"Day of Defense"
"Spec script"
ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
FADE IN:
1 INT. LEMMINGTON COURTROOM -- AFTERNOON 1
Lemmington courtroom is a stereotypical small town courtroom;
probably built in the early 40's, it is simple yet judicial.
The only real evidence as to it's modern setting, are the
microphones that sprout out from the councils desks.
The bench is made of solid mahogany, as is the jury box and
cathedral seating. The walls are lined with patriotic
paintings, except on particular picture which hangs directly
behind the Judge's seat, that being a picture of Jesus Christ
being baptized by John the Baptist.
ANGLE ON
Gavel slamming down on it's solid wooden base
JANEY - COURT CLERK (V.O.)
Lemmington County Court now in
session, the Honorable Sandra W.
Baker presiding.
CUT TO:
2 EXT. CITY STREETS OF LEMMINGTON -- CONTINUOUS 2
This well established small town street is lined with giant
walnut trees and quaintly accented with 1940's street lamps.
This street is Quiet and Empty save two LSD Missionaries
walking down the sidewalk.
JUDGE BAKER (V.O.)
Lemmington County VS John Richardson,
how does the defendant plead?
CUT TO:
3 INT. LEMMINGTON COURTROOM -- CONTINUOUS 3
ANGLE ON
JONATHAN CASEY the Public Defender, a handsome 34 year old
man who looks much younger than his appearance would lead us
to believe. Professionally dressed our P.D. is very confident
in his appearance. Although his well used 20 year old suit
case looks a little out of place.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.2
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Your Honor, the Defendant pleads
guilty with mitigating circumstances.
CUT TO:
4 EXT. CITY STREETS OF LEMMINGTON -- CONTINUOUS 4
WIDE ANGLE
Of Missionaries continuing down the street, while a CATHOLIC
CATHEDRAL looms in the background.
JUDGE BAKER (V.O.)
(with hesitation)
We don't need to hear the
circumstances though, do we Mr.
Attorney 1?
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
(upbeat, almost proud)
No your Honor, a plea bargain has
been struck.
CUT TO:
5 INT. LEMMINGTON COURTROOM -- CONTINUOUS 5
ANGLE ON
Judge Baker who begins to write on the file in front of her.
JUDGE BAKER
Very well, we'll have the prosecutor
read the terms of the plea bargain
into record.
ANGLE ON
MARTY LYMAN the District Attorney, a 35 year old who knows
how to dress the part, although he obviously doesn't realize
he's not in New York, with his $3,000 suit and solid leather
briefcase.
The D.A. stands up and addresses Judge Baker.
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Your Honor, the County has agreed to
a Plea in Abeyance with two days
public service and One month probation
CUT TO:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.3
6 EXT. CITY STREETS OF LEMMINGTON -- CONTINUOUS 6
A similar city street as previously seen, however, the church
in the background is much smaller and less decorative.
A marque out front of the Church reads: First Episcopalian
Church of our Lord
As our Missionaries walk past:
JUDGE BAKER (V.O.)
Record is so noted and we will revisit
this case one month from today,
(beat, writing)
Lemmington County VS Margaret Booth
CUT TO:
7 INT. LEMMINGTON COURTROOM -- CONTINUOUS 7
ANGLE ON
OLD LADY BOOTH, a 74 year old grandma making her way to the
Defendants Table, she looks as fragile as any elderly person
can.
JUDGE BAKER
How does the Defendant plead?
LADY BOOTH
(angrily, with gusto)
INNOCENT! I'M INNOCENT!
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Your Honor, Mrs. Booth Pleads No
Contest
(beat)
She is....
Interrupting
JUDGE BAKER
Mr. Casey,
CUT TO:
8 EXT. CITY STREETS OF LEMMINGTON -- CONTINUOUS 8
Yet another street, or maybe it is the same as before, however
a different Church fills the background.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.4
JUDGE BAKER (V.O.)
Things would go much smoother if you
and your client were on the same
page in regards to her plea.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D. (V.O.)
