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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What have local attorneys dubbed Judge Omar Noose?

2. According to Judge Noose, what is the largest media problem?

3. What does Jake Brigance drive?

4. What is the temperature at Reverend Agee's rally?

5. When Lucien Wilbanks inherited the family law firm in 1965, what does he keep?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 10, what does Lucien advise Jake his best courses of action are in Carl Lee's defense?

2. What observations on the part of Jake's secretary irritate him to the point he advises her to keep quiet or quit?

3. What transpires between Carl Lee and Deputy Looney while the latter is still hospitalized, and how does Jake respond?

4. How does Rufus Buckley make use of the illegally-obtained jury list?

5. Why does John Grisham open his story with such horrific detail of the crime?

6. How are the key characters depicted as selfish and self-centered in Chapter 24?

7. What illegal methods does Ozzie employ to gain information from the suspected bomber?

8. Why does Judge Noose impose a gag order?

9. How does Jake skillfully manipulate the media immediately following Carl Lee's arraignment?

10. Why does the name of Clyde Sisco cause some stir during Jake's jury strategy team session in Chapter 29?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The story is staged around a murder trial where a number of the key characters are attorneys. The author, John Grisham, is himself an attorney. How does he use his legal expertise in writing "A Time to Kill"? How is it reflected in the depiction of legal maneuvering, selection of the jury, legal and illegal tactics, use of associates for research in preparing for court, courtroom styles, actions in the judge's chambers, and other judicial aspects?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the symbolism of the Ford County Courthouse. What is it supposed to represent? What does John Grisham use it to reflect? Address what the various characters do there in contrast with that symbolism. Also explore Barry Acker's speculation regarding previous trials.

Essay Topic 3

Who is identified at "Mickey Mouse" in the Ku Klux Klan? What has this individual attempted to do secretly? Provide several examples of "Mickey Mouse's" success. When did "Mickey Mouse" fail?

(see the answer keys)

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