"The Death of the American Trial" is on the ROROTOKO list of cutting-edge intellectual nonfiction. Professor Burns's book interview ran here as cover feature on June 1, 2009.

Robert Burns in his The Death of the American Trial has caused me to rethink many long held ideas formed during over 38 years of trial practice as a lawyer in Texas. I was reminded to be proud that our young country expanded the British concept of jury trials to create something uniquely American. Our democracy is intertwined with our public participation in decision making and Burns reminds us of the dangers inherent in the rapid decline of the American trial as a means of resolving disputes. Mediation and arbitration may help ease the overwhelming caseload in the courts but they must never be considered an equal substitute for our jury trial. This book is not just a study for judges and lawyers. Every citizen has a vested interest in our American jury system and will profit from reading and sharing this fine work.
Scott Stehling, Texas Lawyer