Justice

by CS Runn

This work of fiction is a short story about the unintended consequences of government involvement in our lives. Set in Utah, the central story is related to the following question:

Contrary to the intent of existing law, is it possible for the state of Utah to order an abortion when the mother doesn’t want one?

Consent, parental rights, and a judge legislating from the bench all collide in this compelling work of fiction.

Unknown Binding

Published April 1, 2023

Reviews

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This short story tackles the very controversial laws in each state of the USA surrounding a woman’s right to abortion and all the laws around such a divided issue. We each have our own viewpoints on this personally and I won’t share my own with this review.

The conflict the Judge feels making a life decision on behalf of a mother and unborn baby is written so you understand how the human heart and upholding the law is complex. We have a distressed young teenager knowing what she wants doesn’t matter. I feel the story got bogged down with certain legal wording and the legal speak side of things over the emotions of the situation.

It’s set in the State of Utah. I live in the UK so it was a bit hard to understand the premise of it all. Perhaps others especially Americans who have seen Roe V Wade disintegrate may get it more.

It is a quick read and the writing wasn’t bad but it did err too much one way. I’d have loved to have more backstory to her pregnancy other than the brief words presented. More human element would of lifted this.

[Jennifer Holloway Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book needed more information about the pregnant girl to properly present and illustrate this issue. She is at the center after all and it was her issues that were being dealt with in the court of law. The complexity of the law is not really demonstrated in the way that the story is written, The issue at hand is not really even discussed, but glazed over. I think there will be many of these stories with the repealment of Roe Vs. Wade, however I did not find this to really do anything to cover the issue in a meaningful manner and to bring light to what the law is and how it is written and enacted in the US. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story raises questions about the intervention of government as it pertains to the individual rights of a woman, her body and the unborn fetus or child. Since the abolishment of Roe vs Wade by the Supreme Court, this has become a polarizing topic. Where do individual rights begin and end? Should the government have the right to dictate whether a woman can have an abortion? This is a quick read as well as an interesting one. It will make you think. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping short story that raises important questions about government intervention and individual rights. The author masterfully weaves a tale that is both thought-provoking and emotional. The characters are relatable and the story is told in a way that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading it. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of law and individual rights.

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delivers a powerful and poignant story that is both timely and relevant. The themes of parental rights, consent, and judicial activism are explored in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotional. This short story is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of government intervention in our lives.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story that raises the issue abortion and personal rights. Should/could the government make such decisions? Interesting thought starter. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.