Book Review: The Velvet Hammer

 

After retiring from 25 years on the bench, former Chief Judge, Belvin Perry, Jr., reveals a rare and disturbingly vivid first-hand perspective of the most gruesome death penalty cases in which he played a key role, including the infamous Casey Marie Anthony, who was dubbed "America's Most Hated Mom" after her shocking acquittal for the murder of her 2 year old daughter.

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is one that once I started reading, I was very intrigued and could not stop reading. I finished reading in a matter of hours. The way that Judge Perry explained the Florida judicial system and his thought process when preceding over each case was enlightening. 

For example, Florida Statute 921.141 states "The death penalty is considered for “heinous, atrocious, or cruel” crimes that involve torture or serious physical abuse to the victims." There are certain criteria that judges have to adhere to when considering the nature of the crime and if it meets this criterion for the death penalty. In addition, Judge Perry has his own opinion "Certain murderers should meet their maker sooner rather than later." He also practiced where possible that rehab or education to the person who committed the crime might be better than doing the time. 

In this book, Judge Perry talks about the various cases that he was involved in, including his most famous case involving Casey Anthony: 

Judias "The Black Widow" Buenoano

Joseph Miller

Jerry William Correll

Kirk Allen Hansbrough

Dusty Spencer

George Michael Zimmerman

Scott Mansfield