Hartog’s Den

Beyond a reasonable doubt by Nathan Mayer

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
What is the role of the justice system? Must justice be served without regard to human subtleties? Where is the line between establishing a standard and making sure the system is just, and relating to crime on a human level to see its roots and effects?

Assistant prosecutor Kenneth Hayes has been assigned to the case of Ruth Ballard, an old flame and former law school classmate. The two could not have more differing views on the law. Both consider themselves crusaders for justice. In Ken’s view, this is best done through vigorous and unemotional prosecution of those accused of a crime; for Ruth, a self-proclaimed radical, the social justice of fighting for those who are oppressed, regardless of the law, is the only moral choice.

Can these two reconcile their personal and professional disagreements, in the middle of a high-stakes legal trial that places them on opposing sides of the game? Of course they can, or it wouldn’t be a good play now would it. An excellent play in my opinion, with well-written and edgy dialogue.


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