Yes your Honor,
(beat, consoling to
Booth)
It's okay, it's just like we talked
about,
(back to Judge baker)
Mrs. Booth is pleading No Contest
within the confines of a Plea Bargain
CUT TO:
9 INT. LEMMINGTON COURTROOM -- CONTINUOUS 9
ANGLE ON
Judge Baker who doesn't look surprised
JUDGE BAKER
Of course Mr. Casey,
(beat, writing on
file)
We'll have the prosecutor read the
terms of the plea bargain into record.
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
(reading off of paper)
Your Honor, the District Attorneys
Office has agreed to a plea of No
Contest on the charge of Trespassing,
a plea of No contest on the charge
of vandalism,and a plea of No Contest
on the charge of assault,
(beat)
With the stipulation that Mrs. Booth
fulfills the following covenants.
(beat)
First, Mrs. Booth has agreed to stay
off of Parkers estate located at #55
North Grant Street, she has also
agreed that she will pay her grandson
to replace and or replant all of the
flowers that were torn out, and
finally, she will fully cover all
medical bills incurred by Mrs. Parker
on July one, after being struck with
a
(beat, hesitation)
Plastic garden troll.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.5
A slight laughter rolls through the court room.
ANGLE ON
the Judge who glares out over the court room, immediately
quieting the audience.
JUDGE BAKER
Mrs. Booth would you please tell me
what happened
(looking at file)
On the first.
(beat)
I'm sorry, nevermind I don't need to
know, I'll agree to the Plea bargain
with six months probation, we'll
revisit this one in six months,
(writing on file)
Meanwhile you'll have 60 days to
comply with the 2nd and 3rd
stipulations, is that understood?
ANGLE ON
Mrs. Booth who meekly nods her head in the affirmative.
CUT TO:
10 EXT. CITY STREETS OF LEMMINGTON -- CONTINUOUS 10
As the Missionaries continue to make their way through the
small town, they pass in front of another denominational
church.
JUDGE BAKER (V.O.)
Thank You,
(beat)
Next Case is Lemmington County VS
Willard and Jeb Harris.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D. (V.O.)
Your Honor, The Harris boys failed
to meet with us in our pre-trial
conference.
CUT TO:
11 INT. LEMMINGTON COURTROOM -- CONTINUOUS 11
WIDE ANGLE
of courtroom
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.6
JUDGE BAKER
Very well,
The Judge baker writes on a file.
JUDGE BAKER (CONT'D)
Bailiff?
(beat)
Would you contact the Sheriff and
have him bring the Harris boys in
ASAP,
(beat)
Let him know that have issues a bench
warrant for twenty-five hundred
dollars for each defendant.
The Judge baker stamps the a paper and hands it to the Bailiff
nods and leaves the courtroom.
JUDGE BAKER (CONT'D)
Let's move on,
(beat)
Lemmington County VS Robert Bishop
CUT TO:
12 EXT. CITY STREETS OF LEMMINGTON -- MOMENTS LATER 12
CAMERA DOLLIES
Parallel to Missionaries who still walk along the sidewalk
in front of yet another local church.
IFO CAMERA
Passes a squad car, inside sits:
ANGLE ON
the SHERIFF, a middle aged overweight Rosco Pico James type,
who is pigging out on a fast food hamburger and a Soda Pop.
While picking A.W.O.L condiments off of his uniform, he
noticed the Missionaries walking down the sidewalk across
the street.
ANGLE THROUGH
the squad car with Sheriff frame left, while our missionaries
continue on their way
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.7
SHERIFF DISPATCHER (O.S.)
Dispatch to car one, we have a 10-36
request from Judge baker ?,
(beat)
She would like to have you pick up
the Harris boys, Over.
Our Sheriff fumbles to pick up the microphone.
SHERIFF
Margaret, I've got a 10-92 in
progress, hold that 10-36 until I
get back with you.
As the missionaries exit camera right, the Sheriff shifts
the car into drive and the squad car slowly pulls out.
TWO SHOT
of Missionaries, ELDER SMITH & ELDER JONES, as they continue
on.
ELDER SMITH
Then why a 14 year old boy from
upstate New York, and not someone
who had devoted their entire life to
religion?
