Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow Summary

Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow is a legal thriller about Rusty Sabich, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of Kindle County, who is accused of murdering his colleague and former lover, Carolyn Polhemus. The novel follows Rusty as he navigates his trial while uncovering corruption within the prosecutor's office, culminating in a shocking revelation about the true killer. The book explores themes of justice, infidelity, and the complexities of the American legal system.

Scott Turow is an American attorney and bestselling author who served as an Assistant US Attorney in Chicago from 1978 to 1986. Turow wrote Presumed Innocent during his spare time, including on his commute, drawing directly from his experience prosecuting criminal cases and witnessing high-profile corruption investigations like Operation Greylord. His firsthand knowledge of the legal system allowed him to create a gritty, realistic portrayal of prosecutors and courtroom drama.

Presumed Innocent is ideal for readers who enjoy legal thrillers, courtroom drama, and suspenseful mysteries with morally complex characters. The novel appeals to both legal professionals who appreciate its authentic depiction of the justice system and general readers seeking a page-turning thriller with psychological depth. Anyone interested in stories about corruption, betrayal, and the dark side of ambition will find Presumed Innocent compelling.

Presumed Innocent is widely considered a groundbreaking legal thriller that established Scott Turow as a master of the genre and has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The novel's well-crafted suspense, authentic legal detail, and shocking plot twists have made it a classic that influenced countless legal thrillers that followed. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by successful film and television adaptations, including a 2024 Apple TV+ series that became the platform's highest-rated drama.

At the conclusion of Presumed Innocent, Rusty Sabich is acquitted when the prosecution's case collapses due to insufficient evidence and discredited findings presented by his defense attorneys. Months after the trial, Rusty discovers that his wife Barbara actually murdered Carolyn Polhemus and framed him, motivated by jealousy over his affair. Barbara leaves with their son, and Rusty decides to protect her secret for his son's sake while rebuilding his career by winning election as prosecuting attorney.

Presumed Innocent explores themes of justice and its imperfections within the American legal system, showing how evidence can be manipulated and truth obscured. The novel examines morality and ethical compromises, particularly how Rusty's infidelity and subsequent cover-up blur the lines between guilt and innocence. Additional themes include:

• Corruption in law enforcement
• The destructive nature of obsession
• The consequences of betrayal in both professional and personal relationships

Presumed Innocent set the standard for modern legal thrillers when it was published in 1987, offering unprecedented authenticity by combining procedural detail with psychological complexity. Unlike many legal novels, Scott Turow's work portrays lawyers as morally ambiguous individuals rather than heroes, drawing from his own experience as a federal prosecutor. The book's influence can be seen in subsequent legal thrillers by authors like John Grisham, though Presumed Innocent remains distinctive for its noir-like atmosphere and focus on the prosecutor's perspective.

Kindle County is Scott Turow's fictional setting that serves as a stand-in for Chicago and Cook County, Illinois, appearing throughout his body of work. The county represents a microcosm of American urban justice systems, complete with corruption, political maneuvering, and institutional dysfunction. By creating this recurring setting, Turow explores how personal ambitions, electoral politics, and systemic flaws intersect within the legal community across multiple novels.

Presumed Innocent was first adapted into a successful 1990 film directed by Alan J. Pakula and starring Harrison Ford as Rusty Sabich. In 2024, Apple TV+ released an eight-part limited series starring Jake Gyllenhaal that became the platform's highest-rated drama series, leading to a second season order. These adaptations demonstrate the enduring appeal of Scott Turow's story and its themes of legal intrigue and moral ambiguity.

Rusty Sabich and Carolyn Polhemus had an intense extramarital affair that began while working together on a child abuse case, where Rusty became infatuated with Carolyn's dedication. When Carolyn abruptly ended the relationship, Rusty was devastated and sought psychiatric help, though he remained obsessed with her. After Carolyn's murder, this affair becomes central evidence against Rusty, with phone records and his emotional attachment making him the prime suspect.

The legal portrayal in Presumed Innocent is exceptionally realistic because Scott Turow wrote the novel while working as an Assistant US Attorney, drawing directly from his prosecutorial experience. Turow's background included handling high-profile corruption cases during Operation Greylord, giving him intimate knowledge of courtroom procedures, evidence handling, and legal strategy. Legal professionals have praised the novel for its accurate depiction of prosecutorial work, trial tactics, and the ethical dilemmas lawyers face.

Presumed Innocent remains relevant in 2025 because its themes of justice system flaws, corruption, and wrongful accusations continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about legal reform and accountability. The 2024 Apple TV+ adaptation introduced Scott Turow's story to new audiences, demonstrating how the novel's exploration of power, betrayal, and institutional dysfunction transcends its 1987 publication date. The book's examination of how circumstantial evidence and personal bias can threaten the presumption of innocence feels particularly timely amid ongoing debates about criminal justice reform.