The Innocent Man by John Grisham - Book Club Discussion Questions

The Innocent Man, John Grisham's first nonfiction book, deals with "murder and injustice in a small town." Grisham uses Ron Williamson's story to raise issues of fairness in the criminal justice system and to highlight problems with the death penalty and our systems for dealing with people with mental illness. Use these book club discussion questions on The Innocent Man to delve into these issues with your book club.

Spoiler Warning: These book club discussion questions reveal important details about The Innocent Man by John Grisham. Finish the book before reading on.

1. Were you surprised that Ron Williamson and Dennis Fritz were convicted on such little evidence?

2. Why do you think Bill Peterson was so convinced of Williamson's guilt? Why do you think the jury was convinced?

3. Did The Innocent Man change your opinion about the death penalty?

4. Did The Innocent Man shake your faith in the criminal justice system?

5. Ron's mental illness affected his abilty to function before, during and after his life on death row. How do you think his time in prison affected his mental condition? Were you surprised by how little treatment was available to him when he was in prison? What about before and after prison?

6. How do you think society should deal with poor people who suffer from mental illness?

7. Ron resisted treatment and could not see his need for it at several points. Is there any way to help people who say they do not want to be treated?

8. Grisham shares many people's stories in this book in an attempt to highlight larger issues with the justice system. Which stories were most compelling to you?

9. Rate The Innocent Man on a scale of 1 to 5.