"Depending on the kindness of strangers - And other light texts on the lightness of the criminal process"

"Criminal procedure is not what it used to be. And it is not what it seems. There are several texts - edited, revised and unpublished - that are included in this book, but these are the two main ideas. Criminal procedure is no longer what I learned in books (and that are still taught), not only because the laws have changed, but also because so many things have changed in the practical dimension and in social representations. The world of criminal procedure, especially in some cases, is now different, and I regret and criticise several of the changes. The texts in the book are therefore often regretful, even if they sound humorous. The texts come from an old man in the criminal process and also from other areas of life (not all), that are projected onto it. But if it is no longer what it was, it is no less true that it is not what it seems. Much of what is said, reported and discussed about criminal procedure is not correct, it is most frequently shallow, often light and sometimes not serious. Many texts are against appearances, clichés, «achismo» (Portuguese expression for thinking without facts), but also against hypocrisy and particular agendas. Many are oppositional texts. But not all of them. This book is not always what it seems. And behind a pessimist of reason may yet lurk an optimist of will."

"Depending on the kindness of strangers - And other light texts on the lightness of the criminal process" is the title of the new book by Rui Patrício, published by Almedina (in Portuguese only).