An optimistic saga of setbacks, humor, success and the goal of the American dream. Escaping a hopeless future, four brothers leave the Netherlands on the ultimate quest. From New York to California, they learn to trust and rely on family.

Fannie Smith began her court reporting career in Chicago. Soon she moved back to Minneapolis, near family. There she freelanced, working in the court system as a substitute and covering most of the conventions and business meetings in the area. The last 18 years, she was an official for the first judicial district working for Judge Robert J. Breunig. The area was rural, and became urban, bordering the south and west Twin Cities. In 1967, we were four judges and 4 court reporters. When I retired in 1985, there were near 30. Today the number has more than doubled. District, county and city...

There is right and wrong under law. This book explains the difference. It defines crimes, punishment, good and bad behavior. It tells you how to minimize punishment or extend it. It looks at the court system from a court reporter's view - the best seat in the courtroom, and armed with legal knowledge - always there, and always neutral. Some persons have been seriously harmed, wronged, and/or abused, and find it impossible to conform because they never had a chance to benefit from the laws that protect them. The system goes by tried and true laws and finds a place that's right for the accused...