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John W. Hartmann, criminal defense attorney & former NJ Assemblyman, to discuss his memoir at NJ State Library

By Gary Cooper
On Thursday, March 7, from noon to 1 p.m., the New Jersey State Library, 185 West State St., Trenton, will present a free lunch-time program with Trenton attorney and former state assemblyman, John W. Hartmann, discussing his memoir Jacket: The Trials of a New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney, in the Level 2 Reading Room.
Described by the publisher as a “provocative and bitingly funny memoir,” this book provides a candid and humorous look inside NJ’s fractious criminal justice system and Trenton politics. A book signing will follow.
John W. Hartmann, a Lawrenceville resident, has written an engaging, humorous and most unusual memoir called “Jacket”, where he dishes out amusing anecdotes from his life in law and politics. Through Hartmann’s irreverent humor, he puts a human face on the dysfunctional New Jersey justice system. Hartmann’s self-deprecating wit and keen eye for all things absurd and ironic makes “Jacket” a compelling read for “Law and Order” fans. The prestigious Kirkus Review praised “Jacket” saying: "[Hartmann’s] reflections are entertainingly scattershot, nimbly jumping from one impossibly absurd scenario to another, capturing the surreal wheels of justice in motion. A keen, lighthearted look at the human side of law".
“John Hartmann paints a vivid picture of the ‘New Jersey Way’ of prosecuting and defending persons accused of crimes,” according to Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence at Princeton University. George called Jacket “a raucous ride through the New Jersey criminal court system.”
Hartmann is an attorney with a private practice near Princeton. He has written one other nonfiction book, The American Partisan (Burd Street Press, 2000), and is currently at work on his first novel.
All are welcome; RSVP is appreciated. To indicate attendance at this event contact Cindy Warrick at [email protected] or 609-278-2640 ext. 172.
About the New Jersey State Library
The New Jersey State Library, an affiliate of Thomas Edison State College, connects people with information and resources through its service to libraries, government and people including those with special needs. The State Library’s mission has expanded since its establishment in 1796 to lead in the provision, promotion and support of high quality library and information services to all the people of New Jersey. Led by State Librarian Mary Chute, the State Library coordinates, promotes and funds the New Jersey Library Network by providing advisory and technical information and services to support New Jersey’s libraries in the fulfillment of their missions. The State Library also provides support for public, school, academic, and special libraries, and continues to promote services for learners of all ages, including key areas of continuing need such as digital literacy, business outreach, workforce development, and summer reading programs. The State Library continues its focus on innovation and future trends, and seeks out exemplary models and technologies that can help assist the New Jersey library community in remaining relevant and essential community anchors. For more information, visit www.njstatelib.org.