Judge Stone Wins Inaugural Scott Turow Prize
Viola Davis and James Patterson's legal thriller was selected from three finalists for the new award for legal fiction.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Judge Stone, a legal thriller by Viola Davis and James Patterson, was chosen as the winner of the inaugural Scott Turow Prize for Excellence in Legal Fiction. The novel follows a Black woman judge from a small town in Alabama who presides over a controversial case.
Why it matters
The prize recognizes legal fiction and marks the first collaboration between Davis and Patterson, drawing attention to fiction that engages with the justice system. It succeeds the Harper Lee Prize, previously awarded by the ABA Journal and the University of Alabama.
The prize is being awarded to Davis and Patterson, who will receive a cash prize and a signed copy of Presumed Innocent at a ceremony on Nov. 19. The extraction does not specify the prize amount.
The players
Viola Davis
Academy Award-winning actress who co-wrote Judge Stone with James Patterson in their first collaboration.
James Patterson
Bestselling thriller novelist who co-wrote Judge Stone with Viola Davis.
Scott Turow
Prominent legal novelist and author of Presumed Innocent, after whom the prize is named and who served on the judging panel.
The details
A panel of judges including Deborah Enix-Ross, Carolyn Lamm, Lee Smalley Edmon and Scott Turow selected the winner, and a public poll hosted by the ABA Journal also favored Judge Stone. The other finalists were A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher, and Grave Danger by James Grippando.
Timeline
Nov. 19: Award ceremony and reception hosted by the University of Miami where Davis and Patterson receive the prize.
Legal Context
The Turow Prize succeeds the Harper Lee Prize, which was previously awarded by the ABA Journal and the University of Alabama to recognize fiction about the legal system. Its launch shifts the award toward legal fiction under a new name and sponsorship from the University of Miami.
Readers interested in legal fiction can seek out Judge Stone, which is the first collaboration between Viola Davis and James Patterson. The prize's successor structure means future legal-fiction awards may follow the same public poll and judging-panel model.
The takeaway
Legal fiction can explore the justice system through compelling characters, as Judge Stone does with a Black woman judge in a controversial Alabama case. Readers seeking such stories can look for recognized titles like this award winner.
Further reading
Explore more on Criminal Justice coverage across the United States.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABA Journal - Law News Now.
