Miller’s 2022 play “Prima Facie”, an award-winning production in London featuring Jodie Comer, has been converted into a novel by the playwright, an exciting but significant undertaking. The play’s influence has been phenomenal, notably inciting amendments in the British legal guidelines related to jury deliberations in sexual assault incidents.
The plot revolves around Tessa Ensler, a criminal defence barrister who has represented several suspects in sex crime cases. A terrible incident following an evening out with a fellow barrister drastically shifts her perception, as she finds herself interacting with the legal system from the accused’s standpoint.
First-person narrative in the present tense, transitioning back and forth in time, forms the structure of both the novel and the play. Tessa, a working-class female who has climbed her way to the top of the British legal pyramid from Northern England, is depicted masterfully. The intertwining of detailed legal processes and courtroom etiquette with Tessa’s personal journey are skilfully portrayed by Miller, who maintains a steady rhythm and builds suspense effectively.
It’s an interesting read for those intrigued by the front-stage behaviour of barristers and the power hierarchy within the legal world, unveiling a system where legal instincts outweigh gut feelings and legal truth supersedes absolute truth.
As part of their training process, judges in Northern Ireland are now required to watch a film version of the play. Legal practitioners are also forming a group known as Tessa (The Examination of Serious Sexual Assault) in the hope of effecting further legislative changes to aid victims of sexual crimes. The book could bring about significant changes in Ireland, where in 2022, less than 10% of reported rape cases were prosecuted, and just 28% of those resulted in a conviction.
In conclusion, while this novel is an intriguing, reflective tale, it also demonstrates the real potential of narrative and arts as catalysts for societal progress. They are more critical now than ever before.