The First Turnabout/Transcript/Day 1 - Trial

August 3, 9:47 AM District Court Defendant Lobby No. 2

Mia Fey appears.

Mia looks surprised.

Mia smiles.

Larry Butz appears.

Butz:       - Nick!!!

Phoenix:    - Hey. Hey there, Larry.

Butz:       - Dude, I'm so guilty!! Tell them I'm guilty!!! - Gimme the death sentence! I ain't afraid to die!

Phoenix:    - What!? What's wrong, Larry?

Butz:       - Oh, it's all over...  I...  I'm finished. Finished! - I can't live in a world without her! I can't!            - Who... who took her away from me, Nick? Who did this!? - Aww, Nick, ya gotta tell me! Who took my baby away!?

Phoenix:    - (Hmm...  The person responsible for your girlfriend's death?) - (The newspapers say it was you...)

FADE TO BLACK

Phoenix:    - My name is Phoenix Wright. - Here's the story: - My first case is a fairly simple one. - A young woman was killed in her apartment. - The guy they arrested was the unlucky sap dating her: - Larry Butz... my best friend since grade school. - Our school had a saying: "When something smells, it's usually the Butz." - In the 23 years I've known him, it's usually been true. - He has a knack for getting himself in trouble. - One thing I can say though: it's usually not his fault. He just has terrible luck. - But I know better than anyone, that he's a good guy at heart. - That and I owe him one. Which is why I took the case... to clear his name. - And that's just what I'm going to do!

August 3, 10:00 AM                  District Court Courtroom No. 2

Judge:      - The court is now in session for the trial of Mr. Larry Butz.

Payne:      - The prosecution is ready, Your Honor.

NEW PROFILE Winston Payne Age: 52 Gender: Male The prosecutor for this case. Lacks presence. Generally bad at getting his points across.

Phoenix:    - The, um, defense is ready, Your Honor.

Judge:      - Ahem. - Mr. Wright? - This is your first trial, is it not?

Phoenix:    - Y-Yes, Your Honor. I'm, um, a little nervous.

Judge:      - Your conduct during this trial will decide the fate of your client. - Murder is a serious charge. For your client's sake, I hope you can control your nerves.

Phoenix:    - Thank... thank you, Your Honor.

Judge:      - ...             - Mr. Wright, given the circumstances...             - I think we should have a test to ascertain your readiness.

Phoenix:    - Yes, Your Honor. - (Gulp... Hands shaking...  Eyesight... fading...)

Judge:      - The test will consist of a few simple questions. Answer them clearly and concisely. - Please state the name of the defendant in this case. SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 1) - Phoenix Wright - Larry Butz - Mia Fey

[ANSWER 1: Phoenix Wright]

Phoenix:    - Um... the defendant... is me, right?

Mia:        - Wright! Have you completely lose your mind? Focus! - The defendant is the person on trial! - You're his lawyer!

Phoenix:    - Um, er, eh? Oh yeah, right! Eh heh heh.

Mia:        - This is no laughing matter! - You did pass the bar, didn't you?

Judge:      - Sorry, I couldn't hear your answer. I'll ask once more: - Please state the name of the defendant in this case. SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 1) - Phoenix Wright - Larry Butz - Mia Fey

[ANSWER 1: Mia Fey]

Phoenix:    - The, um, defendant? That's... er... Mia Fey?

Mia:        - Wrong, Wright. Look, I have to leave. - I have to go home. I'm... I'm expecting a delivery.

Phoenix:    - Aw, c'mon Chief. There's no need to be going so soon, is there?

Mia:        - Wright! - Listen: the defendant is the one on trial--your client! - I mean, that's about as basic as you can get!

Phoenix:    - (I put my foot in it this time!  I've got to relax!)

Judge:      - Sorry, I couldn't hear your answer. I'll ask once more: - Please state the name of the defendant in this case. SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 1) - Phoenix Wright - Larry Butz - Mia Fey

[ANSWER 1: Larry Butz]

Phoenix:    - The defendant? Well, that's Larry Butz, Your Honor.

Judge:      - Correct. - Just keep your wits about you and you'll do fine. - Next question: - This is a murder trial. Tell me, what's the victim's name?

Phoenix:    - (Whew, I know this one!  Glad I read the case report cover so many times.) - (It's... wait... Uh-oh!) - (No... no way! I forgot!  I'm drawing a total blank here!)

Mia:        - Phoenix! Are you absolutely SURE you're up to this? - You don't even know the victim's name!?

Phoenix:    - Oh, the victim! O-Of course I know the victim's name! - I, um, just forgot. ... Temporarily.

Mia:        - I think I feel a migraine coming on. - Look, the defendant's name is listed in the Court Record. - Just touch the Court Record button to check it at anytime, okay? - Remember to check it often. Do it for me, please. I'm begging you.

Judge:      - Let's hear your answer. Who is the victim in this case? SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 2) - Mia Fey - Cinder Block - Cindy Stone

[ANSWER 2: Mia Fey]

Phoenix:    - Um... Mia Fey?

Mia:        - W-W-What!? How can I be the victim!?

Phoenix:    - Oh! Right! Sorry! I, er, it was the first name that popped into my head, and--

Mia:        - The Court Record button! Remember to use it when you are in a pinch.

Judge:      - Let me ask that one again: - Let's hear your answer. Who is the victim in this case? SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 2) - Mia Fey - Cinder Block - Cindy Stone

[ANSWER 2: Cinder Block]

Phoenix:    - Oh, um, wasn't it Ms. Block? Ms. Cinder Block?

