The legal, political, and judicial career of Raulston Schoolfield, including his impeachment and removal from office as a judge, is featured in a new book written by venerated trial attorney Jerry Summers. Weighing in at 520 pages, and containing 150 photographs and illustrations, "Rush to Justice? Tennessee's Forgotten Trial of the Century – Schoolfield 1958" is available directly from Summers.
The Hon. Muecke Barker, retired chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court, said the book provides valuable insights into the colorful character and motivations of Schoolfield. "While Summers' in-depth research is obvious, he weaves the facts into a highly engaging story that reads like fiction, yet it is all too true," said Barker.
Mark Curriden, Dallas Morning News legal writer and co-author of the award-winning book, "Contempt of Court," said Summers' life-long passion for the law shines through in "Rush to Justice?" "Summers ... defends the poor and innocent and challenges the rich and powerful. He has witnessed true political corruption but also has defended those who are falsely accused. In short, Jerry Summers possesses the unique experiences to tell this story with knowledge and passion. The amazing tale of Judge Raulston Schoolfield, who rose to become one of the most controversial judges in Tennessee, only to fall hard amid allegations of unethical and illegal conduct, should be taught in law schools and in CLE programs across the South. When do we get part two?" said Curriden.
William Ralph Hill, Jr., senior judge, Superior Court of the State of Georgia, called the story of Schoolfield's journey and struggles for redemption in a legal and judicial career engulfed by turbulent mid-twentieth century politics "remarkable."
"Summers presents provocative research for the reader to decide if justice was done in Judge Schoolfield's 1958 Senate impeachment trial, or if he was the uncompromising victim of political enemies abusing executive and legislative powers," said Hill.
Penny White, University of Tennessee law professor and former Tennessee Supreme Court Justice, also wants a sequel. "While reading the story of the colorful and controversial Raulston Schoolfield, I found myself transitioning constantly – at one moment feeling admiration for Schoolfield, only to have the admiration replaced by confusion, doubt, and skepticism about his choices. We can only hope Jerry will have mercy on his readers and tell the rest of Schoolfield's story in a subsequent volume."
Summers is a practicing attorney in Chattanooga. He has served as an assistant district attorney, criminal defense attorney, and personal injury and labor lawyer since he began the practice of law in 1966. Summers has argued cases before the United States and Tennessee Supreme Courts and has been involved in numerous landmark decisions in both civil and criminal law.
To purchase Summers' book, contact his office at (423) 265-2385. The cost is $38.25 (tax included).
Source: Some information from Waldenhouse Publishers and the Chattanooga Bar Association