"A book about how powerful politicians, criminals and others get away with lawbreaking"-- In this vital, incisive book, Honig explains how men like Trump repeatedly beat the system. He goes inside the hall of the Justice Department to report for the first time on how federal prosecutors went light on Trump in an infamous case involving hush money payments and campaign finance violations. From his insider's perspective, Honig exposes what makes so many prosecutors treat powerful criminals as untouchable--and how we can upend this untenable situation. -- adapted from jacket Provided by publisher.

Includes index.

"Do what you have to do" -- The Southern District of New York and "Individual-1": behind the scenes in the Department of Justice's internal struggle over Trump -- BOSS TACTICS: HOW CRIMINAL KINGPINS PLAY THE SYSTEM. Control the lawyers, control the game -- Defense, at a cost -- Insulation: the hierarchical pyramid -- Saying it without saying it -- It takes a criminal to catch a criminal -- Fear in the jury box -- Omertá: enforcing silence -- "Without fear or favor": the truth about how prosecutors treat the powerful -- Prey on the vulnerable -- Biases, individual and systemic -- ONE MAN, ABOVE THE LAW: WHEN THE BOSS IS THE PRESIDENT. Indictment-proof: he who shall not be charged -- "We're fighting all the subpoenas": executive privilege gone wild -- Pardons for the silent -- "Tawdry," "Distasteful"--but perfectly legal -- PURSUING DONALD TRUMP. United States v. Donald John Trump -- The Southern District of New York and "Individual-1": post-presidency but still no charge -- Georgia: the looming showdown -- Waiting for Garland.