FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. STUDY - 5:30 am
Peter is studying files.
PETER (V.O.): I daren't sleep more, I want to refine my preparation.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've two court matters in the morning and a part-heard trial to deal with in the afternoon.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): In one morning matter, the facts to be agreed are still outstanding.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I've prepared a draft but the defendant isn't legally represented.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My level of care about things is quite high. Can I care less?
Act 2
INT. COURT - 9.30am
The court CLERK calls a number and a name.
PETER: Your Worship, I'm prosecuting.
No one responds to the Clerk's call.
MAGISTRATE: This case is stood down for the time being.
The court clerk calls another number and another name. DEFENDANT#1 comes forward. Peter plays his role.
PETER: Do you plead guilty or not guilty?
DEFENDANT#1: Guilty.
Peter reads out the brief facts of the case and the Defendant agrees.
PETER (V.O.): He's a visitor living in a hotel. Out of greed, he stole some fruits from a supermarket.
MAGISTRATE: Convicted as charged.
A COUNSEL mitigates for the Defendant.
MAGISTRATE: As you've a clear record, I fine you $3000.
The court clerk then calls the stood-down case. DEFENDANT#2 comes forward.
MAGISTRATE: Why you're late?
DEFENDANT: I feel unwell this morning.
PETER then prosecutes.
PETER: Do you plead guilty or not guilty?
DEFENDANT#2: Not guilty.
MAGISTRATE: Have you got the prosecution's papers from the Police?
DEFENDENT#2: No. But I've just sought legal representation from the Duty Lawyer Service.
MAGISTRATE: Despite the Court's suggestion to you to do that a couple of months ago, it's only today that you've done it?
DEFENDENT#2 nods.
MAGISTRATE: I forfeit your bail money...
The Magistrate then asks Peter.
MAGISTRATE: How many prosecution witnesses have you got?
PETER: Your Worship, three. But the victim witness hasn't appeared yet. We've been calling him, but his phone was turned off.
MAGISTRATE: Do you want to apply for an arrest warrant?
PETER: Could I have your Worship's indulgence to find out why the victim is absent?
The hearing is adjourned. Peter seeks support of a POL ICE OFFICER.
POLICE OFFICER: My colleagues are visiting the victim's home.
It is 11.00am. The VICTIM witness is in court. The court is in session again.
PETER: Your worship, the Police has driven the victim witness here.
The Magistrate turns her attention to the victim.
MAGISTRATE: Why didn't you comply with the witness summons and come to court at 9:30am?
VICTIM: I took some medication yesterday night, turned off my phone and missed the alarm.
MAGISTRTE: You're wasting everybody's time. Do you know you might be fined for $5000 and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment?
Pausing.
MAGISTRATE: You must be punctual from now on!
PETER (V.O.): Both Defendant#2 and the victim witness have very low level of care. They couldn't care less, actually.
Act 3
INT. COURT - 3:30pm
Peter is submitting.
PETER: Your Worship, this's the prosecution's case.
MAGISTRATE: Prima facie case established.
PETER (V.O.): That's means I've proved the essential elements of the charge.
INT. STUDY - 10.30pm
Relaxing on a sofa, Peter is reflecting.
PETER (V.O.): Have I been caring too much? If yes, I can care less, actually.
FADE OUT.
THE END
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