Defending Jacob: A Novel by William Landay | Conversation Starters

Defending Jacob: by William Landay Conversation Starters. Did he, or didn't he? This is the simple premise for the psychological legal thriller, Defending Jacob. Jacob is the 14-year-old son of the district attorney, and he is accused of murdering a classmate. At first, it is hard to believe that such a thing is possible, but as the story progresses, information spills out about Jacob's past. His parents fight tooth and nail to get him acquitted, and they finally succeed. But was Jacob guilty or innocent? The book raises interesting questions regarding nature vs. nurture, the stigma attached to the accused, the justice system, and parenting methods.