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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 is Tonya carrying when she is kidnapped?

2. The Hailey indictment is not mentioned on TV until a brief 10:00 p.m. news segment, so what is Jake's response?

3. What does Sheriff Walls testify during the change of venue hearing?

4. After being threatened by Marsharfsky, Jake does what?

5. How do the other prisoners feel about Carl Lee taking meals with the sheriff?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the positions taken by Jake and Carla when he suggests he will contact Lester, Carl Lee's brother, after the latter fires him?

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

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

4. What is the trajectory of Judge Omar Noose's career that has led him to his current status?

5. How does K.T. "Cat" Bruster's view of truth and justice compare with Carl Lee's?

6. What is a significant plot development in Chapter 5?

7. Despite Jake's seeking a change of venue again, what are the reasons Jake would prefer the trial continue in Ford County?

8. Why does Judge Noose impose a gag order?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

John Grisham is noted for his mastering the writing style with roller coaster peaks and valleys between and within chapters. He also includes sudden twists and turns with brief, intermittent recoveries. Examine how his style in "A Time to Kill," and include examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

It has been said that "A Time to Kill" is a novel and not a history. It shows that all men and women are not treated equally in the legal system. What specifically in John Grisham's novel causes you to examine the ethics of our society?

Essay Topic 3

Compare the way Ozzie Walls performed his duties responsible for the Ford County Sheriff's Department with the manner in which the colonel in charge of the National Guard unit executed his. Consider the number of members and equipment available to each. Address options likely in security of housing and transporting only 14 jury members and the Hailey defense team. Also address lapses in security both within the courthouse and the area outside. What measures should have been taken considering the verdict might have been guilty? Why were potential targets repeatedly exposed? What were the measures taken by Ozzie Walls prior to arrival of National Guard? Who did Barry Acker rely on more?

(see the answer keys)

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