The Price of Justice: A True Story of Greed and Corruption

The Price of Justice follows two Pittsburgh lawyers who take on a complex case against a powerful coal company executive in West Virginia. Their legal battle spans more than fifteen years as they represent clients who claim they were destroyed by fraudulent business practices. The narrative traces how a straightforward bankruptcy case transforms into a far-reaching investigation of corporate influence in the American legal system. At the center stands Don Blankenship, CEO of Massey Energy, whose connections extend deep into West Virginia politics and courts. The book documents the personal and professional costs faced by attorneys Dave Fawcett and Bruce Stanley as they pursue justice through multiple courts and appeals. Their persistence tests the limits of America's legal institutions and their own dedication to the case. This work examines fundamental questions about money's role in the American justice system and the challenges of holding powerful figures accountable under the law. The story demonstrates how individual determination can expose systemic failures in legal and corporate oversight.

Readers describe this as a detailed investigation of corporate corruption and the 17-year legal battle against Don Blankenship and Massey Energy. Many readers note it reads like a legal thriller while documenting real events. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanation of complex legal proceedings - The portrayal of the two main lawyers as determined underdogs - Thorough research and documentation - The focus on West Virginia's political climate Common criticisms: - Too many characters and details to track - Legal terminology can be dense for general readers - Some sections move slowly Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (150+ ratings) "Couldn't put it down - like a John Grisham novel but true" - Amazon reviewer "Important story but gets bogged down in minutiae" - Goodreads reviewer "The author manages to make corporate law fascinating" - BookPage review

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🔨 Author Laurence Leamer spent three years investigating this story, conducting over 500 interviews and reviewing thousands of court documents to piece together the complex legal battle against coal baron Don Blankenship. 💼 The book chronicles one of the longest-running civil cases in American history, spanning 14 years as two Pittsburgh lawyers fought against Massey Energy Company. ⚖️ The case eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court, resulting in a landmark decision about judicial corruption and campaign contributions in Caperton v. A.T. Massey Coal Co. 🏛️ The events detailed in the book led to significant reforms in West Virginia's judicial election system and sparked national discussions about money's influence in judicial elections. 💰 The $50 million verdict at the heart of the story was, at the time, one of the largest judgments ever awarded in West Virginia against a coal company, though collecting it proved to be another lengthy battle.