Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions

In this section, the authors employ a blend of narrative storytelling and investigative nonfiction to highlight the Systemic Flaws in the Criminal Justice System. Their writing style balances vivid emotional storytelling with a critical exploration of flawed forensic science and institutional bias. For instance, in Chapter 7, Grisham’s use of anecdotes, such as the emotionally charged depiction of Joe’s discovery of his wife Mickey’s murder and his subsequent arrest, creates a visceral connection to the human cost of judicial error. Grisham describes the chaotic crime scene investigation and the hasty conclusions drawn by law enforcement, using these details to underscore the careless reliance on unverified forensic techniques.

A key device of literary nonfiction that the authors employ is methodical critique of forensic science, which helps reiterate The Need for Advocacy and Reform of the criminal justice system. In Chapter 7, Grisham criticizes the usage of bloodstain pattern analysis. He dissects the training and qualifications of Robert Thorman, highlighting that his expertise was based on a brief, unscientific certification process. Grisham also questions the broader credibility of such forensic disciplines, exposing their susceptibility to error and bias. The specificity of examples, such as Thorman’s use of vague terms like “back-spatter” and his reliance on photographs rather than direct evidence, illustrates how pseudo-scientific claims can be weaponized in courtrooms. Similarly, in Chapter 8, McCloskey recounts the ordeal of David Alexander and Harry Granger through specific details—such as Alexander’s dark blue Buick being misidentified and Granger’s court-appointed lawyer conceding the case’s dependency on Alexander’s defense—to emphasize the Kafkaesque nightmare that the defendants endured.

The authors’ rhetorical approach is evidenced by their use of irony and thought-provoking moral commentary. In Chapter 8, the repeated refrain that “everybody that told the truth done time, and everybody that lied went home” by McCloskey encapsulates the injustice that the victim experienced (222). This irony is heightened by the revelation that the real perpetrators confessed but were ignored due to the political stakes involved. McCloskey’s pointed commentary, such as his critique of the prosecutorial and law enforcement incentives to suppress evidence, reveals a broader systemic critique. Similarly, in Chapter 7, Grisham highlights broader systemic issues, including the cultural reverence for authority figures like the Texas Rangers, to critique how unchecked power contributes to institutional failures and perpetuate miscarriages of justice. For example, Ranger Wilie’s baseless assertion that Joe Bryan’s motive was financial—“She’s worth three hundred thousand dollars to him dead” (183)—reveals the prosecutor’s reliance on inflammatory, prejudicial arguments rather than substantive evidence.

The use of direct quotes from key figures, such as eyewitness Katherine Eldridge and Malcolm Roy in Chapter 8, adds credibility to the narrative. For instance, Eldridge’s admission that she was pressured to alter her testimony and Roy’s persistent claims that he was involved in the crime contrast sharply with the prosecution’s fabricated narrative. These quotes function as pivotal rhetorical tools, underscoring the dissonance between the truth and the authorities’ constructed story. McCloskey juxtaposes the fabricated testimonies of witnesses like Mary Arceneaux and Herbert Derouen with the confessions of the actual perpetrators, Jerry Paul Francis and Preston Demouchet. By weaving together these conflicting accounts, McCloskey highlights the absurdity of the prosecution’s case and the lengths to which law enforcement and the judicial system went to secure convictions. The deliberate pacing and shifts between perspectives build tension while uncovering the injustices at play.

This section also stands out for its deft use of research and expert references. In Chapter 8, McCloskey incorporates investigative details, such as forensic evidence and psychological evaluations, to dismantle the prosecution’s narrative. For example, the tire tread analysis that failed to match Alexander’s car and the psychological report on Derouen’s cognitive deficiencies expose the flaws in the case’s foundation.

The authors anchor the narrative in anecdotes that humanize the victims and highlight The Persistence of Those Fighting for Justice. For instance, in Chapter 7, Grisham mentions Joe’s anguish during his wife’s funeral and his isolation in prison. These moments underscore the personal devastation caused by wrongful convictions. Grisham’s description of Joe’s religious faith—“He survived hell behind bars because of the strength he found in his faith” (193)—provides a poignant counterpoint to the institutional indifference he faced, creating a layered narrative that evokes both outrage and empathy. In Chapter 8, the depiction of Rene Jackson’s struggles, including his severe intellectual impairment and his father’s belief in his innocence, elicits empathy and underscores the human cost of systemic failings. Similarly, the portrayal of Alexander’s and Granger’s resilience, from Alexander’s defiant courtroom statement to his eventual return to his family’s taxi business, conveys a narrative of perseverance against overwhelming odds.