International Book Awards 2026
Winner of History: United States
Finalist of Social Change
“Drawing on decades of historical scholarship and newly examined evidence, Pearlman explores how politics, prejudice, media influence, and public sentiment shaped legal outcomes long before later investigations challenged accepted narratives. Published as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the book offers a timely reflection on the relationship between justice and democracy . . . a thought-provoking examination of courtroom battles that continue to resonate decades later. Through careful research and legal insight, Lise Pearlman invites readers to revisit the past—not simply to understand what happened, but to consider what those events still teach us about justice, accountability, and democracy today.”
- Alwin Marshall-Squire, Editor-in-chief GTA Weekly
WITH JUSTICE FOR SOME
Politically Charged Criminal Trials In the Early 20th Century That Helped Shape Today's America
[Regent Press 2017]
Armed with a razor-sharp legal mind and imbued with a sense of fairness for all, retired Judge Lise Pearlman examines a dozen landmark trials in U.S. history in WITH JUSTICE FOR SOME. At the same time, the author paints a searing portrait of a society divided by class, caste, race and creed. Many, but not all, of the leading historical figures in this book, including SACCO and VANZETTI and “THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS,” are members of minority groups and people of color. With a keen sense of balance, the author also exhumes the trials, and explores the tribulations of millionaire HARRY K. THAW, pro-Nazi celebrity CHARLES LINDBERGH and the legendary gamblers who fixed the 1919 WORLD SERIES.
WITH JUSTICE FOR SOME ought to be read, enjoyed, studied and heralded by lawyers, judges, defendants and fans of legendary lawyers such as CLARENCE DARROW and BILL KUNSTLER, among others, who are troubled by the disturbing alliance today between big media and the courts that has deprived citizens of their right to a fair trial.
-JONAH RASKIN author of A TERRIBLE BEAUTY: THE WILDERNESS OF AMERICAN LITERATURE
"An expertly curated tour through some of our nation's greatest legal scandals -- a pleasure to read."
-Seth Rosenfeld, author of Subversives: The FBI's War on Student Radicals, and Reagan's Rise to Power
" Judge Pearlman breathes life into historical topics that remain highly relevant today."
- Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President
"Anyone interested in history, courtroom drama or criminal justice should read this!"
- Barry Scheck, Co-Director the Innocence Project