Calvin Samuels is a public defender with a passion for sticking by the underdog. His clients are desperate men and women with desperate cases. Like John Rogers. Although Samuels saved him from a life behind bars, he couldn’t save his life. Within months of his acquittal, Rogers’ body is fished from the Ohio River, two bullet holes in the back of his head. Police speculate his death was the result of a drug deal gone bad. Believing he failed a friend who depended on him, Samuels seeks redemption in the representation of Mark Alexander, accused of the brutal murder of two drug dealers. Needing to believe in his client’s innocence, however, Samuels is blind to clues that Alexander is not what, or who, he seems. Until he meets Allison Morris, Alexander’s former lover and the prosecution’s most damning witness. Could Alexander actually be Rogers’ murderer? But when the trial finally reaches its stunning conclusion, Samuels’ descent into the maelstrom has only just begun.

"Microstate, Macro Consequences: The Nauru Case" offers a nuanced exploration of Nauru, a tiny island nation that serves as a microcosm of larger global issues. Despite its small size, Nauru's story is replete with lessons that resonate on a global scale. Key Themes: Economic Volatility: From phosphate booms to financial collapses, Nauru's economic history serves as a cautionary tale of dependency on a single resource and the perils of lacking diversification. Environmental Challenges: Unsustainable resource exploitation has led to severe environmental degradation, offering a stark lesson in the need for sustainable practices. Human Rights: Scrutiny is given to the island's controversial role in the refugee crisis, as well as its treatment of vulnerable populations, including the LGBTQAI+ community. Globalization and Sovereignty: Navigating complex relationships with larger powers like Australia and international organizations reveals the inherent challenges of maintaining sovereignty in a globalized world. Social Fabric: Gender roles, national identity, and the impact of the diaspora are explored to understand the island's unique social and cultural dynamics. Scientific and Ethical Considerations: A rigorous, data-driven approach assesses various factors impacting Nauru's development, from environmental metrics to healthcare systems. Global Implications: Lessons learned from Nauru are extrapolated to offer insights into broader issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and governance. This comprehensive analysis serves not only as a deep dive into a unique nation but also as a broader commentary on the complexities of globalization, governance, and ethical responsibility in the 21st century. Read less