Having just read an American-based legal novel (Innocent), I've continued my habit of reading books based around the world, with Involuntary Witness by Italian author Gianrico Carofiglio. And what a contrast in legal systems between America and Italy. If American TV and books are even vaguely realistic, the case described in this Italian novel would never go to court. There is extremely flimsy circumstantial evidence, but in Italy, it seems so compelling that the accused is being advised to plead guilty for a lesser sentence. The system seems mind-boggling in its unfairness.
One of my favourite series is the Donna Leon series with police detective Guido Brunetti solving crimes but fighting the system in Venice. This is another, discouraging, look at the Italian justice system through another set of eyes.
Again, I recommend this book and intend to read more of Carofiglio's books myself.
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