Between The Yees And The Haws 2 - Tales From The Courtroom

I

"In the case of the people versus Edward Woodson on the charge of murder in the first degree, let's hear the opening statements from the council." Judge Buck motioned towards the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney.

"Ladies, gentleman, and otherwise of the jury." Moonshine Miles began. "This trial will prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant, Edward Woodson, is guilty of murderin' my dear sweet cousin Sally Elizabeth." He said. Moonshine turned to glare at Edward and his attorney. "You murdered her in cold blood, in the middle of the night-" He said before Edward cut him off, turning to the judge.

"It were mornin', your honor." He said. His attorney slapped his back.

"Remember when I told you not to speak? To let me do the talkin'?" She asked him. Edward nodded. "This is one of those times."

"Got it." He said. Vanilla Bean turned her attention away from her client and back to Judge Buck. She began preparing her opening statement.

"Your honor, and people of the jury - my client admits to the killing of Sally Elizabeth. But we present you with an argument that the killing was justified under the law of the west." She explained. Judge Buck folded his arms.

"Is that so?" He asked, unconvinced. She nodded.

"You see...Sally Elizabeth..." she began, moving from her post and walking around the courtroom. "Was not this "angel" that y'all are makin' her out to be."

"That's offensive and cruel! She's dead for Christ's sake!" Moonshine yelled. Vanilla shushed him.

"Now jury, who here believes in the law of "eye for an eye"?" She asked. Almost everyone raised their hands. "Sally Elizabeth got what was comin' already..." she turned to face Edward. "You see, Moonshine Miles here is makin' it seem to be that Mr. Woodson here is a stone cold murderer."

"I only be callin' him what he is!" Moonshine exclaimed. Vanilla shushed him again.

"But What Moonshine seems to be forgettin' is that in fact, this dear, lovely little cousin of his is the real cold-blooded killer." She said and the jury gasped, followed by a string of loud murmuring.

"Your evidence?" Judge Buck asked her. Edward scoffed.

"What the hell you mean "evidence"? She killed Cletus, and everyone knows it!" He yelled.

"You're accusing Sally Elizabeth of the murder of Cletus Cowpussy?"

"You're damn right we are, Your Honor." Edward slammed his hands on the podium, whipping his head to face Moonshine. "That bitch got what she deserved and you fuckin' know it!" He spat. The courtroom fell silent, waiting for Moonshine's response. He took a deep breath.

"Why don't we just call upon our witnesses?" Moonshine said softly. He knew Sally was guilty. He knew that this argument could change everything, that Sally had the possibility of not getting the justice he believed she deserved.

"What fuckin' witnesses?" Edward asked. "No one directly saw me kill 'er, and no one directly saw her kill Cletus!"

"But the stories of the townspeople are all that we have, I'm afraid." Judge Buck said. "So I guess that just means..." he gestured towards the jury. "Let your tales begin."