The Benefits and Drawbacks of Whistleblowing

Grisham demonstrates that while a person many benefit from blowing the whistle, there are also dangerous drawbacks of doing the right thing that the potential whistleblower should consider. When Nelson first blew the whistle on his client, he was paid a good deal of money by the government. However, his actions also ended his career as a lawyer. Brittany wanted money for herself and justice for a brain-dead woman sexually abused by a male orderly; but, her desire to blow the whistle resulted in her murder. Similarly, Dane risks her life when she gives Dane information about her husband’s wrongdoing. It is her act of blowing the whistle that ends Nelson’s life.

Blowing the whistle not only ends Nelson’s career as a lawyer, but it also ends his life. Nelson was paid when he originally told the government...