A Child Must Testify
"Jessica's Trial" by Eric Adler of The Kansas City Star is one of the finest courtroom dramas we've seen. The story begins two days before the trial when prosecutor Lori Fluegel takes 12-year-old Jessica into the empty courtroom to help her work up the courage to testify about what happened in her bedroom when she was 9 years old.
Jessica needs to testify. Or else the testimony of other key witnesses won't be allowed. The case could be dismissed.
"I'll be standing right here," Fluegel says.
She tries to reassure the girl. Her voice is resolute. She nods at her spot, squarely in front of the witness stand.
Jessica says nothing….
"Right here," she tells the girl. "I'm not going anywhere."
Jessica stops spinning in her chair. She looks at Fluegel. Her voice quiets.
"Where will David sit?" she says. The accused.
Fluegel steps closer. She points behind her to two heavy wood tables that have been pushed together to form a square that the defense and prosecution will share.
"He's going to be at this table," she says.
"Where will the guards be?" Jessica says.
"The guards?"
"Where will the guards be," Jessica repeats, "if he tries to get at me?"
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