The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case: A Critical Analysis of the Trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann

The First Book to Examine the Trial Itself The kidnapping and murder of Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr. touched off one of the most massive manhunts in the history of American crime detection and generated so much publicity at home and abroad that it was touted as the "Crime of the Century." The arrest of Bruno Richard Hauptmann in connection with the kidnapping inevitably led to the "Trial of the Century." Although Hauptmann was almost universally detested at the time of the trial, the tide of public opinion began to change with his conviction. In the decades following Hauptmann's execution, writers have advanced one theory after another seeking to pin the blame upon various members of the Lindbergh household and others. Almost every aspect of the crime and the investigation has been examined and critiqued--with one exception. No one has written a critical analysis of the trial itself. This book seeks to remedy that omission with an investigation and evaluation of the marshalling, presentation, and arguing of the evidence, and a study of the post-conviction litigation. This innovative book includes: a thorough analysis of the evidence presented at trial by both the prosecution and defense a comprehensive critique of the performance of the lawyers a discussion of inculpatory scientific evidence available to, but not used by, the prosecution a section listing the major protagonists in the investigation and trial a timeline a modular analysis of the prosecution case a table of cases

About the Author :
James M. Dedman III, a native of Columbia, TN, is a graduate of Warren Wilson College, Middle Tennessee State University, and Vanderbilt University School of Law. After extensive experience in defending and prosecuting criminal cases, he taught theory-based trial advocacy for the National College of District Attorneys for twenty-eight years at the University of Houston Law Center and the University of South Carolina National Advocacy Center. He has won several national awards, and in 2011 the National District Attorneys Association created a national award in his name.

Review :
"Dekle and Dedman provide a fascinating read of one of the most famous trials in U.S. history. With fresh insight based on an exhaustive investigation, the authors have created a gripping page-turner that analyzes the attorneys, witnesses, and presentation of the evidence at the Lindbergh kidnapping trial. This book is a must read for trial lawyers and all those interested in the pursuit of justice in the courtroom." --Shane Read, author of Turning Points at Trial: Great Lawyers Share Secrets, Strategies, and Skills "Dedman and Dekle present a compelling examination of the Lindbergh kidnapping case. Courtroom drama aficionados will appreciate the ego-driven actors, their skills or lack thereof, and the sheer dedication of most participants in the arena. For the professional aspiring to excel at complex litigation, the authors' analysis of courtroom strategy is a must."--T. Michael Conlon, Esq., Retired Suffolk County, NY, Assistant District Attorney "A fascinating and original account of the Lindbergh kidnapping case that doubles as a primer for prosecuting or defending murder cases. Drawing upon their decades of criminal trial experience, Dedman and Dekle dissect the performance of the lawyers on each side, offering tighter case theories, alternative opening statements, and strategies for better managing direct and cross examinations. Their analysis is a must-read for trial advocacy students and all other trial enthusiasts."--Laura Rosenbury, Dean, University of Florida Levin College of Law "Dedman and Dekle, two experienced prosecutors, microscopically examine one of the 20th Century's most notorious murder trials, giving an invaluable guide for history buffs, trial lawyers and law students. Rather than just revisiting the events of the trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, they comprehensively look at the strategies, arguments and evidence of both sides and then effectively critique each phase of the historic case."--Michael D. Marcus, Judge of the California State Bar Court (Retired) "A fascinating, scholarly review that lawyers and non-lawyers will enjoy, this book is also an essential how-to book for prosecutors and defense attorneys. Dedman and Dekle, who developed and refined numerous trial tools during their remarkable careers, demonstrate how these indispensable tools could have been used in the murder trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann."--Marsha Mitchell, Justice Sector Consultants LLC; former UN International Prosecutor in Kosovo; Justice Advisor, Afghanistan & Liberia "Although the Lindbergh kidnapping case has been written about innumerable times, never before has the trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann been meticulously researched and analyzed. Veteran trial lawyers Dekle and Dedman have done just that. The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case is the perfect read for anyone interested in the Lindbergh case, an insightful telling of the story of the Hauptmann trial, and a superb tutorial on trial strategies and techniques with illustrations from this famous case."--Ronald H. Clark, Distinguished Practitioner in Residence, Seattle University Law School "It is time to clear the table of the glut of books written on the Lindbergh kidnapping case! With rigor and introspection as prosecutors, Dedman and Denkle have with a clear singular purpose focused their analysis on the one area not covered by other writers-Bruno Hauptmann's trial. For the novice true crime reader or a Lindbergh expert, this is the definitive "jury box seat" view where the reader can examine the details of what really was going on in the trial. They push the envelope to get the real story of the trial."--Mark Safarik, Director, Forensic Behavioral Services International FBI Criminal Profiler (Ret.)