ELDER JONES
Maybe he was the only one humble
enough to ask of God, Maybe everyone
else had already closed there hearts
to the truth and he was the only one
willing to ask,
(beat)
Which of the Churches should I join?
Elders turn onto adjacent street.
CUT TO:
13 EXT. MAIN STREET OF LEMMINGTON -- CONTINUOUS 13
Quite small town main street.
ELDER SMITH
(excited)
Yes! There you go. Why couldn't
you of answered like that? That
would have stopped them in their
tracks.
(beat)
You know what you need? You need
conviction.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.8
ELDER JONES
I've got conviction
ELDER SMITH
Well, you need enthusiasm, excitement,
you need Passion
ELDER JONES
I'm passionate, in my own way.
ELDER SMITH
That's not passion, Brother Stailey
has more passion than you.
ELDER JONES
Brother Stailey is comatose
ELDER SMITH
Exactly, but he's passionate about
it. He has gone all the way, no
holds bared,
(beat)
If you had half of the passion he
has, you'd be unstoppable in the
mission field, people wouldn't be
able to help but pick up the Book of
Mormon and read from cover to cover
(beat)
We wouldn't have time in the day to
baptize all of the converts,
(beat)
So the question my friend is, where
is your passion?
ELDER JONES
Look I'm just a little shy, that's
all. It takes me a minute to warm
up to people.
Elder Smith stops dead in his tracks, directly in front of
the local convenience store.
ELDER SMITH
A minute?
(beat)
No a minute is what it takes to cook
Uncle Ben's rice, a minute is what
it takes to brush your teeth, warming
up to people takes you hours, days,
sometimes even weeks,
(looking around)
What we need to do is break you out
of your shell,
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.9
ELDER SMITH (CONT'D)
(smiling)
Street display
ELDER JONES
(confused)
Street display?
ELDER SMITH
Of course, why didn't I think of it
sooner. My grandfather use to talk
about it all of the time. On his
mission in England, that's what they
would do starting from day one you
would get up and get over any fear
you might have of public speaking,
and it takes passion.
ELDER JONES
But there's no one around
ELDER SMITH
That's the point, draw them in.
ELDER JONES
This is stupid, let's just go do
some tracting.
ELDER SMITH
Come on, we've got to build passion,
(beat)
Hop up on this and let's hear it.
ELDER JONES
I'm not climbing up on that.
ELDER SMITH
Come on, give it a try.
(beat)
Trust me.
Elder Jones hesitantly climbs up on a cement planter box in
the middle of the sidewalk.
ELDER JONES
What am I even suppose to say?
ELDER SMITH
Say, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Folks
and Friends, come on over and learn
what every other religious faith
can't teach you, find out all the
answers of lives questions here.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.10
ELDER SMITH (CONT'D)
Come one come all, I'm Elder jones
from the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints..."
- SOUND - Police Siren Sounds briefly
SHERIFF (O.S.)
(Over loud Speaker)
Son, Step Down off the Planter Box
Elder Jones looks over his shoulder in surprise while Elder
Smith can't help but laugh
ELDER SMITH
(sarcastically)
You'd better do what the officer
says, climbing up on public property
what were you thinking?
SHERIFF (O.S.)
Please step over to the curb
ANGLE ON
the Sheriff who now stands behind his open squad car door,
with one hand on his gun and the other holding the microphone
to his mouth.
WIDE ANGLE
Both missionaries look questionably at each other.
SHERIFF (CONT'D)
(Firmly)
STEP OVER TO THE CURB!
Without hesitation, the missionaries step over to the curb.
ELDER SMITH
(smiling)
Is there a problem officer?
ANGLE ON
SHERIFF
(into mic)
Margaret I've apprehended the 10-92
and will be headed to the courthouse
momentarily
SHERIFF DISPATCHER
10-4 Sheriff
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.11
As the Sheriff walks over to the young men,
SHERIFF
I'm gonna need you boys to place
your bags on the ground and have a
seat in the back of the car.
ELDER JONES
We haven't done anything wrong, what's
going on?
ELDER SMITH
Sir, would you please tell us what
is going on?
The Sheriff grabs the boys backpacks, opens the rear door
and looks firmly at the boys.
