THE TRIAL OF BERNHARD GOETZ

Hardback. First published as 'A Crime of Self-Defense. Bernhard Goetz and the Law on Trial'. This edition has been privately printed for the Members of The Notable Trials Library. Intro' by Alan M. Dershowitz. Bernhard Hugo Goetz is an American man best known for shooting four alleged muggers on a New York City Subway train, resulting in his conviction for illegal possession of a firearm. He came to symbolize New Yorkers' frustrations with the high crime rates of the early 1980s. The incident occurred on a No. 2 train in Manhattan on December 22, 1984. It sparked a nationwide debate on race and crime in major cities, and the legal limits of self-defence. Goetz fired an unlicensed revolver five times, seriously wounding all four. He was dubbed the "Subway Vigilante" by the New York press, and was both praised and vilified in the media and in public opinion. He surrendered to police nine days later and was eventually charged with attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and several firearms offenses. A jury found him not guilty of all charges except an illegal firearms possession count, for which he served two-thirds of a one-year sentence. The incident has been cited as a contributing factor to the groundswell movement against urban crime and disorder, and successful National Rifle Association campaigns to loosen restrictions on the concealed carrying of firearms. With Notes and Index. 253pp. 8vo. h/back. From the library of Wilfred Gregg, with his personal b/plate. Aeg, marbled eps. 1/4 bound in red leather, dec. in gilt, with banded sp. Includes ribbon bookmark. F. A fairly heavy book which may require additional postage.