Much of The Soloist by Mark Salzman revolves around the murder trial for which the narrator Renne is a member of the jury. During the trial, Renne reports: "Mr. Graham created a pause in the testimony by going over to his desk and picking up a thick sheaf of papers. It was a short delay, but the break in the rhythm got everyone's attention. It reminded me of how, just before playing a cadenza, I would freeze for a beat...and people in the audience would be on the edge of their seats, anticipating..."
Have you served on a jury? I wonder about the role of non-verbal communication in the courtroom. How much does the appearance of the lawyers and witnesses affect the jury's decision? On Thursday March 8th at 7:30 pm in McManus Room, The Honorable Alan H. Nevas, District Judge will speak on the jury system and how it is portrayed in The Soloist.
WestportREADS discussion question:
Should the mentally ill pay for their crimes? Did justice prevail in the trial?
Comments (1)
Did you see the New York Times Magazine cover article (3/11) on neuroscience and the law? The author, Jeffrey Rosen was on WNYC today, talking about research in using MRIs to check out the images in brains to help determine guilt or innocence. Wonder what Philip Weber's brain would have revealed.
Posted by Marta C. | March 13, 2007 5:03 PM
Posted on March 13, 2007 17:03