The Goldmark Case

An American Libel Trial

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Law, Legal History, History, Americas
Cover of the book The Goldmark Case by William L. Dwyer, University of Washington Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William L. Dwyer ISBN: 9780295806372
Publisher: University of Washington Press Publication: June 18, 2015
Imprint: University of Washington Press Language: English
Author: William L. Dwyer
ISBN: 9780295806372
Publisher: University of Washington Press
Publication: June 18, 2015
Imprint: University of Washington Press
Language: English

In 1962 John Goldmark, cattle rancher, Harvard Law School graduate, and distinguished three-term state legislator for a lightly populated area in north central Washington, was overwhelmingly defeated in his bid for reelection. He and his wife, Sally, had been accused of being communists by a small group of right-wing extremists. The Goldmarks sued their accusers for libel and when their case came to trial in the winter of 1963-64 it has become a cause celebre throughout the country.

Witnesses of national reputation crossed the country to testify, the eastern press covered the case, and issues of civil liberties, the communist challenge to the values of American society, and the radical right movement were fought out before a rural jury. The charge that the American Civil Liberties Union was a communist front, among other issues, was litigated for the first time. Today the Goldmark trial can still tell us much about democracy, civil liberties, and trial by jury.

William Dwyer was the Goldmarks' chief counsel. His gripping story of their nightmare and ultimate vindication is a classic of American trial court history. He provides a vivid picture of the political climate and its effect on everyone involved--plaintiffs, defendants, and counsel for both sides. In addition he gives us a fascinating description of the courtroom drama itself, revealed in the extensively quoted testimony, and a fascinating account of the way trial lawyers plan the strategy of a case: from jury selection, the questioning and cross-examination of witnesses, to final arguments.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1962 John Goldmark, cattle rancher, Harvard Law School graduate, and distinguished three-term state legislator for a lightly populated area in north central Washington, was overwhelmingly defeated in his bid for reelection. He and his wife, Sally, had been accused of being communists by a small group of right-wing extremists. The Goldmarks sued their accusers for libel and when their case came to trial in the winter of 1963-64 it has become a cause celebre throughout the country.

Witnesses of national reputation crossed the country to testify, the eastern press covered the case, and issues of civil liberties, the communist challenge to the values of American society, and the radical right movement were fought out before a rural jury. The charge that the American Civil Liberties Union was a communist front, among other issues, was litigated for the first time. Today the Goldmark trial can still tell us much about democracy, civil liberties, and trial by jury.

William Dwyer was the Goldmarks' chief counsel. His gripping story of their nightmare and ultimate vindication is a classic of American trial court history. He provides a vivid picture of the political climate and its effect on everyone involved--plaintiffs, defendants, and counsel for both sides. In addition he gives us a fascinating description of the courtroom drama itself, revealed in the extensively quoted testimony, and a fascinating account of the way trial lawyers plan the strategy of a case: from jury selection, the questioning and cross-examination of witnesses, to final arguments.

More books from University of Washington Press

Cover of the book Stirring Up Seattle by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book Market Street by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book Roy Andersson’s “Songs from the Second Floor” by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book Sacred to the Touch by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book Nuclear Reactions by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book Faith in Nature by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book Reading Portland by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book A Gift of Barbed Wire by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book The Spokane River by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book Car Country by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book The Dawn of Conservation Diplomacy by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book Days of Defeat and Victory by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book City of Virtues by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book Rural Origins, City Lives by William L. Dwyer
Cover of the book Icons of Danish Modernity by William L. Dwyer
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy