Dershowitz

Some people contend lawyer Alan Dershowitz evolved into a power brand name not because of a genius legal mind.

Instead, he rose to influence, fame, and wealth through publishing and then cleverly promoting provocative books on issues related to law. Of the 40 books, eight have been best-sellers.

So, it should have been predictable that he would push back against the allegations of sexual misconduct by Virginia Giuffre with a book. That's "Guilt by Accusation: The Challenge of Proving Innocence in the Age of #MeToo" published by Skyhorse on Nov. 19.

Page count is 160. Cost of a hardcover is $23.39. Right now, it has a respectable ranking of 4,221 on Amazon.

It would make a nice stocking stuffer for those addicted to "Court TV" or for those considering law school.

Essentially Dershowitz frames his defense through an analysis of the #MeToo movement. That, he dates back to when the allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced about Harvey Weinstein.

As the movement evolved it has made it possible, he claims, for someone to be judged guilty whenever there is a mere accusation. The evidence, at least in the court of public opinion, is irrelevant. In "Guilt by Accusation," Dershowitz presents plenty of evidence.

Interestingly, he notes that movements usually kick off as reforms. Then they mutate into a business. Eventually, they become a racket.

Dershowitz perceives himself accused in order to shake loose money from him. He fingers Giuffre as in it for the big payout.

In addition, the accusation serves as warning to those who have not yet been publicly accused. They should be getting the message to pony up the funds necessary to keep their supposed sexual antics from being made public.

The message of the book, though, is this: It can happen to you. You too could be considered guilty just by the nature of an accusation.

In reading this book, one has to keep in mind that Dershowitz is both a successful criminal defense lawyer and an author who knows how to position and package even dull legal content in an engaging way.

So, yes, it can be persuasive, at least to non-lawyers. But, with Dershowitz now involved in several lawsuits related to the original Giuffre allegations, it will take a court of law to sort out all the contentions.

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Jane Genova strategically plans and creates content for thought leadership and marketing communications. She's savvy in ghostwriting and has social networking know-how. Emergencies welcome. Email her for a pressure-free complimentary consultation: [email protected].