Judge:      - The person in question was a victim of murder, not ill-conceived naming, Mr. Wright.

Mia:        - Wright? - If you forget something, just touch the Court Record button to help you remember. - A mistake in court could cost you the case.

Judge:      - I'll ask you again: - Let's hear your answer. Who is the victim in this case? SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 2) - Mia Fey - Cinder Block - Cindy Stone

[ANSWER 2: Cindy Stone]

Phoenix:    - Um... the victim's name is Cindy Stone.

Judge:      - Correct. - Now, tell me, what was the cause of death? - She died because she was...? SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 3) - Poisoned - Hit with a blunt object - Strangled

[ANSWER 3: Poisoned]

Phoenix:    - Oh, right! Wasn't she, um, poisoned by, er... poison?

Judge:      - You're asking me!?

Phoenix:    - Um...  Chief! Help me out!

Mia:        - Check the court record. The Court Record button... remember?

Phoenix:    - (Geez.  Give a guy a break!)

Judge:      - Let me ask again. - She died because she was...? SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 3) - Poisoned - Hit with a blunt object - Strangled

[ANSWER 3: Strangled]

Phoenix:    - Right... she was strangled, wasn't she?

Mia:        - Please tell me that was you talking to yourself.

Judge:      - If you wish to hang yourself, Mr. Wright, you're welcome to, but not inside my courtroom. - I suppose there's nothing to do but give you another try: - She died because she was...? SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 3) - Poisoned - Hit with a blunt object - Strangled

[ANSWER 3: Hit with a blunt object]

Phoenix:    - She was struck once, by a blunt object.

Judge:      - Correct. - You've answered all my questions. I see no reason why we shouldn't proceed. - You seem much more relaxed, Mr. Wright. Good for you.

Phoenix:    - Thank you, Your Honor. (Because I don't FEEL relaxed, that's for sure.)

Judge:      - Well, then...             - First, a question for the prosecution. Mr. Payne?

Payne:      - Yes, Your Honor?

Judge:      - As Mr. Wright just told us, the victim was struck with a blunt object. - Would you explain to the court just what that "object" was?

Payne:      - The murder weapon was this statue of "The Thinker." - It was found lying on the floor, next to the victim.

Judge:      - I see... the court accepts it into evidence.

Statue added to the Court Record.

NEW EVIDENCE Statue Type: Weapons Submitted as evidence by Prosecutor Payne. A statue in the shape of "The Thinker." It's rather heavy.

Mia:        - Wright...             - Be sure to pay attention to any evidence added during the trial. - That evidence is the only ammunition you have in court. - Touch the Court Record button to check the Court Record frequently.

Judge bangs his gavel.

Judge:      - Mr. Payne, the prosecution may call its first witness.

Payne:      - The prosecution calls the defendant, Mr. Butz, to the stand.

Phoenix:    - Um, Chief, what do I do now?

Mia:        - Pay attention. You don't want to miss any information that might help your client's case. - You'll get your chance to respond to the prosecution later, so be ready! - Let's just hope he doesn't say anything... unfortunate.

Phoenix:    - (Uh oh, Larry gets excited easily... this could be bad.)

Witness: Larry Butz
Larry Butz takes the stand.

Payne:      - Ahem. - Mr. Butz. Is it not true that the victim had recently dumped you?

Butz:       - Hey, watch it buddy! - We were great together! We were Romeo and Juliet, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony!

Phoenix:    - (Um... didn't they all die?)

Butz:       - I wasn't dumped! She just wasn't taking my phone calls. Or seeing me... Ever. - WHAT'S IT TO YOU, ANYWAY!?

Payne:      - Mr. Butz, what you describe is generally what we mean by "dumped." - In face, she had completely abandoned you... and was seeing other men! - She had just returned from overseas with one of them the day before the murder!

Butz:       - Whaddya mean, "one of them"!? - Lies! All of it, lies! I don't believe a word of it!

Payne:      - Your Honor, the victim's passport. - According to this, she was in Paris until the day before she died.

Passport added to the Court Record.

NEW EVIDENCE Passport Type: Evidence Submitted as evidence by Prosecutor Payne. The victim apparently arrived home from Paris on 7/30, the day before the murder.

Judge:      - Hmm...  Indeed, she appears to have returned the day before the murder.

Butz:       - Dude... no way...

Payne:      - The victim was a model, but did not have a large income. - It appears that she had several "Sugar Daddies."

Butz:       - Daddies? Sugar?

Payne:      - Yes. Older men, who gave her money and gifts. - She took their money and used it to support her lifestyle.

Butz:       - Duuude!

Payne:      - We can clearly see what kind of woman this Ms. Stone was. - Tell me, Mr. Butz, what do you think of her now?

Mia:        - Wright...             - I don't think you want him to answer that question.

Phoenix:    - (Yeah... Larry has a way of running his mouth in all the wrong directions.) - (Should I...?) SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 4) - Wait and see what happens - Stop him from answering

[ANSWER 4: Wait and see what happens]

Phoenix:    - (Might be better not to get involved in this one...)

Payne:      - Well, Mr. Butz?

Butz:       - Dude, no way! That cheatin' she-dog!

(go to ANSWER 4 RESULT)

[ANSWER 4: Stop him from answering]

Phoenix:    - My client had no idea the victim was seeing other men! - That question is irrelevant to this case!

Payne:      - Oof! *wince*

Butz:       - Dude! Nick! Whaddya mean, "irrelevant"!? - That cheatin' she-dog!