SHERIFF
Get into the vehicle.
Both boys get into the vehicle
Meanwhile, the Sheriff places the backpacks into the trunk
of the squad car, then proceeds to climb into the car.
SHERIFF (CONT'D)
(into mic)
Car one to dispatch
SHERIFF DISPATCHER (O.S.)
Go ahead Sheriff
SHERIFF
Call Father Flanigan and have him
meet me at the court house
SHERIFF DISPATCHER
10-4, he's already on his way
CUT TO:
14 INT. LEMMINGTON COURTROOM -- MOMENTS LATER 14
Little has changed here, save the defendant that now sits at
the defendants table.
JUDGE BAKER
Mr. Bishop the court will accept
this plea bargain as a matter of
this counties policy, however, I can
not ignore the probation which you
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.12
JUDGE BAKER (CONT'D)
are currently under for the same
offence.
(displeasingly)
I realize that all of this has been
neatly rapped up in another plea
bargain, still I must insist that no
other plea bargain will be accepted
if you violate this probation in any
way shape or form, is that clear?
ANGLE ON
ROBERT BISHOP a very large farmer john type character, who
nods as if he understands, although his appearance tells us
otherwise.
JUDGE BAKER (CONT'D)
Very well,
(beat)
If there is no further business before
the court at this time, we will
adjourn.
The Judge taps the gavel down and begins to stand up, when
she notices the Sheriff entering the court room.
ANGLE ON
the Sheriff who holds the door open for our two missionaries.
ANGLE ON
The Judge baker who retreats to her chambers.
CUT TO:
15 INT. JUDGES CHAMBERS -- CONTINUOUS 15
- ESTABLISHING -
A small private office, lined with shelves of books. Much
like the courtroom, the entire room is made of a dark Mahogany
wood.
Closing the door behind her, the Judge disrobes and heads
towards the adjoining bathroom, where she washes her hands.
ANGLE ON
the Judge who looks at herself in the mirror, softly squinting
she pears deeper into her own reflection.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.13
Looking away she focuses on the washing of her hands, toweling
them off she returns to the desk in her chambers.
Sitting down she puts a pair of reading glassed on begins to
read one of the many files on her desk.
- SOUND - Knock on the door
Not looking up from her file
JUDGE BAKER
Come in.
The door opens to reveal JANEY, the Court Clerk
JANEY - COURT CLERK
(Puzzled)
The Sheriff the Marty lyman - d.a.
and Father Flanigan are waiting to
speak with you.
Only now looking up:
JUDGE BAKER
Which one was here first?
JANEY - COURT CLERK
That's the thing, they are all wanting
to see you together.
Focusing back on the file:
JUDGE BAKER
Send them in.
CUT TO:
16 INT. COURTHOUSE HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS 16
CAMERA FOLLOWS (Steadycam)
Janey who closes the door and proceeds down the hall and
around the corner to where we find the D.A., Sheriff and
FATHER FLANIGAN, a 64 year old Catholic Clergyman standing
talking about yesterdays Noter Dame football game.
JANEY - COURT CLERK
The Judge baker will see you now.
CAMERA FOCUSES (Steadycam Cont.)
On the three and their conversation
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.14
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
But you have to admit Father, it was
a close game
FATHER FLANIGAN
It doesn't matter how close the game
is, the only real concern is the
outcome, its the same in life.
It is clear that the D.A. understands the wisdom in Father
Flanigan's words, but our Sheriff is Clueless.
The clerk knocks on the Judge baker's door
JUDGE BAKER (O.S.)
Come in
JANEY - COURT CLERK
You may go in
The Clerk then heads back down the hall, while the D.A. opens
the door to the Judge baker's chambers, they enter
CUT TO:
17 INT. JUDGES CHAMBERS -- CONTINUOUS 17
All is as it was only a moment ago, save that the Judge now
has her robe on.
Men file in, closing the door behind.
JUDGE BAKER
Sit down Gentlemen
The men sit.
The Judge continues about her business, while the men sit
quietly.
A moment passes before
JUDGE BAKER (CONT'D)
What can I do for you Gentlemen?
