Implied Consent: Act IV, Scene IV

A Play on the Sanctity of Human Life, in Four Acts

This is a part of Mr. Stolyarov's play, Implied Consent. To navigate through the various parts of the play, go here.

(This scene takes place in the courthouse, immediately before the second day of the trial is to open. As previously, OSWALD sits with the prosecution, and the SERVANT sits with the defense. NEVILLE is arranging his papers and talking to himself.)

NEVILLE: Where is Mr. Mark? He promised to come today, and seemed quite eager to do so. Has there been some sort of problem that could cause his delay?

JUDGE (strikes table with gavel): I now call this court into session.

NEVILLE (to self and audience): Alas, I must start without him.

ROBERTS: Your Honor, may the prosecution make a request?

JUDGE: The court will hear the prosecution's request.

ROBERTS: The prosecution requests to engage the defense in one-on-one debate on the matter in question, with the aim of refuting the opening arguments presented yesterday by Mr. Neville.

JUDGE: An unorthodox request though this may be, the court shall grant it nonetheless. After all, this exchange is what the public has been waiting anxiously for, and it is the duty of the court to represent the interests of the public at large. Mr. Roberts, you may address the defense and the honorable spectators and media present here.

ROBERTS: Thank you, Your Honor. Now, Mr. Neville, when you were my student at Harvard, I did not fail you for no reason. I failed you because you made arguments like the ones you had made yesterday-

NEVILLE: Objection! The issue of my former studies at Harvard has absolutely nothing to do with this case!

JUDGE: Overruled. We must permit full freedom of debate on the floor, especially when Mr. Roberts is opening his speech with a very interesting rhetorical technique. Proceed, Mr. Roberts.