Analysing Testimony

A lawyer solves a case 300 words

Analysing Testimony

“Tell me, Mr. Sooke. How well do you know the law?” asked Mark Quale as he leaned on his cane. The cast on his right foot kept him from moving much.

“As well as most ordinary people and better than some,” answered Obin Sooke

“So, are you saying you know the truth from a lie?”

“As well as you know a trick question from a real one.”

The courtroom tittered at the sally.

“Tell me the difference.”

“You first, Counsellor.”

Even the judge smiled at that one.

“I’m not the one on trial here!”

“Perhaps we should trade places.”

“Mr. Sooke, please let us get on with proceedings. Jocularity in a courtroom should be curtailed,” the judge said.

“Fine, when counsel stops feeding me one-liners.”

“You heard the witness, Mr. Quale.”

“Let me rephrase the question. Can you tell a lie from the truth?”

“Most of the time.”

“What about now during these proceedings?”

“Yes.”

“I maintain that you have been lying since you began testifying!”

“Can you prove it? That’s why we’re here.”

Mark began to pace rockily due to his injury. He stopped in front of the jury.

“What do you think ladies and gentlemen?”

“Mr. Quale! The jury doesn’t have to prove anything, they must judge on evidence. Your question will be struck from the record, and the jury will disregard it,” the judge announced sternly.

“In that case, your Honor, I have no more questions at this time. But I reserve the right to recall him.”

Obin Sooke stepped down from the witness stand and returned smiling to the defense table. A shot rang out and Sooke fell forward onto the table, mortally wounded. The court was in chaos as they searched for the shooter. Mark Quale reset his gun cane and sat back.