The legal thrillergenre is a type of crime fiction genre that focuses on the proceedings of the investigation, with particular reference to the impacts on courtroom proceedings and the lives of characters.[9]
The courtroom proceedings and legal authorship are ubiquitous characteristics of the legal thriller genre.[10] In the genre, lawyers as legal professionals are featured as the supreme hero. Their actions in the courtroom affect the quality of character's lives, as they determine innocence prevailing against injustice.[11]
Many legal professionals such as judges and lawyers constitute the primary authorship of the genre, providing their own relevant experiences [12] The legal authorship experience is certified through the novel, Presumed Innocent written by the lawyer and author, Scott Turow.[13] American writers such as Harper Lee experienced her father's dealings as a lawyer.[14]
The author, John Grisham as a lawyer also contributes to the development of the legal thriller genre.[15]Legal language is also another characteristic of the legal thriller. The television shows Suits and How to Get Away with Murder embody the legal thriller, characterised by legal language.[16] Novels and television shows of the legal thriller genre have impacted education.[17] Many address complex social justice issues such as racial discrimination and the death penalty.[18]