Chapter 22 Summary

Clanton is "on the map," but the locals have become disenchanted with their visitors, tired of seeing themselves referred to in print as backward, racist rednecks. Visitors now find little cooperation or sympathy in Clanton. On the morning of the venue hearing, the first real skirmish of this battle, reporters are all over the courthouse, and Jake is tingling with excitement and feeling well prepared.

Noose convenes the court for the venue hearing. Jake has filed notice of the insanity defense, and both his own psychiatrist and those at Whitfield have examined Carl Lee. Jake now moves to summons more than the usual number of prospective jurors. Buckley's opposition immediately cuts him off. The judge lectures Buckley sternly, offering him "ample opportunity after we adjourn to perform for the media," a mean retort, out of character for this judge.

As Noose moves to...