Meadow's Law: The True Story of Kathleen Folbigg and the Science That Set Her Free by an Award Winning Journalist for Readers of the Teacher's Pet

Book Synopsis

The remarkable story of a battle between science and the law, and a mother's fight for justice

Shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Awards Best True Crime 2025

Longlisted for the Walkley Award 2025

In 2003, Kathleen Folbigg was found guilty of smothering her four young children to death, one by one. Medical experts told her trial that they had never come across a family like hers, where three or more infants had died from natural causes. Extracts from diaries she had written were judged to be virtual admissions of guilt, and Folbigg was sentenced to 40 years in jail. But did she do it?

This is a gripping and meticulously researched account of one of Australia's most infamous criminal cases, written by investigative journalist Quentin McDermott, whose groundbreaking work with ABC's Australian Story helped trigger a push by scientists to uncover the genetic cause of two of the children's deaths. It is also the story of how dedicated teams of lawyers, friends and supporters fought to achieve Kathleen Folbigg's eventual pardon, release and acquittal after 20 years behind bars.

Meadow's Law is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, justice, science and the power of investigative journalism.

Praise for Meadow's Law

"The book ... is a major contribution to the literature of injustice. It will take its rightful place alongside John Bryson's 'Evil Angels'" Ray Watterson, Adjunct Law Professor (Retd), La Trobe University, Melbourne

"Quentin's sustained commitment and insight into unravelling this case is unparalleled. Meadow's Law is an outstanding and comprehensive account of a terrible injustice and how science saved the day. It is also a reminder of the difficulties faced by attempts to convince established legal practice to embrace new scientific knowledge" Professor John Shine AC FAA FRS, Emeritus Professor Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney

"A tour de force - the definitive work on the case" Stephen Cordner AM, Emeritus Professor in Forensic Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne

"We're hearing from some 'wellness' enthusiasts that: evidence don't matter, science doesn't matter, you can always find 'alternative facts'! That's dangerous and duplicitous nonsense. Meadow's Law tells us how a combination of scientific advances in the field of human genetics and persistent, sophisticated advocacy freed a vulnerable woman who had been unjustly convicted, both in the court of law and in the court of public opinion. Truth matters! Evidence matters! Science matters! Opinions and prejudices are just that." Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty