Overview

In The Death of the American Trial, distinguished legal scholar Robert P. Burns makes an impassioned case for reversing the rapid decline of the trial before we lose one of our public culture’s greatest achievements. As a practice that is adapted for modern times yet rooted in ancient wisdom, the trial is uniquely suited to balance the tensions—between idealism and realism, experts and citizens, contextual judgment and reliance on rules—that define American culture. Arguing that many observers make a grave mistake by taking a complacent or even positive view of the trial’s demise, Burns concludes by laying out the catastrophic consequences of losing an institution that so perfectly embodies democratic governance.

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9780226081274

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Reviews

"""In impassioned prose, Burns argues that the decline of civil and criminal jury trials in the United States is disastrous.... Burns's well-written and well-researched book is for all interested readers."" (Library Journal) ""A stimulating, impassioned, well-argued defense."" (Choice)"""

In impassioned prose, Burns argues that the decline of civil and criminal jury trials in the United States is disastrous.... Burns's well-written and well-researched book is for all interested readers. (Library Journal) A stimulating, impassioned, well-argued defense. (Choice)

Author Information

Robert P. Burns is professor at the Northwestern University School of Law. He is the author of A Theory of the Trial.

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