
Judge Frederick Block's 'A Second Chance' isn't just another legal book - it's a gripping journey through America's justice system that kept me up reading way past bedtime. Having attended his ASU lecture, I can confirm the book captures his signature blend of legal brilliance and human compassion.
The six case studies hit differently than dry court transcripts. When Judge Block describes defendants' childhood trauma or rehabilitation efforts, you can practically see the people behind the case numbers. My highlight was how he explains judicial discretion - that rare moment when law meets humanity.
Stephen May's 75-year sentence case left me physically shaking my Kindle in frustration. The AEDPA restrictions Judge Block exposes create what feels like legal quicksand - the harder inmates struggle for justice, the deeper they sink. This section alone makes the book essential reading.
What surprised me most was how readable this is for non-lawyers. Complex concepts like collateral consequences become clear through real stories of people banned from voting or finding housing long after serving time. The 'Second Chance Act' chapter should be required reading for every legislator.
The book does have one flaw - it'll ruin your faith in 'equal justice under law.' After seeing how state vs federal convictions create wildly different outcomes, you'll start questioning everything. Judge Block's proposed reforms aren't naive idealism but hard-won wisdom from decades on the bench.
Pro tip: Read this alongside 'The New Jim Crow' for a devastating 1-2 punch about systemic injustice. Just prepare to cancel plans - once you start, you won't put it down until the last page.