(go to ANSWER 4 RESULT)

[ANSWER 4 RESULT]

(Butz)      - I'm gonna die. I'm just gonna drop dead! - Yeah, and when I meet her in the afterlife...            - I'm going to get to the bottom of this!

Judge bangs his gavel.

Judge:      - Let's continue with the trial, shall we?

Payne:      - I believe the accused's motive is clear to everyone.

Judge:      - Yes, quite.

Phoenix:    - (Oh boy.  This is so not looking good.)

Payne:      - Next question! - You went to the victim's apartment on the day of the murder, did you not?

Butz:       - Gulp!

Payne:      - Well, did you, or did you not?

Butz:       - Heh? Heh heh. Well, maybe I did, and maybe I didn't!

Phoenix:    - (Uh oh.  He went.) - (What do I do?) SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 5) - Have him answer honestly - Stop him from answering

[ANSWER 5: Have him answer honestly]

Phoenix:    - (I know!  I'll send him a signal...) - (TELL THE TRUTH)

Butz:       - Er... Yeah! Yeah! I was there! I went!

Judge bangs his gavel.

Judge:      - Order! - Well, Mr. Butz?

Butz:       - Dude, chill! - She wasn't home, man... So, like, I didn't see her.

OBJECTION!

Payne:      - Your Honor, the defendant is lying.

Judge:      - Lying?

Payne:      - The prosecution would like to call a witness who can prove Mr. Butz is lying.

(go to ANSWER 5 RESULT)

[ANSWER 5: Stop him from answering]

Phoenix:    - (I'll send him a signal...) - (LIE LIKE A DOG)

Butz:       - Um, well, see, it's like this: I don't remember.

Payne:      - You "don't remember"? - Well then, we'll just have to remind you!

Phoenix:    - (I got a bad feeling about this...)

Payne:      - We have a witness that can prove he DID go to the victim's apartment that day!

(go to ANSWER 5 RESULT)

[ANSWER 5 RESULT]

Judge:      - Well, that simplifies matters. Who is your witness?

Payne:      - The man who found the victim's body. - Just before making the gruesome discovery...            - He saw the defendant fleeing the scene of the crime!

Judge bangs his gavel three times.

Judge:      - Order! Order in the court! - Mr. Payne, the prosecution may call its witness.

Payne:      - Yes, Your Honor.

Phoenix:    - (This is bad...)

Payne:      - On the day of the murder, my witness was selling newspapers at the victim's building. - Please bring Mr. Frank Sahwit to the stand!

NEW PROFILE Frank Sahwit Age: 36 Gender: Male Discovered Ms. Stone's body. Newspaper salesman who saw Larry flee the scene.

Witness: Frank Sahwit
Frank Sahwit takes the stand.

Payne:      - Mr. Sahwit, you sell newspaper subscriptions, is this correct?

Sahwit:     - Oh, oh yes! Newspapers, yes!

Judge:      - Mr. Sahwit, you may proceed with your testimony. - Please tell the court what you saw on the day of the murder.

Witness's Account: Testimony
WITNESS TESTIMONY -- Witness's Account --

Sahwit:     - I was going door-to-door, selling subscriptions when I saw a man fleeing an apartment. - I thought he must be in a hurry becayse he left the door half-open behind him. - Thinking it strang, I looked inside the apartment. - Then I saw her lying there... A woman... not moving... dead! - I quailed in fright and found myself unable to go inside. - I thought to call the police immediately! - However, the phone in her apartment wasn't working. - I went to a nearby park and found a public phone. - I remember the time exactly: It was 1:00 PM. - The man who ran was, without a doubt, the defendant sitting right over there.

END TESTIMONY

Judge:      - Hmm...

Phoenix:    - (Larry!  Why didn't you tell the truth?) - (I can't defend you against a testimony like that!)

Judge:      - Incidentally, why wasn't the phone in the victim's apartment working?

Payne:      - Your Honor, at the time of the murder, there was a blackout in the building.

Judge:      - Aren't phones supposed to work during a blackout?

Payne:      - Yes, Your Honor...             - However, some cordless phones do not function normally. - The phone that Mr. Sahwit used was one of those. - Your Honor...            - I have a record of the blackout, for your perusal.

Blackout Record added to the Court Record

NEW EVIDENCE Blackout Record Type: Documents Submitted as evidence by Prosecutor Payne. Electricity to Ms. Stone's building was out from noon to 6PM on the day of the crime.

Judge:      - Now, Mr. Wright...

Phoenix:    - Yes! Er... yes, Your Honor?

Judge:      - You may begin your cross-examination.

Phoenix:    - C-Cross-examination, Your Honor?

Mia:        - Alright, Wright, this is it. The real deal!

Phoenix:    - Uh... what exactly am I suppsed to do?

Mia:        - Why, you expose the lies in the testimony the witness just gave!

Phoenix:    - Lies! What?! He was lying!?

Mia:        - Your client is innocent, right? - Then that witness must have lied in his testimony! - Or is your client really... guilty?

Phoenix:    - !!! How do I prove he's not?

Mia:        - You hold the key! It's in the evidence! - Compare the witness's testimony to the evidence at hand. - There's bound to be a contradiction in there! - First, find contradictions between the Court Record and the witness's testimony. - Then, once you've found the contradicting evidence...            - present it and rub it in the witness's face!

Phoenix:    - Um... okay.

Mia:        - Touch the Court Record button and point out contradictions in the testimony!

