Defending Jacob

Compare Andy and Laurie’s views of their roles as parents. How do you account for the difference between Laurie and Andy’s reactions to Jacob’s trial? Laurie claims that the trial is worse for her because she is a mother. Is this true? If so, why?

What are Andy’s views on women? How does he describe his female colleagues? His son’s peers? What do these descriptions reflect about his character?

Is Matthew Macgrath a reliable witness? How does his indictment of Leonard Patz factor into your assessment of Jacob’s guilt? Of Andy’s culpability?

Andy has a cynical view towards the law, describing it as a “ritual” rather than a way to achieve justice. Where do you see evidence of an ineffective legal system? Consider the following characters: Neal Logiudice, Judge French, Judge Rivera.

What is the evidence against Jacob? How do you evaluate this evidence? What counterevidence does Andy provide? Is there anything else in the book that reflects on Jacob’s guilt? Evaluate, in particular, Derek’s anecdote about the stray dog.

When Jacob dreams of going to Argentina, the Barber family has a moment of blissful escape from their reality. Why is Argentina significant? How does it connect to the family’s later vacation in Jamaica?

Andy is willing to do anything to defend his son. Can the same be said of Billy Barber? Compare and contrast this father and son. Do Andy and Billy share the same view of a parent’s role in his child’s life?

How do the grand jury transcripts affect your reading of the novel? Where do they contradict Andy’s claims?