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Your honor, we have a situation that
hasn't presented itself since before
you took the bench here in Lemmington.
JUDGE BAKER
(sarcastically)
Really?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.15
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
The Sheriff has picked up a couple
of religious radicals and we would
like to speak to you about their
arraignment.
JUDGE BAKER
What are the charges?
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Well, vagrancy, malicious misconduct,
vandalism, littering, disturbing the
peace, proselyting without a license,
harassment, resisting arr...
JUDGE BAKER
(interrupting)
Counsel, I get the point,
(beat)
Where are the defendants now?
SHERIFF
Ma'am, I got them boys in a holding
cell.
The Judge looks displeasingly at the Sheriff.
JUDGE BAKER
(to D.A.)
Have they had a chance to speak with
council?
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
No your Honor, Mr. Attorney 1 had to
run home, but I believe he will be
meeting with them shortly.
Focusing back on her files:
JUDGE BAKER
Very well, we'll give council a few
hours to prepare, we'll reconvene at
four o'clock.
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
With all due respect your Honor,
(beat)
That's what we came to speak with
you about, we were hoping that you
would agree to delay arraignment
until Friday.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.16
JUDGE BAKER
There is no reason to delay
arraignment,
(beat)
We will proceed.
FATHER FLANIGAN
Can I say something Your Honor?
The Judge stops what she is doing and gives all of her
attention to Father Flanigan.
JUDGE BAKER
Father it is apparent that you are
not strictly here for moral support,
so by all means.
FATHER FLANIGAN
It's not our intentions to convict
these misguided boys of all of the
charges at hand, we just want them
to take there misguidance somewhere
else, and in the past, a few days in
the sheriffs care has been enough to
convince them of that,
(beat)
We could save the court and council
a lot of time by just getting the
point across.
The Judge pauses what she is doing for a moment.
JUDGE BAKER
Mr. Lyman, do you agree with that?
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Well Your Honor, in the past it has
worked flawlessly, so I would have
to say yes, I do agree with it.
Pressing a button on the intercom:
JUDGE BAKER
Janey, would you call down to the
sheriffs office and have Mr. Casey
bring his clients to my office as
soon as he has had a chance to
conference with them?
JANEY - COURT CLERK
Yes Ma'am
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.17
JUDGE BAKER
Gentlemen why don't you wait outside
for Mr. Casey, we'll continue when
he arrives.
(beat)
That will be all, Thank you
Dumbfounded the men look at each other as if the carpet had
been pulled out from underneath them.
The men leave the room.
CUT TO:
18 INT. HOLDING CELL, SHERIFFS -- MOMENTS LATER 18
- ESTABLISHING -
A standard 10' x 10' cement room with one door and one
unidirectional window.
Our two missionaries sit at one side of the table quietly
waiting.
ELDER SMITH
They usually don't keep me waiting
this long,
(beat)
But I don't usually keep the weapon
in my backpack either.
Elder Jones looks a little surprised as the Door opens, and
in walks Mr. Casey.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Good Afternoon boys, I'm Jonathan
Casey and I'll be your Public
Defender, how they treating you?
ELDER SMITH
Like were guilty
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Not to worry, everyone just wants to
get this taken care of as soon as
possible.
ELDER JONES
Get what taken care of? We didn't
do anything.
Pulling out a yellow legal pad:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.18
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Well there are a few charges at this
point,
(beat)
Let me just a little information
from each of you, then we'll go over
that.
(beat)
Okay, I see by your name tags that
your Elder Smith
(writing)
And your Elder Jones?
ELDER SMITH
Yes sir
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
That's an interesting first name,
and for both you to have it, that's
kinda odd.
ELDER SMITH
It's not our name, it's our title,
Were Elder's in the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Okay, What are your given names
then?
ELDER SMITH
Adam,
ELDER JONES
I'm Mark.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Okay Adam, where are you from?
ELDER SMITH
I'm from Boise Idaho, and would you
please call us Elder?
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Sure,
(beat, to Elder Jones)
Elder, where are you from?
