In Contempt - Couverture rigide

For more than a year, Christopher Darden argued tirelessly, giving voice to the victims in the 0.J. Simpson murder trial. In this gripping account of one man's extraordinary career, Darden offers an unflinching look at a justice system imperiled by racism and celebrity privilege. Now, out of the sensational frenzy of "the trial of the century" comes a haunting memoir of duty, justice, and thepowerful undertow of American racism.

Christopher Darden's In Contempt is an unflinching look at a justice system kidnapped by a racist cop, shameless defense lawyers, a starstruck judge, and a dysfunctional jury. It shows what the television cameras could not:

• Behind-the-scenes meetings where Darden tried to determine whether Detective Mark Fuhrman was a racist cop

• The deteriorating relationships between the defense and prosecution teams, with taunting, baiting, and a pushing match between Darden and Simpson

• A starstruck judge who let the case get out of control while he collected hourglasses from fans and invited celebrities into his chambers

• The candid factors behind Darden's controversial decision for Simpson to try on the infamous glove

• The dysfunctional jury who was forced to make a landmark legal decision

• The intimate relationship between Darden and Marcia Clark

• A stunning masterpiece told with brutal honesty and courage, In Contempt is the rare story of one man who refused to choose between his heritage and his humanity.

Christopher Darden is a fifteen-year veteran of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office and an Associate Professor of Law at Southwestern University School of Law. One of the key prosecutors in the case of The People of the State of California v. Orenthal James Simpson, he lives in Los Angeles, California.

Jess Walter is the author of six novels, including the bestsellers Beautiful Ruins and The Financial Lives of the Poets, the National Book Award finalist The Zero, and Citizen Vince, the winner of the Edgar Award for best novel. His short fiction has appeared in Harper's, McSweeney's, and Playboy, as well as The Best American Short Stories and The Best American Nonrequired Reading. He lives in his hometown of Spokane, Washington.