The Grisham Connection

John Grisham’s novel, “The Appeal,” tells the story of a chemical company owner who escapes a $41 million Mississippi jury judgment by electing a friendly judge to the state Supreme Court.

Asked by Today Show host Matt Lauer whether his premise was far-fetched, Grisham said, “It’s already happened. It happened a few years ago in WestVirginia.”

The whole exchange, as reported in the Charleston (W.Va.) Gazette:

Host Matt Lauer asked, "Was there a specific story that caught your eye in the headlines that made you want to write this?"

"There have been several," Grisham said. "In judicial elections ... huge sums of money get involved on both sides to purchase a seat on the Supreme Court."

When Lauer asked Grisham if the plot was "far-fetched," Grisham replied, "It's already happened. It happened a few years ago in WestVirginia.

"A guy owned a coal company. He got tired of getting sued. He elected his guy to the Supreme Court. It switched ... back his way. Now he doesn't worry about getting sued."

Video of the Today Show interview (click photo to see the entire interview):

Newspaper Report
"Novel linked to state election - Author details idea on 'Today'"

Charleston Gazette, Jan. 30, 2008 

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