Duke Russell is not guilty of the unspeakable crimes for which he was convicted; nonetheless, he is scheduled to be executed for them in one hour and forty-four minutes.
-- Narrator (Chapter 1)

Importance: Grisham’s opening sentence draws the reader into the middle of Duke’s wait for a stay of execution and makes him want to keep reading. Post is clearly convinced that his client is innocent even though he has not yet been able to prove Duke’s innocence.

Seabrook has tormented us for a long time, primarily because we’re certain our next client was framed.
-- Narrator (Chapter 4)

Importance: This quote indicates that the case in Seabrook is more dangerous and perhaps will be more difficult than the other cases because it is believed that the innocent man, in this case, was framed. Post and the other workers at Guardian Ministries have debated taking on the case. Neither Vicki, Mazy, nor Frankie seems to...