The Judge's List

Compare/contrast this book to one or more of John Grisham’s other books. Do they have themes in common?

What are some other popular courtroom dramas or legal thrillers, and how do they fit into the legal or courtroom drama genre? Possible examples might include the television series franchise, Law & Order, or Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Bannick, the antagonist, has little or no capacity for remorse. His motives are straightforward and unequivocally “evil.” Does this make him more or less frightening than if he were a more complex and nuanced antagonist?

Do you think that women are justified in flirting or using sex appeal to get cooperation from men? Do you think it is necessary?

What do you think explains the public fascination with serial killers, both real and fictional?

How does justice become vengeance? Can you think of other stories that explore the same theme?

Does the author seem to have created a believable woman protagonist? Why or why not?

Do you think our judicial system is essentially trustworthy or not? Why or why not, and how might it be improved?