I was saddened to learn that Roy Black had passed away a few days ago, at 80. I first met him in 1983 during a high-profile manslaughter case, the trial of Miami Police Officer Luis Alvarez. His autobiography, “Black’s Law” (not to be confused with Black’s Law Dictionary which everyone should have anyway) focuses on the four cases he was proudest of. One was the Alvarez acquittal after a long and grueling trial, and another was the death penalty murder trial of Stephen Hicks. In both of them, Black and his co-counsel, the equally brilliant Mark Seiden, won acquittals. I was an expert witness for the defense in each of those trials and can tell you Roy told it exactly as they happened. Read tributes from his peers, here.
Have the book and it’s a great read. The quote from Mr. Justice Holmes in Alverez on use of force is worth the price of the book. (too bad there’s not a citation) The most disturbing case was the Federal RICO case against a banker. Didn’t know about the differences in discovery if the Feds are after you.
Sorry to see him pass.