Courtroom 302

Which characters in the narrative serve as foils for Judge Locallo, particularly regarding his views on drug policy?

How does Bogira’s juxtaposition of history with the present stories help the reader better understand the cases presented in the book?

During the scenes at the 26th Street Courthouse’s jail, for which characters did you feel more sympathy or understanding—the deputies or those accused/convicted of crimes? Why?

What is Bogira’s opinion regarding the media’s coverage of the cases at the 26th Street Courthouse? What evidence can you provide to determine Bogira’s view?

Juvenile courts were initially instituted to root out social ills causing young people to commit crimes. Which recurring problems did those convicted of criminal offenses in the book demonstrate? Which social measures might have prevented their imprisonment and reduced tax expenditures?

Leslie McGee is the only female defendant in the book. Why do you think Bogira focused on her story, given there must have been other female defendants? How is her story related to that of the men in the book? How are her circumstances unique?

What characteristics does Bogira’s style share with traditional reporting? How is his approach to writing different, and why do you think he made this choice?

How does the author use Chicago as a microcosm for problems that are prevalent throughout the United States? Please provide examples.