Non-Fiction Book Reviews

Book Review: Spinning the Law

By Sandy Amazeen Nov 13, 2010, 0:49 GMT

High-profile courtroom dramas fascinate our nation, especially when they concern the rich and famous. And while the American public has come to realize that the spin factor is a prime ingredient in political tactics and marketing campaigns, many are unaware of the strategies for shaping public opinion when it comes to major courtroom battles.This behind-the-scenes analysis of media strategies presents an intriguing, often entertaining curriculum that they do not teach ...more

Like it or not, the law is subject to public and political manipulation through the media and the court of public opinion yet, as Coffey eloquently demonstrates, this is not a new phenomenon. Since the time of Socrates, the media frequently played a huge role in manipulating public and political perceptions and thus to a lesser extent, the outcome of trial cases. With the nonstop stream of information via the internet and 24/7 “news” programming the media’s presence on the judicial process has never been greater and it’s a fact that lawyers are adapting to and using to their advantage. Similarly, the political picture has become more about media manipulation and sound bytes then genuine issues.

Coffey effortlessly draws upon older cases such as the Lindbergh baby and OJ Simpson to illustrate well-reasoned and thoroughly researched points that are further emphasized by Spinning Lesson sidebars that range from erudite to funny. If this isn’t required reading for new lawyers and those looking to gain a better understanding of how the media, law and politics play together, it should be.