By: Magherita Nobis
Illustration by: Francesca Corno
Content warning: discussions of sexual assault and trauma. Reader discretion is advised.
Prima Facie by Suzie Miller is a novel adapted from an empowering one-woman play, delving into the complexities of the legal system through the perspective of Tessa, a successful barrister whose life takes a dramatic turn when she is sexually assaulted by her colleague. The novel explores our conception of justice, power dynamics, and the painful intersections of women’s professional and personal lives. Tessa’s perception of law and how it should be applied to criminal cases is shattered as her personal experience forces her to realise that in the legal proceeding of sexual assault cases in the UK, there is no consideration for how the psychological, emotional, and physical trauma endured by the victims might influence the nature of their testimony against perpetrators. The raw, emotive dialogue and layered narrative provoke the reader to reflect on the societal changes that must occur around consent. It advocates for change in the treatment of women in both the legal and societal spheres, demonstrating how culture and literature can fuel political change. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersectionality of law and ethics.
