The Novel The Confession By John Grisham

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Question one
In the Confession, Grisham does not cover up the fact that he hates the death penalty. Therefore, he is appalled at the fact that judges, the governor, and the prosecutor favor the death penalty. However, this is troublesome when baseless evidence is used to impose the irreversible death penalty. The antagonist, Donte was never caught while killing the victim nor does the prosecution provide any evidence directly linking him to the murder. In fact the real killer; Travis, whose DNA is all over the victim’s body confesses, but how would a guilty man convince lawyers, politicians and judges that they were about to execute an innocent man?
In addition to Travis confession, online research showed that he had a long record of sexual crime. However, because Donte was black, Travis words were not taken seriously. Racial issues gained more ground when the Slone white community called for Donte’s blood without considering the evidence provided. Matters were made worse when Donte initial confession was coerced by the corrupt police system. On the other hand, the prosecutor’s main witness; Joel Gamble only testified because he was jealous of Donte. In the end, a combination of baseless evidence sends an innocent man to the grave.
Therefore, Graham makes a strong case against putting people to death. However, he ignores the argument for death. When there is enough and sufficient evidence that a person murdered another person, why should the society continue to pay to support him/her in prison for the rest of his/her life? Therefore, biblical injunction against killing is not sufficient when the courts deliberate on murder cases based on sufficient evidence.
Question two
Grisham uses Texas motto “Don’t Mess with Texas” against the sates flawed justice system in “The Confession.” He presents a state where not only the local police are ignorant and blind, but every member of the Texas Supreme Court as well as the governor. The police who are guardians of the law use illegal means to acquire information. This is illustrated in Detective Drew Kerber who is selfish and cruel. He persistently shouts at Donte until he obtains false confession. Robbie Flak even accuses Kerber of having a “history of false confessions” during his press conference. Therefo...