Pleading Guilty should provide an extremely complex canvas for group discussions, particularly in its complicated central character, Mack Malloy. It would also be interesting to chart the changes in Turow's characters from his earlier works to this one.

1. What is the significance of the title? Was Mack Malloy guilty even before the novel began?

2. In what ways does Mack's background affect his current state?

3. How does Turow present women in this novel? What do his relationships with Nora Malloy, Glyndora Gaines, and Emilia Bruccia reveal about Mack?

4. Are other characters besides Mack influenced and affected by their past actions?

5. Is there a difference between the small incidents of corruption illustrated in the novel and the big ones?

6. How does the narrative technique influence the reader? Do readers find themselves sympathizing with corrupt actions?

7. Is a true meaningful relationship possible in the world of this novel?

8. Are...