ELDER JONES
Bakersfield California
- SOUND - KNOCK ON THE DOOR
The door opens to reveal MARGARET the Sheriffs dispatcher.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.19
SHERIFF DISPATCHER
Sorry to interrupt, but the Judge
baker's office just called and they
would like to meet with you as soon
are you are done conferring with
your clients.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Okay I'll be done here in a few
minutes, let them know I'll be there
as soon as the boys are returned to
their cells
SHERIFF DISPATCHER
Oh no, she wants you to bring your
clients.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
(puzzled)
Are you sure?
SHERIFF DISPATCHER
Oh yes, Miss Laney made it a specific
point.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Thank you Margaret.
Margaret closes the door as she leaves.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D. (CONT'D)
Sorry about that,
(beat)
So why are you boys here?
ELDER SMITH
Both Elder Jones and I are serving a
full time mission to spread the Gospel
of Jesus Christ, we came here to
share the good news.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
So your proselyting?
ELDER SMITH
Of course.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Can you tell me what happened what
happened when you came into town?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.20
ELDER SMITH
Nothing, we walked into town and
Elder Jones was going to do a street
display when the Sheriff told us to
get into his car, now here we are.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
(to Elder Jones)
What Is a street display?
ELDER JONES
Well, it's basically just talking to
the people on the street, sharing
our Lords gospel and trying to get
people interested enough to let us
come speak with them more about it.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Did you find anyone interested?
ELDER SMITH
We hadn't even said anything before
the Sheriff picked us up.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Okay, what did you do when the Sheriff
told you to get in his car?
ELDER SMITH
We got in his car
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
You didn't say anything?
ELDER SMITH
(thinking)
We told him we didn't do anything
wrong, and asked him what we did
wrong.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
So you resisted then?
ELDER SMITH
We didn't resist, we just wanted to
know what we did wrong.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
The first time you he asked you, did
you get in?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.21
ELDER SMITH
(upset)
No, but we didn't refuse to get in,
we just asked why.
Writing frivolously:
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Okay, did you pick up a license before
beginning your proselyting?
ELDER SMITH
License? Your kidding right?
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
No License, wow, okay there really
strict about licensing around here,
but we'll figure that out later
(beat)
Now this one has me a little confused,
(serious)
They have a witness stating that you
tore out a tree and then threw it on
the side of the road, over on Lincoln
Street.
The Elders look at each other in question.
ELDER SMITH
That's a lie
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Well they do have a witness. Can
you think of what they might be
referring to?
ELDER JONES
(to elder smith)
That stick, remember, the one that
was sitting against that tree
(to P.D.)
We were walking down the side walk,
and It's lined with giant trees,
There was a stick about 3 feet long,
it looked like an old branch from
the tree, I used it as a walking
stick for a couple of block and it
broke, I just left it on the ground.
Mr. Casey continues to scratch notes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.22
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Okay that should be enough
information,
(putting away the pad
and pen)
But I should tell you It doesn't
look good, lets just hope that the
Marty lyman give us a plea bargain.
Puzzled both boys are speechless.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D. (CONT'D)
Come'on let's go see the Judge Baker.
They leave the room
CUT TO:
19 INT. COURTHOUSE HALLWAY -- MOMENTS LATER 19
- ESTABLISHING -
A simple lobby area with a receptionist desk blocking the
hallway leading to the Judges Chambers.
Janey sits at her desk, while the D.A., Sheriff, and Priest
stand in virtually the same place they did before.
The D.A. and Father Flanigan are laughing about something
that went over the Sheriff's head, when the P.D. and the
Elders enter from an adjoining hallway.
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Jonathan come over here and tell
Father Flanigan about your encounter
with the late Mrs. Jackobsen.
ANGLE ON
Janey - court clerk who picks up the phone.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
(smiling)
No one wants to hear about that
JANEY - COURT CLERK
Gentlemen, you can go on down, Judge
Baker is waiting.
The room suddenly turns quite
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Thank you Janey,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.23
Leading the way, Father Flanigan and the Sheriff disappear
down the hall.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
This way boys.
As our D.A. & P.D. head down the hall
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D. (CONT'D)
What's going on?
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
(looking to see where
the Elders are,
quietly)
Personally, I think she's going to
give them the ultimatum.