Witness's Account: Cross-Examination
CROSS-EXAMINATION -- Witness's Account --

Sahwit:     - I was going door-to-door, selling subscriptions when I saw a man fleeing an apartment.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - Isn't a man leaving an apartment a common sight? - I find it odd you would take notice of him...

Sahwit:     - Er... heh. - I don't know. He just seemed strange to me, that's all. - Like he was mad, and yet frightened at the same time. - Just like... a criminal fleeing the scene of a crime!

Phoenix:    - The defense requests that the witness refrain from conjecture!

Payne:      - Of course. What the witness means is that the man he saw looked suspicious. - So, what happened next?

- I thought he must be in a hurry becayse he left the door half-open behind him.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - Half-open... you say?

Sahwit:     - Yes, yes, the door was open halfway. Yes. - I watched for a moment, but no one came to close the door. - "That's odd, in a big city like this," I thought...

Payne:      - I see. And what happened next?

- Thinking it strange, I looked inside the apartment.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - What gave you the idea to do that?

Sahwit:     - Well, the door was half-open, you see. - Isn't it only human to want to... peek? - We climb mountains because they are there! It's the same thing.

Payne:      - Truer words have never been spoken! Anyone would look inside!

Phoenix:    - (Hmm... why did Payne cut him off so quickly?)

Payne:      - So you looked into the apartment. What happened then?

- Then I saw her lying there... A woman... not moving... dead!

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - Are you sure she was dead?

Sahwit:     - W-Well, no, I guess I wasn't.                              - But, she wasn't moving at all, and there was blood everywhere.

Phoenix:    - (I guess that would look fatal to anyone...) - Very well, what happened next?

- I quailed in fright and found myself unable to go inside.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - So, you didn't touch ANYTHING in the apartment?

Sahwit:     - Um, yes. I mean no! Nothing.

Phoenix:    - Okay. What happened next?

- I thought to call the police immediately!

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - You "thought" to call the police? Does that mean you didn't actually call them!?

Payne:      - Please, please... Listen to the rest of the testimony. - You thought to call the police... What happened next?

- However, the phone in her apartment wasn't working.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - The phone in her apartment wasn't working?

Sahwit:     - Yes. I mean, no, no it wasn't. Right.

Phoenix:    - But you said you didn't go into the apartment... or did you!?

Sahwit:     - Oh, oh, that? I can explain that! - There was a cordless phone on a shelf in the entranceway. - I reached inside and tried using that to call...

Payne:      - And that phone wasn't working, correct? - What happened next?

- I went to a nearby park and found a public phone.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - Why use a public phone?

Sahwit:     - Well, you see, I don't have a cell phone. - And, being the middle of the afternoon, there was no answer at the nearby apartments.

Phoenix:    - Ah, right... what time did you call again?

- I remember the time exactly: It was 1:00 PM.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - 1:00 PM! Are you certain?

Sahwit:     - Yes. Absolutely.

Phoenix:    - (Hmm...  He seems really confident.)

Mia:        - 1:00 PM? - Wright. Doesn't that seem strange to you? - Present some evidence to contradict him!

- OBJECTION 1 - Cindy's Autopsy Report

- The man who ran was, without a doubt, the defendant sitting right over there.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - Are you absolutely, 100% positive?

Sahwit:     - Yes, it was him. No mistake about it.

Payne:      - The witness says he's certain!

Mia:        - That's all of it. - There must be a contradiction in there somewhere. - Examine the Court Record button if something strikes you as being suspicious. - Then, find the evidence that contradicts his testimony, and present it to him!

OBJECTION: Cindy's Autopsy Report
OBJECTION!

Phoenix:    - You found the body at 1:00 PM. You're sure?

Sahwit:     - Yes. It was 1:00PM, for certain.

Phoenix:    - Frankly, I find that hard to believe! - Your statement directly contradicts the autopsy report. - The autopsy notes the time of death at sometime after 4PM. - There was nobody to... er... no "body" to find at 1:00 PM! - How do you explain this three-hour gap?

Sahwit:     - !!! - Oh, that! Oh, er...

OBJECTION!

Payne:      - This is trivial! The witness merely forgot the time!

Judge:      - After his testimony, I find that hard to believe. - Mr. Sahwit...            - Why were you so certain that you found the body at 1:00 PM?

Sahwit:     - I... er... well, I...  Gee, that's a really good question!

Mia:        - Great job, Wright! Way to put him on the spot! - That's all you have to do: point out contradictions! - Lies always beget more lies! - See through one, and their whole story falls apart!

Sahwit:     - Wait! I remember now!

Judge:      - Would you care to give your testimony again?

The Time of Discovery: Testimony
WITNESS TESTIMONY -- The Time of Discovery --

Sahwit:     - You see, when I found the body, I heard the time. - There was a voice saying the time... It was probably coming from the television. - Oh, but it was three hours off, wasn't it? - I guess the victim must have been watching a video of a taped program! - That's why I thought it was 1:00 PM! - Terribly sorry about the misunderstanding...

END TESTIMONY

Judge:      - Hmm... I see. You heard a voice saying the time on a taped program. - Mr. Wright, you may cross-examine the witness.

Mia:        - Wright! - You know what to do!

Phoenix:    - I've got this one.

The Time of Discovery: Cross-Examination
CROSS-EXAMINATION -- The Time of Discovery --

Sahwit:     - You see, when I found the body, I heard the time.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - You said "heard"...  Not "saw"?

