How well do you know the law and its rules?


You'd be surprised how many people don't know the basic justice system or its branches. Perhaps it's not always necessary to go down that particular rabbit hole, but if you're writing about criminals, their sentencing, or even a story where the police department is involved, it is good to know your basics at least. Not everything is included in the story, of course, but if you want to be as precise as possible in your stories, you better brush up on that finicky thing called law.

Of course, it depends from country to country, the passing of a sentence. Same with a court room. Not every country has a need for a jury. In some, one person is the judge, jury, as well as executioner. One book stated that the man who passes the sentence should be the one who swings the sword. I wonder, which book was that?

Seeing how you're the writer, you're the one passing the sentence.

If your story is crime/law specific, give as many details as you must, but don't go overboard. Don't explain that in a certain country that's how it's done and this is the normal length of a sentence and, blah, blah, blah. Your reader doesn't want a lesson on the rules of law. They don't care who invented it and why. They don't care why a certain sentence is designed to last a certain time. What they want to see is justice.

I could never watch Law And Order because it bores me to death. Just hearing that music at the beginning of the show makes me switch the channel. Why? Because justice seems to prevail in every episode. Every criminal gets what he deserves. While that is fine and dandy, real life isn't that way. People get falsely accused and sentenced to death. Making an example out of someone and passing a much harsher sentence. There isn't enough evidence or worse, it's either withheld or disappears all together. Crooked cops, unjust law, you name it. It's a human trait not to be perfect no matter how much some try.

How about a story from a prisoners point of view? I'd love to see that! If you decide to write it, please let me know. Share it with me through the newsletter below or email me directly. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

'Til next time!