(4) YA Headline Court Cases series. Five noted trials--two from the nineteenth century and three from the twentieth--are recounted in formulaic fashion. The utilitarian texts provide background on the accused and their alleged offenses, describe arguments on each side of the case, examine the verdict, and explain the aftermath and its impact. The books are illustrated with sometimes overly dark black-and-white photos and reproductions. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Headline Court Cases titles: The Alger Hiss Communist Spy Trial, The Mary Surratt "Lincoln Assassination" Trial, The Court-Martial Trial of West Point Cadet Johnson Whittaker, The O.J. Simpson Murder Trial, The Trial of Gangster Al Capone.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta