From the renowned human rights lawyer and activist Clive Stafford Smith, The Far Side of the Moon is a deeply personal book about men and mental health, told through Clive's challenging relationship with his late father, and his experiences representing an acute depressive on Death Row.
Clive Stafford Smith Books
A British lawyer specializing in civil rights and the death penalty in the United States, this author founded and directs the organization Reprieve. His work focuses on combating injustice, having secured the release of numerous prisoners from Guantánamo Bay and other secret detention sites. His approach to law is deeply rooted in humanitarian ideals and the pursuit of justice for the most vulnerable. Through his advocacy, he uncovers systemic flaws and champions reform.






Injustice
- 432 pages
- 16 hours of reading
So far, so good - except that, as Stafford Smith argues here so compellingly, the American justice system is actually designed to ignore innocence. Step by step, Stafford Smith untangles the Maharaj case and the system that makes disasters like this inevitable.
This compelling true crime narrative unfolds through the eyes of a defense attorney whose experiences inspired a character in a well-known legal thriller. It delves into the intricacies of the criminal justice system, highlighting moral dilemmas and the complexities of defending those accused of serious crimes. With a blend of personal insight and legal drama, the book offers a gripping exploration of justice, ethics, and the human condition, making it a standout in the genre and a finalist for the Orwell Prize.
Bad Men
- 313 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Explosively personal account by a British lawyer who defends Death Row prisoners and Guantanamo Bay detainees.
Bad Men
Guantanamo Bay And The Secret Prisons
Exploring mental illness and familial connections, Clive Stafford Smith reflects on his father's obsessive personality through over 3,000 inherited letters. He intertwines this personal narrative with that of Larry Lonchar, a client grappling with severe depression. This memoir not only delves into the complexities of mental health but also critiques social and justice system failures, while examining the implications of privilege on individuals and families. It serves as a profound meditation on the human experience and the often hidden struggles within.