved between In Cold Blood and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Highly recommended for true-crime enthusiasts.

Astonishingly more key evidence is accessible today than was presented at the death penalty trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann for the kidnap/murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr.  Viewing documents and photos that the jury never saw and forensic analysis never before published, you get to judge for yourself who committed the "crime of the century." Experts and enthusiasts alike are calling award-winning author Lise Pearlman's shocking new  exposé on the Lindbergh kidnapping:"MYTH-SMASHING, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, POWERFULLY ARGUED" — Lloyd Gardner"SHOCKING...WELL-DOCUMENTED…HIGHLY PLAUSIBLE.” — Dr. William M. Bass             "EXPERTLY RESEARCHED" "SUPERBLY  CRAFTED" "MUST-READ"  — Greg Ahlgren & Stephen Monier This shocking but true story is told in just 350 pages divided into  dozens of short, riveting chapters you can’t put down. Bonus  features include:-- scores of photos including what Little Charlie really looked like at the time he disappeared and other suppressed evidence-- the May 1932 forensic report issued by the premiere medical lab now known as Bristol Myers Squibb.-- modern forensic analysis of the corpse by a renowned pathologist  published here for the first time-- 60+ pages of detailed endnotes for armchair detectives and curious readers-- source list of over 90+ books, archives and other reference materials-- comprehensive index, and more!  In the depths of the Depression, millions worldwide followed every twist and turn of the Lindbergh baby kidnap/murder. Yet what was reported was largely fake news. Nearly a century after undocumented immigrant Bruno Richard Hauptmann was executed for the dastardly crime, questions still linger. If the wrong man was convicted, who did it? When? Why? Where? How? The shocking answers this book suggests have eluded all prior authors. Extensive research into dusty archives yielded crucial forensic evidence never before analyzed. Readers are invited to reexamine "the crime of the century" with fresh eyes focused on a key suspect - a slim man wearing a fedora that obscured his face. He was spotted with a ladder in his car near the Lindberghs' driveway early that fateful night. The police let an insider who fit that description oversee the entire investigation - the boy's father, international hero Charles Lindbergh. Abuse of power, amorality and xenophobia all feature in this saga set in an era dominated by white supremacists and social Darwinists. If Lindbergh was Suspect No. 1, the man who got away, what was his motive? Who else was involved? Who helped cover up the crime?Read this book and judge for yourself.