- Jack is deeply opposed to the death penalty, yet he acknowledges he’d probably feel differently if one of his own children became a victim of a crime. Is he a hypocrite? Or are his inconsistent beliefs (the dichotomy between what the mind believes and what the heart desires) typical of most people?
- And at the very end, why does Jack call Jeff? Do you believe he’s following his mind or his heart this time?
- Claire, similarly, faced a challenge to her views on adultery. Did she make the right decision about Jack at the end? Why do you believe she made the decision she did?
- Are there any topics about which you have strong feelings one way, but aren’t sure how you’d react if you were affected personally?
- Discuss Jack’s relationship with his brother Mark. Is Jack’s take on Mark (that he’s a womanizer) accurate? At one point Claire remarks on how similar the two brothers are – not only in looks, but in their personalities. Is she right? Why or why not?
- Was Claire misguided, or just naïve, in her attempt to set Jenny up with Mark? Why did she do it?
- Why, during the Barnard trial, did Jack decide not to further question the defendant, Clyde Hutchins?
- What was the significance of Jack’s interaction with the red-headed juror during Alex’s trial?
- Why was Earl so supportive of Jack?
- Jenny tells Jack that he’s a “good man.” Is it possible for him, or anyone, to be a “good man” and also an adulterer?
- Discuss Jenny’s relationship with Jack. Was she manipulative, or were her feelings for him genuine? Or both?
- Do you think Maxine Shepard realized Jenny was the daughter of the man with whom she’d had an affair years before?
- Do you think Jenny was guilty of Maxine’s murder? Why or why not?
Tell No Lies
