Dangerous to Know: Women, Crime, and Notoriety in the Early Republic. By Susan Branson

In Dangerous to Know,Susan Branson presents the fascinating story of Ann Carson and the author who documented her extraordinary tale, Mary Clark. Born of middle-class parents, Carson experienced the challenges associated with maintaining that identity in the tumultuous economy of the early republic. When her father fell ill and could no longer work, the family was subject to eviction. Carson struck out on her own, opening a china shop while clinging to her middling status. She married John Carson, a sea captain, drunk, and abusive spouse. One can only imagine Carson\u27s sigh of relief when John went missing for two years and was presumed dead. Carson, vulnerable as a single, working mother, decided to move on with her life and married Richard Smith. But John Carson wasn\u27t actually dead

Reducing Court Costs and Delay: An Overview

The American legal system is unparalleled in its efforts to protect individual rights. A citizen\u27s access to the legal system provides the basis for our government of laws. Yet, it must be recognized that serious problems confront the American system and persist despite a long history of efforts at reform by the organized bar, the judiciary, and other interested parties. Years of delay exist in many of the nation\u27s busiest courts. The cost of maintaining or defending a suit has grown at an alarming rate. These infamous twin evils - delay and cost - do more than belie the standard of access; they contribute to a climate of cynicism and mistrust of the legal profession, the judiciary, and our judicial system