Angel of Death Row: My Life as a Death Penalty Defense Lawyer

Angel of Death Row

My Life as a Death Penalty Defense Lawyer

By Andrea Lyon; Alan M. Dershowitz (Foreword by)
(Kaplan Publishing, Hardcover, 9781607144342, 288pp.)

Publication Date: January 5, 2010

Other Editions of This Title: Paperback

Categories: Lawyers & Judges, Personal Memoirs

Selected by Indie Booksellers for the January 2010 Indie Next List

“Glass ceiling or metal jail bars, seemingly nothing will stop Andrea Lyon from success. Her record of 19 death row victories has earned her the title of this book. This one reads like a thriller with real life-and-death consequences.”

-- Jamie Robinson, Bestsellers Books & Coffee Co., Mason, MI

Description

Nineteen times, death penalty defense lawyer Andrea D. Lyon has represented a client found guilty of capital murder. Nineteen times, she has argued for that individual’s life to be spared. Nineteen times, she has succeeded.

Dubbed the “Angel of Death Row” by the Chicago Tribune, Lyon was the first woman to serve as lead attorney in a death penalty case. Throughout her career, she has defended those accused of heinous acts and argued that, no matter their guilt or innocence, they deserved a chance at redemption.

Now, for the first time, Lyon shares her story, from her early work as a Legal Aid attorney to her founding of the Center for Justice in Capital Cases. Full of courtroom drama, tragedy, and redemption, Angel of Death Row is a remarkable inside look at what drives Lyon to defend those who seem indefensible—and to win.

There was Annette who was suspected of murdering her own daughter. There was Patrick, the convicted murderer who thirsted for knowledge and shared his love of books with Lyon when she visited him in jail. There was Lonnie, whose mental illness made him nearly impossible to save until the daughter who remembered his better self spoke on his behalf. There was Deirdre, who shared Lyon’s cautious optimism that her wrongful conviction would finally be overturned, allowing her to see her grandchildren born while she was in prison. And there was Madison Hobley, the man whose name made international headlines when he was wrongfully charged with the murder of his family and sentenced to death.

These clients trusted Lyon with their stories—and their lives. Driven by an overwhelming sense of justice, fairness, and morality, she fought for them in the courtroom and in the raucous streets, staying by their sides as they struggled through real tragedy and triumphed in startling ways. Angel of Death Row is the compelling memoir of Lyon’s unusual journey and groundbreaking career.

About the Author

Andrea D. Lyon is Director of the Center for Justice in Capital Cases and Clinical Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Clinical Programs, at DePaul University College of Law. She began her career at the Cook County Public Defenders' Office, working her way up to Chief of the Homicide Task Force, a 22-lawyer unit that represents people accused of homicide.

Lyon has tried more than 130 homicide cases, both within the public defender's office and elsewhere. She has defended more than 30 potential capital cases at the trial level. Of these, she has taken 19 through the penalty phase, and won them all. She lives in Chicago, Illinois.

Praise For Angel of Death Row…

“This book is about the world of corruption that hides behind the law, where wealth and social status play too large a role in determining who is convicted and who goes home. I think most of us know these problems exist on some level, but knowing it and seeing it are two different things. Lyon puts a face on that corruption; she humanizes its victims. Readers may find themselves reconsidering the death penalty. If they remain in favor of it, they will not be able to deny that the system needs fixed.” —Illinois Times

“Andrea Lyon's account of her groundbreaking career amounts to a primer on the criminal justice system and the death penalty in particular. What it reveals is often horrifying, but Andrea's writing is so infused with empathy and humor that the reader comes away both wiser to the ways of injustice and inspired by the difference one person can make. The stories of her life and her cases expose flawed humanity on all sides, as well as breathtaking largeness of heart. And make no mistake, Andrea's compassion for the victims of crime is no less than her compassion for the defendants. Angel of Death Row is timely, important, and a page-turner to the end. ” —Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking

“…[Andrea Lyon] delivers a strong argument against the wisdom of the death penalty, the sole punishment that forecloses the possibility of redemption. Riveting stories from a persuasive attorney.” —Kirkus Review

“Written in a blunt, conversational style, this book will challenge those who think that they understand the criminal justice system. VERDICT A well-written, provocative book, featuring colorful characters and a love of humanity; highly recommended for all readers interested in society today. ” —Library Journal

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