Overruled!

Lawyers, or attorneys, are portrayed in fiction as either the good guys or the greedy conniving shysters. Both views have been explored in science fiction and fantasy since John Carter set foot on the Red Planet, and this book includes classics by Robert A. Heinlein, Larry Niven, Clifford D. Simak, Robert Silverberg, and more.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2020
Publisher: Baen Books

Lawyers, or attorneys, are often portrayed in fiction as either the virtuous heroes or the cunning, deceitful villains. In the realm of everyday fiction, the former are exemplified by the iconic characters of Earle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason and Harper Lee's Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. While we may choose to overlook her other novel, Go Set a Watchman, which features a less inspiring portrayal of the legal profession (consider it an obvious parallel world), let us focus on the portrayal of lawyers in these two works.

On the other hand, Edgar Rice Burroughs takes a less favorable view in his science fiction classic, A Princess of Mars. In this novel, his doubly immortal character, John Carter, observes that the Martians are fortunate in that they lack lawyers. Burroughs suggests that without the presence of lawyers, the Martians are able to engage in savage cruelty and constant warfare without the constraints of legal regulations.

Since John Carter first set foot on the Red Planet, science fiction and fantasy have explored various perspectives on the legal profession. These works have also considered potential changes in the future of punishment for crimes, both for better and for worse. This anthology includes a diverse range of science fiction and fantasy stories, showcasing some of the greatest talents in the genre.

Among the contributors are renowned authors such as Robert A. Heinlein, Larry Niven, Clifford D. Simak, Robert Silverberg, and many more. Additionally, newer stories by Sarah A. Hoyt, Alex Shvartsman, and Alvaro Zinos-Amaros are included, as well as other stellar talents who bring down the judges' gavel with a verdict of excellent entertainment.

Robert A. Heinlein, in his praise for the contributors, describes the stories as "as sleekly engineered as a starship." Larry Niven, another prominent author, praises the writer's supreme talent and describes him as a "writer of supreme talent." Clifford D. Simak praises the author's "warmth, imaginative detail, finely rendered," and John Cllute, in The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction, describes the author's work as "wonderful and charming."

Previous anthologies edited by the same team have received widespread praise from critics and readers alike. These anthologies have showcased the best of science fiction and fantasy, providing readers with a captivating and entertaining journey into the unknown.

In conclusion, lawyers, or attorneys, are portrayed in fiction as a complex and multifaceted profession. While some works present them as the virtuous heroes, others portray them as the cunning, deceitful villains. Science fiction and fantasy have explored various perspectives on the legal profession, considering the potential changes in the future of punishment for crimes and the impact of lawyers on society. This anthology, featuring a diverse range of stories by renowned authors, provides readers with a captivating and entertaining journey into the world of science fiction and fantasy.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 157 x 233 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781982124502