Title: Unequal Justice: The Search for Truth to Balance the Scales
Author: James M. Porfido
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 979-8369428542
Pages: 240
Genre: Autobiography – Judiciary
Reviewed by: Subhrajit Saha

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When we aspire to professions such as journalism, law enforcement, medicine, or
similar roles, fields which hold immense potential to make society a better place, we do
so with the belief that we can drive meaningful change. However, there are individuals
who deliberately undermine this potential, prioritizing their personal gain over the
greater good. Their actions tarnish not only the image of these noble professions but
also impact the systems and society. We often think we can eliminate corruption, correct
injustices, and uplift the poor and helpless to create a fairer world. Yet, as we progress
and delve deeper into these fields, we come to realize that an individual alone cannot
overhaul an entire system. Instead, one faces the harsh reality of either striving to
influence change within a constrained framework or becoming yet another brick in the
wall of the system’s darker facets. This struggle is vividly echoed in the journey of
James M. Porfido, whose transition from law school to a career as a lawyer reminds us
of the complexities and challenges inherent in such professions. His story is not just a
reflection of an individual’s reality, but a universal truth profoundly relevant across all
societies and nations.

James M. Porfido, the author, takes readers on an introspective journey, tracing his
evolution from a junior prosecutor to a seasoned defense attorney, culminating in a
remarkable 35-year-long career in the field of law. Through his vivid recollections of
intriguing and thought-provoking cases, he offers insights that have the potential to
reshape perspectives on the legal system, shedding light on its transparency,
complexity, and multifaceted nature. In his journey as both prosecutor and defense
attorney, the narrator dealt with cases including domestic abuse, sexual assault,
vehicular homicide, and DUI. The detailed accounts reveal that the law is rarely black or
white but often a complex gray. This grayness becomes more evident in the later cases
of his career, such as sexual assault, attempted murder, prostitute rape, and handcuff
rape, challenging the very essence of justice. The author illustrates the changes he
witnessed in the justice system throughout his career, from evolving court procedures
post-COVID-19 to the injustices people faced while seeking justice in the very courts
meant to protect their rights. The loopholes and contentious aspects of the sexual
assault allegation against his client in the final phase of his career stand out as one of
the most significant cases, urging a re-evaluation of the law. The emotional dilemma,
along with calmly navigating the vulnerabilities of victims, their families, or the accused,
forms a crucial aspect of the narrator’s journey in law and stands out as one of its most
notable points.

Alongside professional turmoil, James M. Porfido vividly narrates how law and order
perceive a defense attorney compared to a public prosecutor, reflecting the true colors
of the judiciary in striking detail and in an unfiltered manner. The narrator’s journey from
an average student to a successful attorney, alongside his personal struggles with the
volatile court atmosphere, offers insight into his character. Celebrating his last day at the
office with colleagues and getting emotional while narrating those moments he shared
with all these years adds a personal touch, breaking the book’s intensity while
highlighting the judiciary’s harsh realities.

For aspiring or new legal professionals, Unequal Justice: The Search for Truth to
Balance the Scales is a highly recommended read, providing detailed insights into the
world of law and order. Porfido’s passion for truth and fairness resonates on every
page, making Unequal Justice both an enlightening and inspiring read.