You never know for sure how a jury will go. Take a look at our discussions here. Many people are convinced he did it, but there are a number of WS’ers who don’t think there’s proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Those are the folks that need to be convinced or BM will get acquitted at the worst or a hung jury at the least.
I was told many years ago, when newspapers were our major source of news, that articles were written to an eighth grade level to make them understandable to most people.
This is how the facts have to be presented in this case. It needs to be a story.
There is a specific plot structure that most stories follow. In fact, there are six main plot parts:
exposition, conflict, rising action, climax, falling action and
resolution.
1. Exposition
The exposition is the introduction to the story. Characters and setting are introduced.
2. Conflict
The conflict is the primary problem that drives the plot of the story, often a main goal for the main character to achieve or overcome.
3. Rising action
In rising action, the story becomes complicated. The main character is in crisis and there are multiple moments of conflict that escalate and create tension.
4. Climax
The climax is the peak of the action. At this point, the main character confront the big conflict. The most action, drama, change, and excitement occurs here. A choice must be made that will affect the rest of the story.
5. Falling action
In falling action, the conflict that arose as a result of the climax can start being resolved. The story begins to slow down and complications begin to resolve.
6. Resolution
The resolution is the end of the story and it brings the story to its happy or tragic ending. The conflict from the climax has been resolved and there is a new sense of normalcy for the characters.
Main parts of a plot in a story
The jurors need to be able to follow the plot and think that the conclusion is believable and true.
It is important in this case that the Prosecution keeps the Defense in check and doesn’t let them run off with confusing story lines. The defense will throw out all kinds of confusing facts about DNA and data bits until the jurors are rolling their eyes and falling asleep.
The Prosecutor will need to wake them up and explain clearly and concisely why the defense is incorrect.
A circumstantial case can be a big bore to some jurors. They are suspicious of this type of evidence. They want the smoking gun.
It is the prosecutor’s duty to make this case interesting, factual but not confusing, and clear as to the guilt of the defendant. If our prosecutor in this case can do that, we will have a conviction on Murder 1.
