FADE IN.
Act 1
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
PETER checks a file.
PETER (V.O.): My assignment tomorrow is to just to take a verdict, in the afternoon.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
A STAFF (30s) speaks to Peter.
STAFF: As of now, there's no need for you to offer any assistance to the court in the morning.
Nodding.
PETER (V.O.): It's too early to tell. Let the institution runs its course. Let's see what actually happens.
Studying a file, Peter types on his phone.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Let me jot down what I've learned from handling this case.
Later, the staff brings Peter a couple of files.
STAFF: You've to offer assistance to the court now.
Nodding, Peter leaves the office with the staff.
Act 2
INT. COURT - DAY
Court PERSONNEL are here and there.
PETER (V.O.): The first case is about domestic violence. The father couldn't control himself after learning his young son speaking foul language in school.
Peter looks at a gentlemen in suit.
PETER (V.O.): Oh, he's the defendant.
When the court is in session, Peter stands up to address the BENCH.
PETER: ... let the defendant be bound over ...
After the charge is read by an INTERPRETER, the bench speaks to the defendant.
PETER (V.O.): There's neither verdict nor sentence. Let the family restart again violence-free.
As Peter continues to address the bench, the cases are disposed of summarily.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Cases are different and so are their resolutions.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Through experiential learning, I'm better equipped.
The court is adjourned.
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
Peter is enjoying something light.
PETER (V.O.): I've to focus on taking the verdict in the afternoon.
INT. COURT - DAY
The bench is delivering the verdict.
PETER (V.O.): It's a case on indecent assault. The judge convicts the defendant after trial.
Peter stands up.
PETER: The defendant has a clear record.
As the defence mitigates, the COUNSEL hands in to the bench some printouts and passes copies to Peter.
PETER (V.O.): These're relevant case authorities on indecent assault sentencing.
The court is adjourned.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Would the bench be persuaded not to pass a custodial sentence?
The court is in session again. The bench passes the sentence.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Oh, the bench isn't persuaded, for good reasons. Both the defence counsel and the defendant must be disappointed. I've to make an application about the exhibits.
Peter stands up to address the bench.
The court is adjourned.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Peter signs off some papers.
PETER (V.O.): My job is done.
The staff comes to Peter.
STAFF: The defence has a late application to make.
Peter checks a wall clock which registers 5:00 pm.
Act 3
INT. COURT - DAY
The defendant is in the dock. The defence counsel submits before the bench apologetically.
PETER (V.O.): It's an application for bail, pending appeal against sentence. I was rather surprised that it wasn't made earlier.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Perhaps, the custodial sentence imposed wasn't foreseen.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The staff and I didn't foresee that we've to work overtime today too.
INT. STUDY - NIGHT
PETER (V.O.): Living my life as fulfilling as I can, I'm my own judge. And the verdict is up to me.
Peter looks enlightened.
FADE OUT.
THE END
Comments