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
(smiling)
They'll take it.
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
We'll see.
CUT TO:
20 INT. JUDGES CHAMBERS -- MOMENTS LATER 20
Nothing has changed
- SOUND - Knock on the door
JUDGE BAKER
Come in
As Everyone enters the chambers, Father Flanigan and the
Sheriff immediately sit down. Elder Smith closes the door.
JUDGE BAKER (CONT'D)
Father, Sheriff, I'm gonna have to
ask that if you insist on being a
part of these proceeding that you
stand in the back of the room and
allow defendants and council to sit.
(to elders)
Please, have a seat
Father Flanigan looks a little put out, While this is the
first kind gesture the boys have seen in this town.
The boys sit down in the chairs directly in front of the
Judges desk, while the council sit on the couch to the side
of the office.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.24
JUDGE BAKER (CONT'D)
I realize Counselor that you have
had very little time to confer with
your clients, but have you had the
chance to discuss the charges with
them?
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Yes, briefly, Your Honor.
JUDGE BAKER
Thank You,
(beat)
Do you boys understand the charges?
Both Elders look at each other in question,
In Unison:
ELDER JONES
Yes ma'am
ELDER SMITH
Yes ma'am
JUDGE BAKER
Do deny any of the charges, in part
or in whole?
ELDER SMITH
We sure do!
JUDGE BAKER
Okay, which charges?
ELDER SMITH
All of them.
Mr. Lyman and his cohorts mutter under their breaths and
laugh. Judge Baker raises her eyebrows to them.
JUDGE BAKER
Well lets start at the top and work
our way through some of these.
(beat)
We've got a charge of Vagrancy, were
you boys panhandling or in any way
seeking help from others to further
your situation?
ELDER SMITH
No Ma'am not at all.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.25
The Judge looks at Elder Jones, who shakes his head in the
negative.
JUDGE BAKER
Councilor, what's the basis of this
charge?
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Your Honor, these young men have no
transportation to take them out of
town, no friend or relatives that
can provide food or shelter, and
have little or no money to pay for
these things.
JUDGE BAKER
Is this true?
ELDER SMITH
No Ma'am, we will leave the same way
we came in, we will walk, we had
only planned to stay a few hours
before returning back to our apartment
in Clifton.
JUDGE BAKER
What about food?
ELDER SMITH
We brought lunch and some snacks
that we made before leaving this
morning.
JUDGE BAKER
(to council)
I'm sure you can see how I might
rule on this charge,
(beat, looking at
paper)
Malicious Misconduct, Council, what
is your argument?
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Your Honor the county feels that
these young men bring with them
literature and ideas that go against
the entirety of the population of
Lemmington County and that their
presence here is calculated and their
actions are Malicious to the fabric
of every resident in the County.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.26
JUDGE BAKER
Councilor, what is your evidence to
support your rambling?
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Your Honor, the sheriff has
confiscated books and literature
which we are prepared to present at
the arraignment.
JUDGE BAKER
Have you read any of the evidence?
Can you give me the nature of it's
Maliciousness?
FATHER FLANIGAN
Your Honor, I have read parts of the
book they claim to have come directly
from God, It's blasphemy, It's an
evil so well constructed that it has
led millions of fine upstanding
christians away from our Lord. And
it's a danger to our devout township.
Both Elders are taken back by Father Flanigan's statements.
JUDGE BAKER
Very Well,
(beat)
Here is something not quite so
controversial in nature,
(to D.A.)
Proselyting without a license.
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Yes Your Honor, Section 32.487.12c
clearly states that no person, company
or organization may proselyte inside
Lemmington County without first
obtaining a License. And the
Christian Coalition is the governing
body over Licensing approvals, and
we know they have not approved a
license for these young men.
JUDGE BAKER
Did you attempt to get a license?
ELDER SMITH
No your honor, but we never even had
the chance to proselytize, the Sheriff
picked us up before we could get
started.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.27
Judge baker ? looks questionable at the P.D.
JUDGE BAKER
Do we have any witnesses on this
charge?
SHERIFF
I saw them, the little one got up on
the planter box and was going to
start preaching or something when I
stopped them.
