Penn and his family initially question the tactics of Tom's defense attorney, Quentin Avery. To say that his legal style is unique would be a gross understatement. What do you think of Avery's method of courtroom defense? Do you agree with it?
Created: 06/17/18
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Penn and his family initially question the tactics of Tom's defense attorney, Quentin Avery. To say that his legal style is unique would be a gross understatement. What do you think of Avery's method of courtroom defense? Do you agree with it?
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Iles did a great job of keeping the reader off balance regarding the mental capacity of Avery. You were never quite sure if Avery was suffering from dementia or crazy like a fox. I think his method of letting the truth be told was a wise one because he and Tom were basing the defense on the fact that Tom was a truthful man with nothing to hide. Avery kept the prosecutor guessing and the reading audience along with him.
Join Date: 11/29/17
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This is the only part of the book that I disliked. He cycled through this issue about a dozen times, Penn would be so angry that they wouldnt share court room tactics with him. Avery was portrayed as very sophisticated and his tactics were secretive, but I thought they were basically boring, especially when the theme kept repeating itself.
Join Date: 09/04/16
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It was fruatating not to see him appeal. Once the readers were assured his health was fine, I was okay with it because of Mr. Avery’s experiences. His experiences speak for themselves.That what I remind myself and put my faith in him. Regardless that I hate Penn, Penn legal background is nothing compare to Mr. Aery.
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Sometimes I don't think we question those that have our lives in their hands enough. (attorney's, doctors) We have an obligation to question what they are doing. If I was Penn and his family I would have questioned Quentin Avery more. I might not have received an answer but I would have tried. The trial made the book suspenseful which is a good thing in a mystery novel. However, at times it got tedious and unbelievable. So no I do not agree with Avery's methods of defense. He was playing with Tom's life.
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I guess it added some suspense, but I always enjoy the legal banter that goes back and forth between the prosecution and the defense, so there was very little of that. And yes, very unlikely to actually be used in a real case.
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Avery's "defense" upset me. I especially didn't understand why he refused to discuss it with Penn, who was not only his clients's son, but an experienced trial attorney himself. How very frustrating and frightening for the very worried family. At the end, it became clear that the defense was based on Tom being an honest man whose behavior throughout his life has indicated the nature of his character, and wanting to only get at the truth. But I know that I would have been feeling extremely upset with the defense, especially on top of the fact that Tom refused to tell anyone what really happened that night at Viola's. Too many secrets!
Join Date: 11/14/11
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In the real world Avery would be placing his Errors & Omissions insurer on notice! Avery, however, was at the mercy of his client’s instructions. Ethically, he could not divulge his strategy to Penn without Tom’s express permission.
From a different perspective, Avery is a legendary lawyer with a mesmerizing voice and a commanding presence. Sometimes, that is all it takes.
Join Date: 06/06/16
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I think Avery's method of courtroom defense, was used to build tension for both the people in the courtroom, and people reading the book. The tension was heightened by Penn's worry and doubt of Avery. The jury was suddenly paying closer attention. Anyone becoming bored with the book at this point, perks up a little and wants to know what Avery will do.
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Avery had no choice - it was exactly what Tom wanted, and he wouldn't allow Avery do anything else! I think Avery would have taken a completely different approach if he could have. Avery was a smart character, and his hands were tied, too.
Join Date: 10/15/14
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For some time Avery's approach left me frustrated. I could feel my blood pressure spiking - along with Penn when Avery didn't jump on something a prosecutorial witness said or a technique the prosecution used. I worried for Penn's mother - but as I learned that Avery was only following orders - doing what Tom instructed, I relaxed and just went with it. Obviously Tom's guilt led him to insist that Avery not argue or contest, and once I realized the behavior was not from ignorance or lack of ability, I just followed the plot and knew it would work itself out as intended. What a ride though!
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I agree with annettes in that this defense would not happen in real life but it definitely contributed to the suspense of the story and took us through all the necessary plot twists to come to the surprising revelations. I did not see Peggy's role in Viola's death coming. That's fine storytelling in my book.
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