The Innocent Woman

he said, “the entire jury is unacceptable. I ask that they be dismissed for cause.”

Judge Dalrymple blinked.

A dull murmur broke out in the courtroom, first surprised, then angry. As it grew in volume, Judge Dalrymple banged the gavel. He noted the pain had shifted behind his eyes.

“I beg your pardon?” he said.

“I ask that the jury be dismissed for cause.”

“On what grounds?”

“They have no opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Whereas by law the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Not one of these jurors is willing to grant her that presumption of innocence. They have no opinion whatsoever. Even before they’ve heard a shred of evidence, they think she’s equally likely to be guilty. They’re clearly unacceptable.”

A.D.A. Pearson was on his feet. “Oh, Your Honor,” he said. “I’ve seen stunts like this in law school, but this is the first time I’ve seen one in open court. That’s absurd.”

“That may be,” Judge Dalrymple said. “But it happens to be the law.”

“But, Your Honor,” Pearson said in exasperation. “The jurors don’t believe that. They were tricked into saying it.”

“I beg your pardon, Your Honor,” Steve Winslow said. “But I must object to the prosecutor stating what these jurors do or do not think.”

“Exactly,” Judge Dalrymple said. “Mr. Pearson, you should know better.”

Pearson held up his hand. “I apologize, Your Honor. I retract that. Of course the jurors think for themselves. All I’m saying is counsel has manipulated them into the present position. They were given the information in a manner calculated to confuse. It was intentional. And then to say they’re unacceptable as a result of that-it’s absurd.”

Steve Winslow raised his eyebrows. “Are you saying these jurors are acceptable?”

“Of course they are.”

“Each and every one?”

“Each and every one.”

“Well,” Steve said. “That’s certainly emphatic. In view of that, I think I should reconsider. Your Honor, I withdraw my objection to the jury. Instead, I have a few more questions.”

Steve Winslow turned back to the jury box, where sixteen faces regarded him with suspicion.

Steve smiled. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you have every right to be angry. You were indeed tricked. What I told you about having no opinion as to guilt or innocence sounded good, but it wasn’t. I did that to make a point.”

Steve turned, pointed to Pearson. “During the course of the trial, the prosecutor is going to tell you that my client took money from her employer. And you know what? He’s going to make it sound good. He’s going to make it sound great. You’re going to listen to him and think, that must be true.”

Steve smiled. “But wait a minute. You’re on to us now. You know better. Just because a lawyer says something, doesn’t make it right. Even if it sounds good. It’s a lawyer’s job to make it sound good. That’s what we do.”

Steve pointed. “So, don’t listen to him.” He shrugged, smiled. “And don’t listen to me.” He shook his head. “What we have to say isn’t important.”

Steve held up one finger, then pointed to the witness stand. “But listen to them. Listen to the witnesses. The testimony of the witnesses is all that matters here. The rest of this stuff doesn’t matter.”

Steve stopped, smiled. “Now, I apologize for all this. But one thing is absolutely true.” Steve pointed. “The defendant is innocent until proven guilty. That’s the most important concept of law. It’s one I’m sure you all know. It’s one I’m sure you would have no problem with if I hadn’t confused you.

“Which is why I must ask you-is there anyone of you who is so angry with me that you could not be impartial in this case, that you would let it affect your feelings toward this defendant? If so, please raise your hand.”

No hands went up.

“Good,” Steve said. “And is there anyone now who doesn’t understand the concept of innocent until proven guilty? Is there anyone now who is not able to presume this defendant innocent at the present time? Again, please raise your hand.”

No hands went up.

Steve smiled. “Thank you very much.” He turned back to the bench. “Your Honor, I find I was mistaken. This jury is entirely acceptable. I have no objection whatsoever.”

Judge Dalrymple frowned. “You have no challenges for cause?”

“No, Your Honor. And no preemptory challenges either. The entire jury is acceptable. Let’s swear them in and start the case.”

A.D.A. Pearson rose to his feet. “Your Honor, Your Honor,” he said. “I haven’t passed for cause.”

“Oh?” Steve Winslow. “Just a moment ago you said the entire jury was acceptable, each and every one.”

“I was speaking generally.”

“Generally?” Steve said. “Each and every one isn’t generally. But I beg your pardon.” Steve stepped back and indicated the jury. “If you have challenges, please say so. These jurors have assured me they can all be fair. Would you please tell us which of them you feel aren’t capable of doing so?”

A.D.A. Pearson opened his mouth, then closed it again. He recognized a no win situation when he saw one. A minute ago Steve Winslow was the bad guy who’d tricked the jury. And now those same jurors were looking at him with mistrust. It was hard to take.

Pearson took a breath. “I didn’t say I had objections to anyone on this jury,” he said. “I merely said I hadn’t passed for cause. And I objected to your doing it for me. I said the jury was entirely satisfactory, and it is entirely satisfactory. I have no challenges either.”

He turned to the bench. “Pass for cause, Your Honor. And I have no preemptories either. The jury may be sworn.”

Judge Dalrymple nodded and grimaced. It just wasn’t his day. He swore the jury in, rubbed his aching head and broke for lunch.

4

For his first witness, A.D.A. Pearson called Frank Fletcher, who testified that he and Marvin Lowery had been partners in F.L. Jewelry for the past seven years.

“And are you acquainted with the defendant, Amy Dearborn?”

“Yes, I am.”

“In what capacity do you know her?”

“She was my employee.”

“When did you hire her?”

“Approximately six months ago.”

“Is she still in your employ?”

“She is not.”

“When did she leave your employ?”

“On May 3rd.”

“What day of the week was that?”

“It was a Monday.”

“And how did she come to leave your employ?”

“I fired her.”

“I see,” Pearson said. “And can you tell us the circumstances surrounding that firing?”