Jesse Eisinger

the book starts out quite strong, with an excellent quote from a stirring speech by James Comey. Mr. Comey advocated that prosecutors should take risks beyond a 100% conviction rate, that acquittals and hung juries were not a mark against young attorneys. At this level I couldn't agree more.

The book was fairly interesting as it went over a group of white-collar prosecutions, starting with Enron and progressing through Arthur Andersen. At this point the book degenerates into an anti-capitalist screed.

The book is severely critical of the Justice Department and SEC for not pushing AIG and Goldman Sachs prosecutions in the wake of the 2008 collapse. The author beats, like a hammer, on "unequal justice." The author does not explain how it would benefit the American economy for finance and business leaders to have to walk on eggshells; that the next deal could land them in jail, after an undefendable Federal prosecution.

Finally the book descends into a small amount of attack on "mass incarceration" of minority criminals, and a bit of Trump Derangement Syndrome. A weak ending to a boo with a promising start.… (more)

Despite public outrage following the financial crisis in 2008, executives managed to elude any criminal charges. How could this possibly occur given the obvious intentional wrongs playing out inside these institutions? Jesse Eisinger brings his fabulous writing and investigation into the behind the scenes dynamics of the government officials responsible for pursuing justice. This is the book to read if you want to follow exactly what did (and did not) happen to result in no jail time for the individuals responsible.
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I was a bit surprised and depressed after reading this book. So many crimes due to the financial crisis, so little results. Oh there were some hands slapped in the banking and financial services community but very few executives (Enron) were actually indicted and convicted. The SEC, FBI, Judges and Department of Justice took a softer tact after Enron and the dissolution of Arthur Andersen.

CEOs and other high level corporate executives were able to distance themselves from actions and strategies that constituted fraud and malfeasance or at least made it hard for regualtors or investigators to link them to any crimes.I was particularly agitated that Bank of America honored bonuses for Merrill Lynch executives at the time of taxpayer supported payouts.

This book is excellently researched. There are stories of people who tried to do the right things. They were not always successful and were hampered within their own agencies or organizations.… (more)

This is an outstanding book which illuminates the story behind our government's failure to prosecute corporate criminals. The revolving door between the justice department and private law firms which specialize in corporate law ensures that the problem is ongoing. Similar to the brilliant Michael Lewis, Eisinger creates a compelling narrative about a complex subject by focusing on several maverick individuals who have attempted to reverse the trend toward corporate immunity from prosecution. Don't miss this one.… (more)