Case C Trial (everybody: FINALLY!)
*DOINK-DOINK* 11:00am, Monday morning, Courtroom of Judge Jamie Ross.
The courtroom is packed with spectators, news reporters, as well as a sprinkling of detectives and uniforms. At the defense table is newly hired defense attorney Steve Ross, alongside his client, Brynn Fairfax. At the prosecution's table are ADAs Alex Cabot and Casey Novak.
The bailiff walks in and announces, "All rise for the Honorable Judge Jamie Ross. Court is now in session."
Jamie walks in and the prosecution and the defense rise, as does the defendant.
Jamie looks slightly surprised to see her ex-husband, Steve Ross, but she merely nods, sitting down. "The people versus Brynn Fairfax. Three counts of murder in the first degree, one count of rape, one count of conspiracy to commit murder against a peace officer, four counts of conspiracy to commit murder."
Her voice is cold. "Though we've been through the pre-trial motions and Ms. Fairfax has already pleaded not guilty, we'll do this once more, in case the change of counsel has also changed her plea. Bail, however, stays revoked. Mr. Ross, how does your client plead?"
Steve Ross smooths his tie. "Your Honor, I hardly think the charges of rape are called for. You had proof my client had sex with the deceased Mr. Dixon. Not proof of rape."
Jamie raises a brow. "And that point was already argued by your predecessor, Ms. Melnick. Understanding that Special Victims detectives will be testifying to the validity of the rape charge, it stands."
"Your Honor--"
She tried not to smile. "Mr. Ross. If you want to make an appeal, go right ahead. This case is proceeding. How does your client plead?"
"Not guilty by reason of insanity."
"The change is noted. You may begin your opening statement."
Cabot and Novak are seated as Steve Ross steps into the well and begins to play to the jury.
"Ladies and gentlmen of the jury, what you have before you is not a vicious woman, nor a coldhearted woman as the prosecution will portray her. What we have, in Brynn Fairfax, is a hardworking girl from the midwest who worked her way up the cutthroat world of public relations and talent management to become a very successful agent. In doing this, however, she also opened herself up to criticism and blackballing by the elite circle of men who controlled the realm of talent firms in this city." He pauses, clenching his fist.
"Brynn Fairfax was denied power left and right. The only way to stay on top was to take desperate measures. She was threatened, both physically and emotionally by Adam parker and Gabe Olivera. They were the ones controlling her, they were the ones pushing her buttons. It's them who should be sitting here today on trial, not my client. Brynn Fairfax truly believed that in killing Diana Vale and peter Dixon, in attacking Christina Salsman and plotting against Corey Baer, she was only ensuring her own survival. I *will* show you in the course of the next hours and days that Brynn Fairfax was not in her right mind, and that an undiagnosed case of bipolar disorder also contributed to her irrational thinking. And you will find her not guilty by reason of insanity."
He turns, smirks slightly at Jamie and sits down.
Jamie looks over to the prosecution. "The people may make their opening statement."
The courtroom is packed with spectators, news reporters, as well as a sprinkling of detectives and uniforms. At the defense table is newly hired defense attorney Steve Ross, alongside his client, Brynn Fairfax. At the prosecution's table are ADAs Alex Cabot and Casey Novak.
The bailiff walks in and announces, "All rise for the Honorable Judge Jamie Ross. Court is now in session."
Jamie walks in and the prosecution and the defense rise, as does the defendant.
Jamie looks slightly surprised to see her ex-husband, Steve Ross, but she merely nods, sitting down. "The people versus Brynn Fairfax. Three counts of murder in the first degree, one count of rape, one count of conspiracy to commit murder against a peace officer, four counts of conspiracy to commit murder."
Her voice is cold. "Though we've been through the pre-trial motions and Ms. Fairfax has already pleaded not guilty, we'll do this once more, in case the change of counsel has also changed her plea. Bail, however, stays revoked. Mr. Ross, how does your client plead?"
Steve Ross smooths his tie. "Your Honor, I hardly think the charges of rape are called for. You had proof my client had sex with the deceased Mr. Dixon. Not proof of rape."
Jamie raises a brow. "And that point was already argued by your predecessor, Ms. Melnick. Understanding that Special Victims detectives will be testifying to the validity of the rape charge, it stands."
"Your Honor--"
She tried not to smile. "Mr. Ross. If you want to make an appeal, go right ahead. This case is proceeding. How does your client plead?"
"Not guilty by reason of insanity."
"The change is noted. You may begin your opening statement."
Cabot and Novak are seated as Steve Ross steps into the well and begins to play to the jury.
"Ladies and gentlmen of the jury, what you have before you is not a vicious woman, nor a coldhearted woman as the prosecution will portray her. What we have, in Brynn Fairfax, is a hardworking girl from the midwest who worked her way up the cutthroat world of public relations and talent management to become a very successful agent. In doing this, however, she also opened herself up to criticism and blackballing by the elite circle of men who controlled the realm of talent firms in this city." He pauses, clenching his fist.
"Brynn Fairfax was denied power left and right. The only way to stay on top was to take desperate measures. She was threatened, both physically and emotionally by Adam parker and Gabe Olivera. They were the ones controlling her, they were the ones pushing her buttons. It's them who should be sitting here today on trial, not my client. Brynn Fairfax truly believed that in killing Diana Vale and peter Dixon, in attacking Christina Salsman and plotting against Corey Baer, she was only ensuring her own survival. I *will* show you in the course of the next hours and days that Brynn Fairfax was not in her right mind, and that an undiagnosed case of bipolar disorder also contributed to her irrational thinking. And you will find her not guilty by reason of insanity."
He turns, smirks slightly at Jamie and sits down.
Jamie looks over to the prosecution. "The people may make their opening statement."