A Question of Identity

"A Question of Identity" by Frank Riley is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The book delves into profound philosophical questions about human identity and what it means to be a man, particularly in the context of science and law as they intersect with personal identity. The narrative centers on the trial of Tony Corfino, a man accused of robbery and murder, defended by the aging and renowned attorney Jake Emspak, who takes on the case as his last. The story unfolds in a courtroom setting where Jake Emspak seeks to prove that the man standing trial is not the same Tony Corfino that existed before a tragic accident altered him both physically and mentally. Throughout the trial, Jake employs various medical and philosophical arguments to contend that advances in medical science have effectively created a new person from Corfino’s body, raising questions about legal responsibility and identity. As the trial progresses, the courtroom becomes a battleground for abstract concepts of humanity, ultimately challenging the jurors—and the readers—to ponder the essence of individuality and the implications of scientific advancements on human lives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Frank Riley (1915–1996) was the pseudonym of Frank Ryhlick, an American science fiction author best known for co-writing the novel They'd Rather Be Right, which won a Hugo Award for Best Novel during 1955. He was a syndicated travel columnist and editor for the Los Angeles Times, and editor of the Los Angeles Magazine. He also wrote advertisements for See's Candies, screenplays, short fiction such as the "Father Anton Dymek" mysteries and was a host of a radio program in the Los Angeles area.