D.A. Research?

[thehefner]

Are there seriously no legal thrillers out there from the District Attorney's point of view?

I realized that I needed to gain a deeper understanding of the legal process from the D.A. office's perspective (for the Harvey Dent novel, obviously), but frankly, I don't know where the hell to start. I can't seem to find any dependable nonfiction books on the subject, except one super-dry account on which I gave up after twenty pages.

Really, a good legal thriller or two could give me an insider's perspective, while still potentially being an interesting read. But it seems like they're all about defense! The D.A. is always the antagonist, if not the outright villain! The thing is, I actually know an author of legal thrillers, but even he can't think of any resources!

I want actual lawyers to read the Harvey Dent novel and feel a ring of truth. "Yes," I want them to say, "I believe this is a man who, for the past ten years, has totally and completely immersed himself in the legal system." It's the only major level of Harvey's character that I haven't fleshed out. Maybe the gangster level could use a bit more sprucing too, but obviously, the D.A. one is the most important. Well, right underneath the "child of an alcoholic" level.

Am I going to have to slough through a season or two of LAW AND ORDER? Is that really my only option left when it comes to researching the life and career of a District Attorney?

Any ideas, my well-read friends?

Comments

[lonebear.livejournal.com]

I think that the Joe Hines book on the Howard beach attacks might be a good choice.

Note: my father works for Joe Hines, and I have met the man.

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Do you have a title? I tried googling and searching through amazon.com, but the closest thing I think I can find is some made-for-TV movie, or something.

[suburbfabulous.livejournal.com]

HELTER SKELTER?

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

... huh! I definitely hadn't considered that one, but it just might do the trick! At least, for one case in the book.

[suburbfabulous.livejournal.com]

I loved that book. It was a little dry, in parts, but it really encapsulated the whole story (as best it could.)

[marred82.livejournal.com]

have you ever seen the movie Ghosts of Mississippi? The D.A. from that actual case wrote a book called "It's Never Too Late". I haven't read it, but it might be interesting to look into. I think his name is DeLaugter or something.