Opening Statement For Scarlet Letter

The Scarlet Letter

Opening Statement Good morning ladies and gentlemen of the jury, my name is Matthew Myers, and it is my privilege to represent the honorable Dr. Roger Chillingworth, as he defends himself against the very serious accusation of murder. The physical evidence brought into account will prove the innocence of the defendant, and at the conclusion of these proceedings we will be asking you, the jury for a verdict of not guilty. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this is a case based solely on circumstantial evidence; founded in salacious rumors, gossip, and speculation. It is very important ladies and gentlemen to pay close attention to the physical evidence, and not the speculation, and rumor presented by the prosecution as

Witness 1: Hester,

1. What is your name, and your relationship to the defendant?

2. Did Dr. Chillingworth serve as a live-in physician and aid to Reverend Dimmesdale?

3. Did you ever witness any altercation between the defendant and Reverend Dimmesdale?

4. Did you ever witness any threat of violence between the two men?

5. When Reverend Dimmesdale collapsed on the pillory did Dr. Chillingworth attempt to aid him?

Witness 2: Pearl,

1. What is your name, and your

Did you ever witness any violence between the two men?

Closing Statement I would like to thank the members of the jury for all of the time and effort spent while participating in these proceedings. During these venerated proceedings a man falsely accused has been defending his honor, and reputation from some of the most serious allegations society can level against one of its citizens. Being mindful of the fact that the burden of proof rests upon the prosecution, it is clear the state of Massachusetts has proved nothing. Not one single thread of evidence, or eye witness testimony proves beyond a reasonable doubt my clients guilt. The only thing proven beyond a reasonable doubt today is the fact that the Reverend Dimmesdale was a man deeply disturbed, with multitudes of sin steeped in hypocrisy and dishonesty. A hypocrisy so great that only a self-inflicted penitence in an attempt to purge his mortal soul of the unbearable guilt he harbored for so long in regards to the cardinal sin he committed and the anguish it brought to others could satisfy the self-righteous, false prophet that was