The Trial Begins

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Jean's lawyer", Joe began. "As the members of the jury, you must consider the facts of this case. The judge will help you apply the law. However, you decide what is true and what is not."

After the first day of trial, Jean and Leslie chatted over coffee. "First the lawyers selected the jury and the judge spoke to them about the trial," said Jean. "Then, Joe made his speech to the jury. "

"He went on for an hour", Jean said. "He kept telling them what he expected they would hear when the other witnesses testified. It was amazing to me how organized he was. It's my life but I could not have done it. "

Jean continued. "Joe said that a good opening speech is crucial. He said that most jury members have been taught to believe that trials are smoke and mirrors. Apparently, insurance companies prefer juries because they hope that they will think about their insurance rates instead of the facts. Joe says that they have to understand right away that I was hurt, and that my life has changed. The lawyer has to convince the jury from the beginning. "

Leslie rolled her eyes. "And do you believe that," she asked? "You know Leslie", Jean replied, "I do…..now. For the last two years he has prodded in to my life. And all along he said that my case was not just about whether I was hurt, but whether the jury would agree. And after listening to him today I finally understand that."

"Today, he told my life story. He described my marriage, my job, my kids, my hobbies, my career and my injuries." Jean sipped her coffee. "And he did it all in an hour. It was interesting. I felt like I was a character in a short story. I thought about all of the hours we spent just talking. And I realized how much work it takes to reduce someone's life to an hour.

"And do you know what," asked Jean? "What," Leslie replied? Jean took a sip of coffee and looked at her best friend. "It makes me feel a lot better about tomorrow."

"So what happens tomorrow," asked Leslie? Jean smiled. "Tomorrow I take the stand."