Presumed Innocent

Analyze Rusty’s relationships with women, including Barbara, Carolyn, and his mother. What role does each woman play in his life? How does Scott Turow use these relationships to develop Rusty’s character?

Each lawyer in Presumed Innocent has a distinct style in the courtroom. Choose two of the lawyers in the novel, Sandy, Jamie, Nico, or Tommy, and analyze their particular courtroom styles in contrast to each other. Consider Rusty’s assessment of the lawyer along with your own.

Rusty’s relationship with his father delves into the ongoing trauma of childhood abuse. How does Rusty’s history affect his present relationships, view of himself, and even his choice of profession?