Sahwit:     - Yes, heard. - All I saw was the body lying there...                             - I didn't think to look at anything else, least of all my watch.

Phoenix:    - Hmm...  Isn't that a little strange? - So you're saying you "heard" something. - But if you were so shocked by the body, you wouldn't hear anything at all!

OBJECTION!

Payne:      - The witness did say he actually heard the time. - It's ludicrous to suggest he "wouldn't hear anything"!

Judge:      - Hmm...  I have to agree with the prosecution. - Witness, continue your testimony.

- OBJECTION 2 - Blackout Record

- There was a voice saying the time... It was probably coming from the television.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - Are you sure it was a television and not... a radio?

Sahwit:     - Well, no, I guess it might have been a radio.

Payne:      - Incidentally, there was no radio on the premises. - There was only one large television.

Mia:        - Wright! - I can't put my finger on it, but something about this seems fishy. - Something about "hearing" the television...

Payne:      - The witness has testified. He heard the time.

- OBJECTION 2 - Blackout Record

- Oh, but it was three hours off, wasn't it?

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - How do you explain the gap!

Judge:      - Well, witness? Can you explain this?

- OBJECTION 2 - Blackout Record

- I guess the victim must have been watching a video of a taped program!

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - A... video?

Sahwit:     - Yes, that would explain why the time was wrong!

Phoenix:    - True, true...

Mia:        - Wright! - I think the problem lies someplace else...

Judge:      - We're agreed that you heard the time at the scene, then.

- OBJECTION 2 - Blackout Record

- That's why I thought it was 1:00 PM!

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - Are you sure the voice you heard said it was 1:00 PM?

Sahwit:     - Yes, I can practically hear it now. It was quite clear.

Judge:      - Mr. Payne, has the prosecution verified this testimony?

Payne:      - My apologies, Your Honor. - I, too, have only just learned that the witness "heard" the time.

Sahwit:     - Oh, I'm really sorry. I only remembered it just now.

- OBJECTION 2 - Blackout Record

- Terribly sorry about the misunderstanding...

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - Well, you just watch it! - (Hmm... Not much point pressing him on that one, was there?)

Mia:        - Notice anything suspicious?

OBJECTION: Blackout Record
Phoenix:    - Hold it right there! - The prosecution has said there was a blackout at the time of the discovery! - And this record proves it!

Sahwit:     - ...!

Phoenix:    - You couldn't have heard a television... or a video!

Sahwit:     - Gah!!! - I... well... urk!

Judge:      - The defense has a point. - Do you have an explanation for this, Mr. Sahwit?

Sahwit:     - No, I... I find it quite puzzling myself! Quite! - ...            - Aah! - W-wait! I remember now!

Judge:      - Mr. Sahwit? - The court would prefer to hear an accurate testimony from the very beginning. - These constant corrections are harming your credibility. - That, and you seem rather... distraught.

Sahwit:     - ...! - M-my apologies, Your Honor! - It... er, it must have been the shock of finding the body!

Judge:      - Very well, Mr. Sahwit. - Let's hear your testimony once more please.

Hearing the Time: Testimony
WITNESS TESTIMONY -- Hearing the Time --

Sahwit:     - Actually, I didn't "hear" the time... I "saw" it! - There was a table clock in the apartment, wasn't there! - Yeah, the murder weapon! The killer used it to hit the victim! - That must have been what I saw.

END TESTIMONY

Judge:      - You saw a clock? I guess that would explain it. - The defense may cross-examine the witness.

Phoenix:    - Gladly.

Hearing the Time: Cross-Examination
CROSS-EXAMINATION -- Hearing the Time --

Sahwit:     - Actually, I didn't "hear" the time... I "saw" it!

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - That strikes me as a very suspicious mistake.

Sahwit:     - Yes, I can see how you'd be a little doubtful...                              - I'm really sorry. I only just remembered that table clock!

Judge:      - A "table clock"?

- There was a table clock in the apartment, wasn't there!

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - A "table clock"? Was there a clock at the scene?

Judge:      - This is the first I've heard of it!

- OBJECTION 3 - Statue

- Yeah, the murder weapon! The killer used it to hit the victim!

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - The... murder weapon?

Sahwit:     - Yes, the table clock that was used as a weapon! - That's what I just said. Did you doze off in the middle of my testimony or something?

Phoenix:    - (Something's fishy here...)

- OBJECTION 3 - Statue

- That must have been what I saw.

- HOLD IT!

Phoenix:    - Why didn't you tell us that in the first place?

Sahwit:     - I guess it just slipped my mind! - I'm not really sure how it happened myself...

Payne:      - The witness says he saw the table clock. End of story.

- OBJECTION 3 - Statue

Mia:        - Now, find the contradiction!

OBJECTION: Statue
Phoenix:    - Wait just a moment! - The murder weapon wasn't a clock. It was this statue! - Now how is this supposed to be a clock?

Sahwit:     - Y-you with your "objections," and your "evidence"...  Just who do you think you are!?

Phoenix:    - Just answer the question, Mr. Sahwit.

Sahwit:     - Hey, I... I saw it there, okay! That's a clock!

Payne:      - Your Honor! If I may...

Judge:      - Yes, Mr. Payne?

Payne:      - As the witness stated, this statue is indeed a clock. - The neck is a switch. You just tilt it, and it says the time out loud. - As it doesn't look like a clock, I submitted it as a statue. My apologies.

