Prima Facie: Special Edition - Suzie Miller

Prima Facie is an award-winning, critically acclaimed play by Suzie Miller that masterfully blends gripping legal drama with searing social commentary. The story follows Tessa Ensler, a highly successful criminal defense barrister who thrives in the combative arena of the courtroom—until her life is upended by an event that forces her to experience the legal system from the other side. Suddenly, the same system she once defended feels hostile, flawed, and deeply unjust.

This special edition not only captures the raw, emotional energy of the play but also includes additional reflections on justice, trauma, and performance, making it an essential text for readers, students, and theater lovers alike.

Main Themes of the Book

• Consent and Sexual Assault: A harrowing examination of how the legal system handles sexual violence and its survivors.
• Justice and the Law: The contradiction between legal truth and moral truth lies at the play’s heart.
• Feminism and Power: The narrative dissects how power operates in male-dominated institutions, especially law.
• Voice and Silence: Tessa’s journey is one of reclaiming her voice in a system that often silences victims.

Why you should read this book

• A powerful, one-woman performance piece that blends legal precision with human vulnerability.
• Challenges long-held assumptions about consent and the reliability of the justice system.
• Emotionally intense and intellectually rigorous, ideal for fans of thought-provoking theatre.
• Offers vital insight for anyone interested in law, feminism, or trauma-informed storytelling.
• Includes supplementary material enhancing its value for educational and book club discussions.

Prima Facie is not just a courtroom drama—it's a necessary confrontation with systems that fail those most in need of justice. Suzie Miller’s compelling writing, paired with a ferocious central character, delivers a timely and unforgettable work that resonates far beyond the stage. For anyone seeking a story that challenges, educates, and moves, Prima Facie is essential reading.