The Conviction Machine - by Flint Taylor

Book Synopsis

A captivating account of the most corrupt and blood-soaked chapters in Chicago law enforcement history

In December 1969, the FBI, the Chicago Police Department, and the office of States Attorney, led by rising political star Edward V. Hanrahan, conspired to assassinate Black Panther leader Fred Hampton, and then flagrantly covered up their misconduct. Thirteen years later, Jackie Wilson was tortured by the same police department and wrongfully incarcerated for thirty-six years.

Drawing on unique insights from his role as a leading opposition lawyer in both cases, award-winning author Flint Taylor details the vast political corruption uncovered in the Hampton case and the twists and turns of Wilson's forty-year effort to win his freedom.

With blistering clarity and righteous indignation, The Conviction Machine shines a penetrating light on the sordid world of prosecutorial misconduct and police violence.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Torture Machine

"If it was not for Flint Taylor I would still be languishing in prison. He brought hope to a hopeless place."
--Darrell Cannon, torture survivor

"It is impossible to fully understand the continuing challenges created by unjustifiable police violence against black and brown people without appreciating the historical backdrop that sustains this national crisis. Flint Taylor's powerful new book, informed by his decades as one of the most effective advocates addressing these issues, is a must-read."
--Bryan Stevenson, best-selling author of Just Mercy

"Taylor is a walking passcode to CPD misconduct. It was Taylor and his colleagues who unearthed the crimes committed by the "Midnight Crew," a squad of racist cops who tortured blacks to extract their false confessions."
--Rolling Stone

"[A] searing memoir... essential reading for all who care about this country--past and future."
--Heather Ann Thompson, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Blood in the Water

"Incredible and devastating."
--Jeremy Scahill

"[A]n unsparing dissection of foundational racism in the criminal justice system ... It could not be more timely."
--Jaime Kalven, Investigative Reporter, Executive Director, Invisible Institute

"Each victim's case is a fascinating story in itself while the totality of the lawyers' efforts fighting a resistant establishment is staggering."
--The Observer