Judge:      - I see. - So the murder weapon was a table clock after all. - Well, Mr. Wright? - It appears that the witness's testimony was correct. This is a clock. - Do you have any problems with his testimony now? SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 6) - No              - Yes

[ANSWER 6: No]

Phoenix:    - I guess not. - There was a clock on the scene, so, no problem.

Mia:        - Wright! Are you out of your mind!? - That clock doesn't look like a clock at all! - The witness couldn't have possibly known it was a clock just by seeing it! - He said himself, he never entered the apartment! - It was in his testimony!

Phoenix:    - Hey! You're right!

Judge:      - Is something the matter? Does the defense have anything to add?

Phoenix:    - Yes...  Yes I do!

(go to ANSWER 6 RESULT)

[ANSWER 6: Yes]

Phoenix:    - Your Honor, there is a gaping hole in the witness's testimony!

(go to ANSWER 6 RESULT)

[ANSWER 6 RESULT]

(Phoenix):  - The only way he could have known the weapon was a clock is to hold it in his hand. - Yet the witness testified that he never entered the apartment! - Clearly, a contradiction!

Judge:      - Hmm... indeed!

Phoenix:    - The witness knew it was a clock, because he... SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 7) - Went into the apartmenet - Knew the victim

[ANSWER 7: Knew the victim]

Phoenix:    - Tell me, isn't it true that you knew the victim? - In fact, you were one of her "sugar daddies"! Be frank with us, Mr. Sahwit!

Sahwit:     - Hmph. - "Frank"? I'm always "Frank"!

Payne:      - Your Honor. - We have complete records of the victim's relationships. - Mr. Frank Sahwit does not appear anywhere.

Phoenix:    - Huh? Oh, really?

Judge:      - Please, Mr. Wright...  Is "Huh" the best response you can muster up? - Try to refrain from making off-the-cuff accusations in the future.

Phoenix:    - Y-yes, Your Honor. Let me think this over. - The witness knew it was a clock, because he... SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 7) - Went into the apartmenet - Knew the victim

[ANSWER 7: Went into the apartment]

Phoenix:    - You're lying! - You were inside the apartment on the day of the murder!

Sahwit:     - Oh yeah? Prove it! Prove I went in there!

Phoenix:    - I'll do better than that! I can prove you were the one who killed her! - You struck her with the clock, and the shock of the blow triggered the clock's voice! - That was the sound you heard!

Judge bangs his gavel.

Judge:      - Order in the court! - Intriguing. Please continue, Mr. Wright.

Phoenix:    - Yes, Your Honor. - Mr. Sahwit. - The sound must have left quite an impression on you. - Understandable, since the murder weapon spoke just as you hit the victim! - That voice was burned into your mind. - That's why you were so certain about the time!

OBJECTION!

Payne:      - W-w-what's the meaning of this? - This is all baseless conjecture!

Phoenix:    - Baseless...? - Just look at the witness's face!

Sahwit:     - Ngh... grrrah!

Judge:      - Would the witness care to elaborate? - Did you strike the victim with the clock?

Sahwit:     - I... I...! That... that day... I... I never! - Look... I... the clock... I heard, no! I mean, I saw...Saw... nggg! - Gwaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Sahwit throws his toupee at Phoenix.

Sahwit:     - Shutupshutupshutup! I hate you! - I-it was him, I tell you! I saw him! - H-he killed her and he should burn! Burn! Give him death!

Judge bangs his gavel.

Judge:      - Order! Order in the court I say!

Payne:      - Your Honor, a-a moment please! - There isn't a shred of evidence supporting the defense's claims!

Judge:      - Mr. Wright!

Phoenix:    - Your Honor?

Judge:      - You claim the sound the witness heard came from the clock...             - Do you have any evidence?

Phoenix:    - (The whole case is riding on this!  I'd better think it through carefully!) - Yes, Your Honor. - The sound Mr. Sahwit heard was definitely this clock. - A fact which is clear if you simply... SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 8) - Examine the clock's batteries - Ask the neighbors - Try sounding the clock

[ANSWER 8: Examine the clock's batteries]

Phoenix:    - All you have to do is examine the batteries!

Judge:      - Indeed? The batteries are... in the right way. The clock seems to be working fine. - What exactly did you mean, Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:    - Yes, the clock was working fine!

Payne:      - Yes, and...?

Phoenix:    - ...             - Umm, I'm sorry, I think I got confused back there with all those testimonies.

Judge:      - Mr. Wright! - I expect more from a lawyer in this court. Even if it is your first day. - I'm afraid I have to penalize you! Try to think things through more carefully.

[--PENALTY--]

Phoenix:    - Y-yes, Your Honor. As I was saying...            - (The whole case is riding on this!  I'd better think it through carefully!) - Yes, Your Honor. - The sound Mr. Sahwit heard was definitely this clock. - A fact which is clear if you simply... SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 8) - Examine the clock's batteries - Ask the neighbors - Try sounding the clock

[ANSWER 8: Ask the neighbors]

Phoenix:    - All you have to do is talk to the victim's neighbors!

Judge:      - Talk to the neighbors...?

Phoenix:    - I'm sure one of them heard the clock tell the time when the incident occurred!

Judge:      - I see...             - Does the prosecution have anything to say, Mr. Payne?

Payne:      - We have already made all the necessary inquiries. - Everyone living near the victim's apartment was out at the time of the murder. - Furthermore, even if a neighbor had heard the clock, - that would not prove that Mr. Sahwit had heard anything.

Judge:      - Hmm...  That is true. - I believe you may be wrong, Mr. Wright. - You'll receive a penalty for that, unfortunately.

