small group discussion topics
- John Grisham is one of the most popular writers in the world. Judging from this novel, why do you think this is so? Will you read another Grisham novel?
- Working in groups of three, list the arguments Jake Brigance makes in his closing. Then put Jake's closing arguments in order of importance according to how they helped Jake win the case.
Individual and group Activities
Choose one of the following activities related to A Time to Kill, its themes, and concepts.
- Working on your own, research a 1962 race riot in Oxford, Mississippi. Prepare a presentation or written report informing the audience about the actual event and drawing parallels to events in A Time to Kill.
- Working on your own, research examples of hate crimes occurring locally and/or around the world. Prepare a presentation or written report informing the audience about the characteristics of a hate crime and drawing comparisons to events in A Time to Kill.
- With a partner, create a flow chart (virtual or otherwise) of a criminal court case based on the events in this book. At each juncture, provide a brief summary of the purpose of that step and reference the applicable events in the novel.
- With a group, select one scene from the trial (preliminary hearings to the final verdict). Act out the scene. You may use scripts. All group members must have a speaking role. One group member may serve as a narrator, if needed.