Reviews
Benjamin Welton, New York Journal of Books
“Seligman writes with speed and interest about the often dry world of criminal law. The Third Degree is a fascinating and easy read that can be consumed in one sitting. You will end the day much smarter, for this book is highly informative.“ MORE
Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News
“Although no one could predict it at the time, the grisly scene would one day contribute to a sweeping change in U.S. justice, wrote Scott Seligman in his book The Third Degree. This triple homicide is one reason Americans know, by heart, the words, 'You have the right to remain silent.“ MORE
叶君, 上海美国研究
“在苏思纲看来，宦祥生虽然遭遇了司法不公，但他的故事对美国司法制度的完善改进起到了积极作用。他说：‘宦案的重要性并不在于被告是否真的有罪，而是让我们认识到，一个人在被证明有罪之前都应被假定为是无罪的，我们应该对嫌疑人提供必要的保护，防止冤假错案的发生，哪怕这意味着偶尔会有罪犯逃脱法网.‘” MORE
Ashley Harunaga, International Examiner
“The Third Degree is a call to remind us of the bias against immigrants and minorities especially in regards to treatment by the police, which is especially relevant to contemporary times. I leave this book wishing that others will read this and educate themselves on institutional biases that existed back then and still need to be addressed now and in the future.“ MORE
Paul Michael Sandler, The Daily Record
“Prior to trial, he recanted the confession. Over objection at trial the court admitted the confession, and the jury returned a verdict of guilty. Wan was sentenced to death by hanging. The DC Court of Appeals affirmed. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed. The case was recently brought to light by Scott Seligman in his marvelous book, The Third Degree.“ MORE
Dinah Rokach, The Beacon
“This book addresses issues of racism against minority defendants, coercive police tactics (the third degree) and forced confessions, the morality of the death penalty, and the importance of skilled legal representation from trial through the appellate process.“ MORE
Meredith Grahl Counts, Foreword Reviews
“This is a book with real crime-noir appeal and serious implications. Braiding together the stories of the crime, the accused and the legal consequences highlights the significance of the grisly events, bringing potboiler intrigue to legal matters. Seligman deftly investigates the steps taken to protect others from the cruelty and oversight Wan suffered at the hands of the American policing and legal systems.“ MORE
Pennsylvania Literary Journal
“A dramatic and insightful read for anybody who cares about human rights.“ MORE
John Kelly, Washington Post
“Ziang Sung Wan v. United States was referenced in a later court case, one called Miranda v. Arizona. If that sounds familiar, it's because it inspired the dialogue in a thousand police procedurals on TV: ‘You have the right to remain silent.‘“ MORE
Sheri Hoyte, Reader Views
“An intense and compelling narrative. Seligman provides thorough education and history in his text that does not bog down the actual telling of the story.“ MORE
Mary Welek Atwell, Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Books
“It tells a fascinating story and raises some significant questions about the rights and protections of people - especially those regarded as 'outsiders' - who are brought in contact with the criminal justice system.“ MORE
Seth Ferranti, Vice
“Scott Seligman breaks down the true crime saga that shocked the nation and helped shape police interactions in the legal system and American popular culture.“ MORE
Paul French, Author of the Bestselling Midnight in Peking
“Scott
D. Seligman has recovered from history a ghastly true crime from
1919 that had a significant impact on the direction of the U.S.
justice system. Seligman’s deep knowledge of China, the history of
America’s Chinese communities and the U.S. legal system combine to
reveal this story of how we protect minorities and the weak within
the law.“
Professor Ira Belkin, New York University School of Law
“In the tradition of such classics as Gideon’s Trumpet, The
Third Degree provides the human story behind a seminal Supreme
Court decision. Scott D. Seligman, a meticulous researcher and an
excellent writer, fills gaps in our knowledge with a story that has
never been told before. Anyone interested in modern American
history, the lives of early immigrants or the justice system in its
formative years will find this book of interest.“
Nancy Yao Maasbach, President, Museum of Chinese in America
“With
The Third Degree, Seligman finds himself the bonafide
creator of the Chinese American sublime. One marvels at Seligman's
ability to weave complex, nuanced, unpublished research - often
found in multiple dialects - into a moreish masterpiece.“
© 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Scott D. Seligman