[--PENALTY--]

Phoenix:    - I-I'm sorry, Your Honor! Let me think about it again! - (The whole case is riding on this! I'd better think it through carefully!) - Yes, Your Honor. - The sound Mr. Sahwit heard was definitely this clock. - A fact which is clear if you simply... SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 8) - Examine the clock's batteries - Ask the neighbors - Try sounding the clock

[ANSWER 8: Try sounding the clock]

Phoenix:    - Let's sound the clock now, here in this court. - Your Honor, may I have the clock? - I ask the court to listen very carefully...

Alarm clock: - ...*beep*... - [I think it's 8:25.]

Judge:      - That certainly is a strange way to announce the time.

Phoenix:    - Well, he is "The Thinker," after all.

Judge:      - So, we've heard the clock. What are your conclusions, Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:    - Mr. Payne... can you tell me what time it is now?

Payne:      - It's 11:25...             - Ack!

Phoenix:    - As you can see, this clock is exactly three hours slow! - Precisely the discrepancy between what Mr. Sahwit heard and the actual time of death! - So, Mr. Sahwit...            - Try to talk your way out of this one!

Sahwit:     - ...             - ...Hah! Hah hah! - You forgot one thing!

Phoenix:    - (Uh oh... what's he talking about...?)

Sahwit:     - While it may seem like that clock IS running three hours slow...             - It proves nothing! - How do you know it was running three hours slow on the day of the murder!? - If you can't prove that, you don't have a case!

Phoenix:    - ...! - (He's right! How am I going to prove that!?) - (Dammit! I was so close!)

Judge:      - Mr. Wright? - It seems you lack the critical evidence to support your claim.

Phoenix:    - ...! - Yes, Your Honor.

Judge:      - This means I cannot let you indict the witness. - Unfortunately...

Judge bangs his gavel.

Judge:      - This ends the cross-examination of Mr. Frank Sahwit.

Sahwit:     - I come all the way down here to testify, and look what happens! - They treat me like a criminal! A criminal! - You lawyers are all slime!

Phoenix:    - (Grr!  I almost had him!) - (Sorry, Larry... I failed you.) - (There's nothing I can do about it now...)

Mia:        - Not so fast, Mr. Sahwit!

Phoenix:    - Mia! I mean, Chief!

Mia:        - Listen up, Wright! - Don't throw this one away, not like this! Think!

Phoenix:    - But, Chief, it's over. - I can't prove the clock was slow the day of the murder! - Nobody can prove that!

Mia:        - Um... well, yes. - But that doesn't mean you can't still win! Try thinking out of the box! - Don't waste time doubting the facts. Assume the clock was three hours slow and...            - Think through it! - Ask yourself, "why was the clock three hours slow"? - Figure out the reason, and you'll have your proof! - Right, Wright? - Can you think of a reason as to why the clock would be three hours slow? SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 9) - Yes - No

[ANSWER 9: Yes]

Phoenix:    - ...             - Wait! - Maybe I can prove it!

Mia:        - You must have evidence somewhere that can prove it, Wright! - Find it and let them have it!

Judge:      - Well, Mr. Wright?

(go to ANSWER 9 RESULT)

[ANSWER 9: No]

Phoenix:    - H-how am I supposed to know that!?

Mia:        - I know you can figure it out! - There must be some evidence in the Court Record...            - Something that can show why that clock was three hours slow! - Find it, and he won't have a foot to stand on!

Judge:      - Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:    - Y-y-yes, Your Honor!

(go to ANSWER 9 RESULT)

[ANSWER 9 RESULT]

Judge:      - You say the clock was already running slow on the day of the murder...             - Do you have evidence to prove this?

Phoenix:    - (This is it... all or nothing!) - Yes, Your Honor. - I believe I have the evidence that can prove my claim!

Sahwit:     - Hah hah! I'd like to see THAT!

Judge:      - Let's see this evidence that proves why the clock was running slow! SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 10) - EVIDENCE

[ANSWER 10: Wrong Answer]

Judge:      - Um, excuse me. This proves your claim... how? - I can't see what that evidence has to do with the clock.

Phoenix:    - (D'oh!  That wasn't it!) - One more chance... Give me just one more chance!

Judge:      - Alright, Mr. Wright, but time is not on your side. - Be quick about it. - Let's see this evidence that proves why the clock was running slow! SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 10) - EVIDENCE

[ANSWER 10: Passport]

Phoenix:    - The victim had just returned home from abroad the day before the murder. - As we all know, the time difference between here and Paris is nine hours! - When it's 4:00 PM here, it's 1:00 the next day there. - The clock wasn't three hours slow, it was nine hours fast! - The victim hadn't reset her clock since returning home! - That's why the time you heard when you struck her dead in her apartment was wrong! - Proof enough for you, Mr. Sahwit? Or should I say... Mr. Did It!

Sahwit:     - Ngh! ...!

Sahwit passes out.

Judge bangs his gavel three times.

Judge:      - O-order! Order, I say! - Well...            - This case has certainly turned out differently than we all expected. - Mr. Payne... your client?

Payne:      - He... er... he was arrested and has been taken away, Your Honor.

Judge:      - Very well. - Mr. Wright?

Phoenix:    - Yes, Your Honor.

Judge:      - I have to say, I'm impressed. - I don't think I've ever seen someone complete a defense so quickly...            - and find the true culprit at the same time!

Phoenix:    - Thank you, Your Honor.