The D.A. is obviously not happy with the Sheriffs words.
JUDGE BAKER
So you didn't actually see them
preaching, they were just preparing
to?
SHERIFF
Yeah that's right.
JUDGE BAKER
We'll since that section of law
doesn't pertain to intent, let's
move on.
The D.A. just shakes his head
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
(mouthing to Sheriff)
Just Be quiet
JUDGE BAKER
I see there are a few more charges
of a similar nature, but to save
time we are going to skip those for
now.
Judge Baker shuffles some things around on her desk, as if
trying to buy some time.
JUDGE BAKER (CONT'D)
Would you young men like to accompany
me, I really need to get some fresh
air?
ELDER SMITH
Of Course
ELDER JONES
I guess.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.28
JUDGE BAKER
(to council)
Me and these two young men are going
to take a walk, now you gentlemen
can come along if you'd like, however
our meeting here is through.
CUT TO:
21 EXT. LEMMINGTON CITY PARK -- LATER 21
Quaint small town city park.
Judge Baker and the Elders are walking along a pathway inside
the park.
Not far behind, our D.A. and P.D. follow, and bringing up
the rear are the Sheriff and Father Flanigan.
THREE SHOT
of Judge Baker and the Elders, with the others in the
background outside of earshot.
JUDGE BAKER
I have to say, I'm impressed by your
manner, considering your ages, would
one of you tell me why you came to
Lemmington?
Elder Smith looks over at Elder Jones for approval
ELDER SMITH
Your Honor, we are from the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,
my companion and I are both serving
full time missions for our church,
(beat)
We take two years of our lives to be
in service and spread the Gospel of
Jesus Christ.
JUDGE BAKER
Does your Church pay you to do this
work?
ELDER SMITH
Not at all,
(beat)
Like me for example, I began saving
when I was 8 years old so that I
could serve a mission, and that money
goes to pay for my travel expenses,
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.29
ELDER SMITH (CONT'D)
our housing, food, dry cleaning,
pretty much everything.
JUDGE BAKER
So your church asked you to come to
Lemmington?
ELDER SMITH
Well sort of,
(beat)
We are assigned a particular mission,
and our mission includes a small
part of Lemmington.
JUDGE BAKER
What are you suppose to do in a town
like this?
ELDER SMITH
Well, our purpose is to spread the
gospel, but we usually try and find
the best way to approach the people.
(beat)
Sometimes it going door to door,
sometimes we talk to people on the
street, and oftentimes we'll go into
a church and ask the pastor or rabbi
if we can address his or her
congregation.
(beat)
We really just try and follow the
spirit.
ANGLE ON
Mr. Casey and Mr. Lyman
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
What do you think they are talking
about?
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Who knows, but this is ridiculous
FATHER FLANIGAN
(poking his head into
the conversation)
What is going on?
MARTY LYMAN - D.A.
Your guess is as good as ours Father.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.30
FATHER FLANIGAN
Those boys shouldn't be walking free
around here, isn't there something
we can do?
JOHNATHAN CASEY - P.D.
Father until the Judge rules, she's
in charge, you don't have to stay
here, I'll call you as soon as we
know.
FATHER FLANIGAN
I'll stay our here all day if I have
to, I'm not letting those boys out
of my sight.
Mr. Casey & Mr. Lyman just look at each other.
ANGLE BACK ON
the Judge and Elders
JUDGE BAKER
So what do you think of Lemmington?
ELDER SMITH
It's nice from what we've seen.
ELDER JONES
Yeah but we'd like to see more of
it.
Judge Baker smiles at the boys
JUDGE BAKER
Have either of you boys ever been in
trouble before?
ELDER SMITH
Never.
ELDER JONES
Me neither.
They continue to walk without conversing, until Elder Smith
gets the courage to speak up.
ELDER SMITH
How is anyone suppose to know that
they need a license to proselyte
here?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written By Danno Nell Copyright © 2001 Pg.31
JUDGE BAKER
Well like any law, the judicial system
expects it's citizens to take a
proactive approach and familiarize
themselves with the laws. And with
a law of this nature, it is usually
the policy to provide a warning first