BEYOND ALL REASONABLE DOUBT MALIN PERSSON GIOLITO Questions for discussion BY
1. In a criminal case, the jury must reach a verdict that determines guilt or innocence “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In legal terms, this is sometimes described as “a moral certainty.” Does Sophia Weber reach a “moral certainty” regarding Stig Ahlin’s guilt or innocence? 2. On page 151, Stig Ahlin tells Sophia Weber: “Nothing I say can make you change your mind. You can pretend as much as you want, but you believe I killed Katrin Bjork and you have no desire to get your hands dirty with that sort of case. I’m sitting here because everyone thinks I am guilty of killing a woman when I didn’t. But why should I expect you to believe that?” If you were in Sophia’s place, what would it take to change your mind? What does the novel suggest about our perception of our own objectivity? 3. What role does the media coverage of Stig Ahlin’s case play in shaping public perception of his guilt or innocence? Does this affect Sophia’s objectivity in choosing whether to represent him? How does it impact her methods in handling the case? 4. Throughout the novel, we follow not only Sophia’s professional life as a lawyer, but also her personal life and relationships. How do these two spheres of Sophia’s life influence each other? The practice of law strives for neutrality, removed from the personal; do you think that neutrality is ever possible? 5. Discuss Sophia’s relationship with her grandfather. How does this affect her relationships with other men in her life? 6. By the end of the novel, the reader knows whether Stig Ahlin is guilty of murder. After finishing the novel, do you think there are degrees of guilt? Are there degrees of justice? 7. Imagine you are on the jury for Stig Ahlin’s first trial. Would you convict or acquit him? Would you do the same at his retrial?