Judge:      - At this point, this is only a formality, but...             - This court finds the defendant, Mr. Larry Butz...

[NOT GUILTY]

Judge bangs his gavel.

Judge:      - And with that...  The court is adjourned.

Phoenix:    - It turns out that Frank Sahwit was a common burglar! - He posed as a newspaper salesman to check and see when people were out of the house! - That day...            - When Larry went to her apartment, the victim wasn't home. - After he left, Mr. Sahwit let himself in to do his dirty work! - While he was searching her place, the victim returned! - Flustered, Mr. Sahwit grabbed the nearest blunt object he could find...

=Ending=

August 3, 2:32 PM                  District Court Defendant Lobby No. 2

Phoenix:    - (Whew...  I still can't believe we won!)

Mia appears.

Mia:        - Wright! Good job in there! - Congratulations!

Phoenix:    - Th-thanks, Chief. I owe it all to you.

Mia:        - Not at all, not at all! You fought your own battlers in there. - It's been a while since I've seen a trial end on such a satisfying note!

Phoenix:    - (I've never seen the chief looking this happy...) - (If she's this glad, imagine how Larry must feel!)

Larry appears.

Butz:       - My life is over...

Phoenix:    - Larry! You're supposed to be happy! What's wrong now!?

Butz:       - Aww, Nick...             - Don't worry 'bout me! I'll be dead and gone soon!

Phoenix:    - Good! Wait, no! I mean... Bad! Bad bad bad! - Larry, you're innocent! The case is closed.

Butz:       - ...             - But... but my Cindy-windy's gone, man! Gone forever!

Phoenix:    - (Larry, she was a...  Nah...  Never mind.)

Mia:        - Congratulations, Harry!

Butz:       - H-Harry...?

Mia:        - Yes, you! I can practically see the headlines now: "Harry Butz, Innocent!"

Butz:       - Heh... um... thanks! I really owe you one. - I won't forget this, ever! Let's celebrate! Dinner? Movie? My treat!

Mia:        - Oh, no, I couldn't.

Phoenix:    - (Hey, I was the one who got you off the hook!)

Butz:       - Oh, hey! - H-here, take this! It's a present!

Mia:        - A present? For me? - Wait... Wasn't this the evidence that...

Butz:       - Actually, I made this clock for her! - I made one for her and one for me.

Mia:        - R-really? You? You made this? - ...            - Well, thank you. I'll keep it as a memento.

Butz:       - Yo, Nick...             - Can you believe it? I was so into that chick...            - And... and she was just playing me for a fool! - Don't that make you wanna just cry? *sob*

Phoenix:    - Larry...

Mia:        - ...             - Are you so sure?

Butz:       - Ex-squeeze me?

Mia:        - I think she thought quite a lot of you, in her own way.

Butz:       - Nah, you don't gotta sympathize with me, 'sokay.

Mia:        - Oh, I'm not just sympathizing, really. - Isn't that right, Wright? Don't you have something to show your friend? - Something that proves how she felt about him?

Phoenix:    - H-huh? Oh, yeah, right! - (What the heck is she talking about?) SELECT YOUR ANSWER (ANSWER 11) - EVIDENCE

[ANSWER 11: Wrong Answer]

Phoenix:    - Here you go, Larry. Proof.

Butz:       - ...             - Eh... heh heh? It's okay, Nick. Don't worry about me...            - I'll forget about her soon enough. - Look, I'm gonna head home. Thanks a ton, eh?

Larry leaves.

Phoenix:    - (Guess that wasn't the right thing to show him...)

(go to ANSWER 11 RESULT)

[ANSWER 11: Statue]

Phoenix:    - Check this out, Larry. Proof Positive you weren't just some chump to her.

Butz:       - Huh...? Where'd you get that clock?

Phoenix:    - This is the clock you made for her, Larry! - She took it with her when she traveled.

Butz:       - Hmm, she probably just needed a clock, that's all.

Phoenix:    - You think so? It's a pretty heavy clock to take traveling.

Butz:       - ...

Phoenix:    - Well, make of it what you will.

Butz:       - ...             - Hey, Nick. - I'm glad I asked you to be my lawyer. - Really, I am. Thanks.

Larry leaves.

Phoenix:    - (Hope that made him feel a little better...)

(go to ANSWER 11 RESULT)

[ANSWER 11 RESULT]

Mia:        - Wright? - I hope you see the importance of evidence now. - Also, hopefully you realize, things change depending on how you look at them. - People, too. - We never really know if our clients are guilty or innocent. - All we can do is believe in them. - And in order to believe in them, you have to believe in yourself. - Wright...            - Listen. Learn. Grow strong. - Never let go of what you believe in. Never. - Well, I think our work here is done! Shall we be off?

Phoenix:    - Yeah, I guess so!

Mia:        - Say, how about dinner. On me? - We'll drink a toast to innocent Butz!

Phoenix:    - Yeah!

Mia:        - Oh, speaking of Harry...             - You were saying part of why you became a lawyer was because of him.

Phoenix:    - Er, yeah. Part, at least.

Mia:        - You'll have to tell me more about it sometime! Maybe... over drinks?

Phoenix:    - And so, my first trial came to a close. - Larry slapped me on the back and said, "Gee, Nick, it's good to have friends!" - But I'm pretty sure he's not going to pay me. Unless you count the clock he gave Mia. - ...            - I didn't know it then...             - but that clock was soon going to be at the center of another incident. - And my promise to tell the chief about me and Larry...            - would be one promise that I wouldn't be able to keep.

THE END