81 pages • 2 hours read
Courtroom 302
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Book Brief
416
Book • Nonfiction
Chicago, Illinois • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Courtroom 302 by Steve Bogira follows a year in the life of Chicago's Cook County Courthouse, centered around Judge Daniel Locallo’s courtroom. It examines the lives of various defendants, such as Larry Bates and Leroy Orange, to highlight systemic social and racial injustices within the criminal justice system. Sensitive topics include substance dependency, sexual exploitation, police brutality, and wrongful imprisonment.
Informative
Gritty
Dark
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
1,910 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Steve Bogira's Courtroom 302 is acclaimed for its detailed, eye-opening portrayal of the American judicial system's flaws through a year-long observation of Judge Richard Lokow's courtroom in Chicago. Critics praise its journalistic depth and powerful storytelling, although some note its dense legal jargon may deter casual readers. Overall, it's an enlightening yet heavy read.
Who Should Read Courtroom 302?
Readers who enjoy In Cold Blood by Truman Capote or The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander will appreciate Courtroom 302 by Steve Bogira. This book appeals to those interested in criminal justice, courtroom dynamics, and socio-legal issues, offering an in-depth, narrative-driven exploration of the American legal system.
1,910 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
416
Book • Nonfiction
Chicago, Illinois • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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