The legal thriller is a sub-genre of thriller and crime fiction in which the major characters are lawyers and their employees. The system of justice itself is always a major part of these works, at times almost functioning as one of the characters. In this way, the legal system provides the framework for the legal thriller much as the system of modern police work does for the police procedural.
Usually, crusading lawyers become involved in proving their cases (usually their client’s innocence of the crime of which he is accused, or the culpability of a corrupt corporation that has covered up its malfeasance until this point) to such an extent that they imperil their own interpersonal relationships and frequently, their own lives.
Origins and Evolution of Legal Thrillers
The legal thriller genre is a relatively new addition to the literary world, with its roots tracing back to the late 20th century. The genre was popularized by writers like John Grisham, Scott Turow, and Michael Connelly, who used their experiences in the legal profession to craft suspenseful narratives that captivated readers.
Over time, the genre has evolved to include a variety of themes and sub-genres, reflecting the changing dynamics of the legal system and society at large. From courtroom dramas to corporate espionage, legal thrillers have expanded their scope to explore the many facets of the law and its impact on individuals and communities.
Early Legal Thrillers
The earliest legal thrillers were largely focused on courtroom dramas, with the protagonist typically being a lawyer who is fighting against the odds to achieve justice. These stories often featured complex legal cases, intricate plot twists, and a high-stakes final verdict.
One of the most notable early legal thrillers is “Presumed Innocent” by Scott Turow, which was published in 1987. The novel, which follows a prosecutor who is accused of murder, was praised for its detailed depiction of the legal system and its suspenseful plot.
Modern Legal Thrillers
As the genre has evolved, modern legal thrillers have begun to explore new themes and settings. While the courtroom remains a central element in many stories, others have moved beyond the courtroom to explore the broader implications of the law.
For example, John Grisham’s “The Firm” follows a young lawyer who is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy within a prestigious law firm. The novel, which was published in 1991, was a major success and helped to establish Grisham as a leading figure in the genre.
Characteristics of Legal Thrillers
Legal thrillers, like all genres, have certain characteristics that define them. These characteristics not only help to distinguish legal thrillers from other genres, but they also serve to create a sense of familiarity and expectation among readers.
One of the most defining characteristics of legal thrillers is the presence of a legal setting. This can take the form of a courtroom, a law firm, or any other environment where legal proceedings take place. The legal setting serves as the backdrop for the story and often plays a significant role in the plot.
Legal Knowledge and Jargon
Another characteristic of legal thrillers is the use of legal knowledge and jargon. The authors of these books often have a background in law, and they use this knowledge to create a sense of authenticity and realism in their stories.
The use of legal jargon also serves to immerse readers in the world of the law. This can be both educational and entertaining, as readers get a glimpse into the inner workings of the legal system.
High-Stakes Conflict
High-stakes conflict is another common characteristic of legal thrillers. This conflict often revolves around a legal case, with the protagonist fighting against the odds to achieve justice. The stakes are often high, with the protagonist’s career, reputation, or even life on the line.
The conflict in legal thrillers often extends beyond the courtroom, with the protagonist facing threats and obstacles in their personal life as well. This adds an additional layer of tension and suspense to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Impact of Legal Thrillers on Society
Legal thrillers have had a significant impact on society, influencing the way people perceive the legal system and its role in society. By presenting complex legal cases in an accessible and entertaining format, these books have helped to demystify the law and make it more understandable to the general public.
Furthermore, legal thrillers have also raised awareness about important social and legal issues. Many legal thrillers tackle controversial topics, such as corruption, corporate malfeasance, and miscarriages of justice. By bringing these issues to light, legal thrillers have contributed to important conversations about justice and accountability.
Influence on Pop Culture
Legal thrillers have also had a significant influence on pop culture. Many popular movies and TV shows, such as “The Firm“, “A Few Good Men“, and “The Good Wife“, are based on legal thrillers. These adaptations have helped to popularize the genre and introduce it to a wider audience.
Furthermore, the success of these adaptations has also led to a surge in interest in the legal profession. Many people have been inspired to pursue careers in law as a result of reading legal thrillers or watching their adaptations on screen.
Impact on Legal Profession
Legal thrillers have also had an impact on the legal profession itself. Many lawyers and law students have cited legal thrillers as a source of inspiration and motivation. These books provide a romanticized view of the legal profession, portraying lawyers as heroes who fight for justice against all odds.
While this portrayal may not always be accurate, it has nonetheless contributed to a positive image of the legal profession. Furthermore, legal thrillers have also helped to generate interest in the law, inspiring many people to pursue careers in this field.
Notable Authors and Works
There are many notable authors and works in the legal thriller genre. These authors have made significant contributions to the genre, shaping its development and influencing its direction.
Some of the most notable authors in the genre include John Grisham, Scott Turow, and Michael Connelly. These authors have written numerous best-selling legal thrillers, many of which have been adapted into successful movies and TV shows.
John Grisham
John Grisham is perhaps the most well-known author in the legal thriller genre. A former lawyer and politician, Grisham has written over 30 legal thrillers, many of which have topped best-seller lists and been adapted into successful movies.
Some of Grisham’s most notable works include “The Firm“, “The Pelican Brief“, and “A Time to Kill“. These books are known for their suspenseful plots, complex characters, and detailed depictions of the legal system.
Scott Turow
Scott Turow is another prominent author in the legal thriller genre. A practicing lawyer, Turow has used his legal expertise to craft intricate and suspenseful legal thrillers. His debut novel, “Presumed Innocent“, was a major success and is considered a classic of the genre.
Turow’s other notable works include “The Burden of Proof” and “Innocent“. These books are known for their complex plots, rich character development, and insightful exploration of the legal system.
Michael Connelly
Michael Connelly is a best-selling author known for his legal thrillers featuring the character Mickey Haller, a defense attorney in Los Angeles. Connelly’s legal thrillers are known for their fast-paced plots, realistic depictions of the legal system, and compelling characters.
Some of Connelly’s most popular legal thrillers include “The Lincoln Lawyer“, “The Brass Verdict“, and “The Reversal“. These books have been praised for their suspenseful narratives, complex characters, and insightful exploration of the legal system.
Conclusion
The legal thriller is a fascinating and dynamic genre that has captivated readers for decades. With its blend of suspense, legal knowledge, and high-stakes conflict, the genre offers a unique perspective on the legal system and its role in society.
From its origins in the late 20th century to its modern iterations, the legal thriller has evolved to reflect the changing dynamics of the legal system and society at large. As the genre continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to captivate readers with its suspenseful narratives, complex characters, and insightful exploration of the law.
Kathryn Taylor was born and raised in the Midwest and has been a book lover and writer since childhood. As a queer teenager, she found solace in writing, and has written professionally ever since graduating from college. She loves a variety of fiction book genres, including romance books, thrillers, YA, sci-fi, and adventure. She's also a fan of the Oxford comma.
Kathryn has received numerous awards for her writing and now writes exclusively for RT Book Reviews. She is a passionate activist in the LGBTQ+ community, speaking at conferences and leading queer writing workshops. When not reading and writing, Kathryn enjoys visiting local libraries and bookstores across the country, exploring new cities, and spending time with her family.
