The judge placed
a memory card into his viewer and reviewed all of the facts regarding the case
in front of him. Privately, the judge thought with all the improvements to the criminal justice system, the
old-fashioned court system is still the most effective way to deal with
criminals. “Will the prosecuting attorney please make her opening remarks?”
“Thank you, Your
Honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, my client, Mr. Ethan Evans was the
victim of a hit-and-run. He suffered a broken back, fractured pelvis, multiple
trauma injuries and a hole cut into his skull. In addition we have irrefutable
evidence that my client was raped multiple times and infected with the HIV
virus by the defendant. I intend to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the
defendant is guilty of all charges and specifications. I am confident that you
will as well, dispensing justice for my client. Thank you.”
“Objection! Irrelevant My client has
already confessed to the hit-and-run.”
“Moves to
motivation, Your Honor.”
“Overruled.” The
judge declared. “Please proceed with your opening statement.”
“Thank you, Your
Honor.
“Ladies and
gentlemen of the jury, my esteemed colleague believes and intends to prove the
guilt of my client, Mr. Patrick Sims. I submit that these charges are false,
brought about by a scorned lover. I intend to prove this beyond a shadow of a
doubt. Thank you.”
“Mr. Cruz,
please call your first witness.”
“Thank you, Your
Honor. The Prosecution calls Dr. Samuel Giacomo.”
Sam took the
stand and was sworn in using the ages-old traditional method.
“Dr. Giacomo.”
The prosecutor began, “You were on duty when my client was brought in to the
emergency room. Would you please explain to the court his condition and his
injuries?”
“Objection! Confidential information.”
“With the
court’s permission, I can rectify that situation right now.”
“See that you do.”
The judge ordered.
The prosecutor picked
up a form from the table. “I have here a medical release form, all filled out.
I will now have my client sign it.” Already informed that this was going to
happen, Ethan took the form and signed it. The prosecutor took the form and
gave it to the judge.
“All is in
order. The witness may answer the question.” The judge said, handing the
release to Sam.
Looking over the
form, Sam shot Ethan a quick smile, then began his testimony. “When Mr. Evans
was brought into the emergency room, he was in critical condition. His back was
broken and his pelvis was fractured. He had multiple bruises and contusions.
Also there was a quarter-sized hole in the back of his skull. He was very lucky
to be alive.”
“Objection! The witness is giving a
personal opinion.”
“Sustained. The
jury will disregard the witness’s last statement.”
Expecting this,
the prosecutor switched to plan B. “Dr. Giacomo, how long have you been and
emergency room physician?”
“20 years, the
last 5 of which was as the Director of Emergency Services.”
“Your Honor,
ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I submit that Dr. Giacomo’s experience more
than qualifies him to judge the condition of the patient and his chances of
recovery.”
“Overruled. I am
satisfied the witness does have the required skill to determine the condition
of a patient and his chances of survival. Please continue.”
“Yes, Your
Honor. Dr., how would you evaluate Mr. Evans’s condition now?”
“He’s doing
remarkably well. He still has a ways to go.”
“And what would
you attribute that to?
The doctor
glanced at Ethan briefly before continuing, “We were able to get ti him quickly
and we had an ample supply of his blood type on hand to replace the blood that
he lost. That, and his young age and high level of physical fitness were
instrumental in his recovery.”
“And is he
recovered?” the prosecutor asked.
“Almost. He
still needs extensive physical therapy.”
“If it pleases
the court, Mr. Evans, can you please stand and walk to the rear of the
courtroom and back?” Mr. Cruz asked.
Ethan slowly
rose, and with an unsteady gait, walked to the rear of the courtroom and back.
“Objection! This proves nothing.”
“Begging the
court’s indulgence, I have a video taken a week before the accident, which I would
like to submit into evidence.”
“Let’s see it.” The
judge ordered. The video showed Ethan shirtless and in skimpy running shorts
running through the local park.
“No further
questions, Your Honor.”
“Mr.
Worthington?”
“I have no
questions for this witness, Your Honor.”
“The Prosecution
calls Mr. Ethan Evans.” Ethan took the stand and was sworn in. “Mr. Evans, may
I call you Ethan?”
“Sure.”
“Ethan, let me
first begin my stating how happy I am that you are recovering from the accident.”
“Thank you, Mr.
Cruz.”
“You’re welcome.
Let’s switch tracks. It is my understanding that 6 months ago you were at a
party at the defendant’s apartment, where you were drugged and raped multiple
times.”
“That is
correct.”
Mr. Cruz held up
a memory chip. “Your Honor, I have evidence here that will show my client being
drugged and raped repeatedly by no less than a dozen men.” The response to his
statement was varied. Hanging his head, Ethan closed his eyes. Chris, Troy and
Alicia got angry; the spectators started mumbling amongst themselves His best
friend, Jordan, sat there stunned with tears in his eyes.
The judge banged
his gavel several times. “Order! Order in
the courtroom!” It took a minute or so for the spectators, primarily Ethan’s
friends and customers.
“Your Honor,
given the nature of the video, I request that the courtroom be cleared.”
As the courtroom
was clearing out, Ethan stood and addressed the judge, “Your Honor, I would
like to request that my brothers, sister and best friend Jordan Mills be allowed
to remain.”
“As you wish.”
The judge said. The courtroom was cleared of all the spectators, the video was
played. As the video played Ethan started shaking, ashamed of what everyone
would be witnessing.
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