Venturing into the courtroom and through time, this examination explores the defense of unpopular causesaround the worldsince World War II. Chapters are devoted to famous international cases as well as notable Australian cases such as that of Ronald Ryan, the last man hanged in Australia; Van Nguyen, who was executed in Singapore for drug-trafficking; and David Hicks, who spent five years at Guantanamo Bay without charges. Judging the similarities and differences in these cases, this analysis argues for the importance of an independent judiciary and a foil to the “outrage” industry. Written by a well-known crusader against the death penalty, rigorously analyzed, and filled with drama and color from the courtroom, this is an erudite picture of today’s troubled times, offering a prognosis for how the law can changethe world for the better.