The Burden of Proof | Topics for Discussion & Projects

The Burden of Proof Key Questions

The focus of The Burden of Proof is on a mystery; yet this novel deals even more explicitly with the personal and emotional ramifications of that mystery as Sandy Stern has to unravel the reasons behind his wife's suicide. As he does so, he must come to grips with the toll that the legal profession has taken on his personal life and with the deep secrets within his own family.

1. How has the depiction of Sandy Stern changed from Presumed Innocent to this novel?

2. Is there a typical Turow protagonist? Are there any ways in which Stern is like Rusty Sabich?

3. How does Stern's immigrant past influence his present?

4. How does Turow comment on the typical American success story through his depiction of the Stern family?

5. How guilty is Stern of the problems which overtake...
(read more)