The Trial

Dedicated to Parul, loyal reader and friend

"All rise for Judge Jackson." Judge Jackson took his seat and casually waved his hand asking the entire court to settle down. It had been a few hours since both the defense and the prosecution had finished presenting their closing arguments to the case. The accused, Brian Murphy, a twenty three year old was seated next to his lawyer. He made no effort to hide his tension, it appeared that the wait and in fact the whole trial had taken a toll on him. On the other side was Public Prosecutor Richards. He had a reputation for going tough on crime and he believed in a policy of zero-tolerance.

The police acting on an anonymous tip-off raided the house of the accused and found 100 grams of cocaine. This according to the prosecutor was intent to distribute and he implored the jury that such criminal intent must meet with adequate punishment. No matter how small the crime, people like Murphy were dangerous on the city streets. A miscarriage of justice would embolden Murphy and his likes to commit more serious crimes, Prosecutor Richards claimed. The defense on its part argued that Murphy had no intent to distribute the drug in question and the prosecution had failed to convincingly prove the same. The defense also asked the jury to reflect on the fact that Murphy's previous brush-ins with the law indicated that he was guilty of drug abuse and nothing more (Murphy was arrested for smoking marijuana previously). The defense argued that reform was the need of the hour and people like Murphy needed help and not punishment.

Judge Jackson, after hearing the arguments, asked the jury to deliberate. They had to reach an unanimous decision for proving the charge.  "Your decisions will have consequences - both on the safety of our community and the future of this young man."

The time for the judgement had come. Judge Jackson had asked whether the jury had reached a decision. The jury foreman answered that they had. Judge Jackson asked the foreman to readout the verdict. "The jury having deliberated all the points in the case, have found the defendant, Brian Murphy, guilty as charged by the state."

Murphy, had sunk in his seat after he had the verdict, tears were welling up in his eyes, he vaguely caught his lawyer talking about an appeal. He did not pay attention to him. He was going to prison now.