#Courtroom Drama | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

alynnl · 5 months

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A line I read in one of the Sherlock short stories ("My friend never stood on the dock") and my recent fixation on the Ace Attorney series led to me asking one question.

"What if Sherlock Holmes did go on trial, being accused of murder?"

The short story title would refer to the courthouse (maybe The Old Bailey, referenced in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles.)

Immediately following his arrest, Holmes sends a message to Watson. In the note, he tells Watson not to get sentimental and visit him in jail that night, but instead to investigate the scene of the crime, and see what he can deduce from it. Showing great trust in his friend, Watson does just that and takes very detailed notes on his findings.

"There was never a greater test of my own powers of observation."

And because of Holmes's status as a sort of celebrity, he will have a closed trial, with only members of the judiciary and key people on the case attending. This is to prevent the trial from becoming a media circus, and ensure the verdict will be reached by evidence and testimony rather than public opinion.

Godfrey Norton, who is now Irene Adler's husband, is serving as Holmes's defense counsel. Irene herself is attending the trial, watching from the gallery. (This is the final way Irene outsmarted Holmes in A Scandal in Bohemia - everyone believed Norton was a prosecutor working on her behalf, when he was actually a public defender.)

The opposing counsel is Charles Culverton-Smith, a prosecutor who is on track to become Director of Public Prosecutions. There’s a possibility that he took the case to add to his reputation (but that’s just speculation on Watson and Norton’s part.)

Watson tells Holmes of this theory when they speak in the defendant's lobby just before the trial, but Holmes is skeptical.

"If Culverton-Smith truly wanted to bolster his reputation, he would insist on a public trial where he could show his legal prowess to a larger audience. There is something else at play here, something far more sinister."

The trial begins. Both Norton and Culverton-Smith give their legal arguments, supporting their stances with evidence and witness testimony.

Watson is the final witness to speak in the trial. He describes his findings at the crime scene, and tries to use factual language (as Holmes remarked to him before, when talking about his writings.) Everyone in the courtroom (including the judge and the prosecution) believe Watson's observations to be so important, that they agree to call for a thirty minute recess. During the pause in proceedings, Lestrade and other policemen to look over the crime scene one more time alongside Watson to confirm what he said was true.

Sure enough, Watson's deductions prove that Sherlock Holmes couldn't have been the killer. When court is back in session, Lestrade gives his report. Based on the new information, the judge hands down a verdict of "not guilty" to Sherlock Holmes.

There is little time to celebrate, as Holmes immediately whisks Watson away to the streets of London. He insists they make haste the nearest carriage, because "There's still time to catch the true mastermind behind this devious plot!"

Lestrade picks up on Holmes's pursuit and decides to lead his own forces to block one of the main exits to London.

Meanwhile, Holmes and Watson enter a high speed chase against the true culprit, who's been behind at least two other incidents of framing people for murders he committed.

At the end of the chase, the criminal is surrounded by Lestrade and his police force on one side, along with Holmes and Watson (who is armed with his revolver) on the other side. He finally surrenders and gives himself up, at last being taken into custody.

Watson is astonished at this turn of events. "My dear Holmes, you've done it again! I'm speechless!"

"Indeed I have, but I insist you don't undersell your role in this, dear Watson. This case would have a much darker conclusion without your thoughtful analysis. I trust that you will reflect that in your writings, if there is ever a time you will be permitted to release the details to the public."

Charles Culverton-Smith catches up with Holmes and Watson. He didn't get a chance to speak with them after the trial, but wanted them to know that he harbored no ill will towards Holmes. He was simply doing his job as a man who practices law, and couldn't imagine leaving the trial to anyone else. Because everyone deserves a fair trial, and many other lawyers are biased either for or against Holmes, depending on how his actions affected their cases.

Holmes comments that Culverton-Smith will make a fine Director of Public Prosecutions when the time comes, since his integrity speaks for itself.

"If I am ever on the dock in the future, I would trust your judgment."

Watson insists Holmes not talk about "the next time in court" because he doesn't want there to be a "next time."

Holmes agrees to move on from the subject. He points out there is still ample time for breakfast and sets off to find the nearest place that will serve Watson's favorite dishes. "My treat, naturally."

Watson concludes the story mentioning that five years have passed since the first and only trial of his friend, Sherlock Holmes. The events in the closed courtroom have been made public, to teach students of law how to conduct a fair trial of a famous (or infamous) client.

#Sherlock Holmes #ACD Holmes #John Watson #Inspector Lestrade #Sherlock Holmes OC #Charles Culverton-Smith #Sherlock Holmes fan case #Watson does deductions #Sherlock goes on trial #courtroom drama #Letters from Watson

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giveamadeuschohisownmovie · 4 months

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EDIT: Sorry, forgot. “Of the options listed only”. This is not an open-ended, submit an answer question.

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ellestrix · 1 year

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Judge: the defendant has been accused of… *shuffles papers*

Me: you can just say it your honor

Judge: the defendant has been accused of sixteen counts of kidnapping, and of hosting an underground fight to the death tournament, as well as sixteen counts of petty theft from CVS, sixteen counts of battery, and fifteen counts of manslaughter. The defendant has chosen to represent herself. You may have the floor for your opening statements.

Me: your honor, ladies, gents, and enbies of the jury, the reason I kidnapped sixteen dentists and forced them to fight to the death was so I could most effectively determine which was the best toothpaste. In this courtroom I shall

#shitpost #ace attorney #meme #relatable #text #text post #shit ka says #courtroom drama #teeth

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belle-keys · 8 months

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any recommendations for courtroom dramas that aren't law & order, htgawm, suits, or anatomy of a scandal? bonus points of you can recommend me a legal drama aired in spanish.

#tv #tv recs #tbw #shows #show recommendations #htgawm #l&o svu #suits #anatomy of a scandal #crime dramas #legal dramas #courtroom drama

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hollywoodoutbreak · 2 months

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Even though she was never a series regular, Carrie Preston became a fan favorite on The Good Wife with her occasionally recurring character, Elsbeth Tascioni. In fact, her appearances on the show earned her a pair of Primetime Emmy nominations as a guest actor, and she won the award in 2013. After The Good Wife signed off, Preston reprised the role on the first Good Wife spinoff series, The Good Fight. Now, Preston's character is getting her own spinoff series, Elsbeth. While The Good Wife and The Good Fight were dramas with some comedic elements, Elsbeth is more of a comedy with dramatic undercurrents. It's created and produced by the same team that created the previous series, Robert and Michelle King, and Preston says she's grateful to be given the chance to expand the role beyond the guest shots she'd previously gotten.

Elsbeth airs Thursdays at 10/9c on CBS, and episodes start streaming the following day on Paramount+.

#Elsbeth #Carrie Preston #The Good Wife #The Good Fight #spinoff #TV show #legal drama #lawyer #comedy #Robert King #Michelle King #Emmy Award winner #fan favorite character #Elsbeth Tascioni #courtroom drama #quirky character

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reachartwork · 16 days

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Chum 87: Deposition

The conference room is small and stuffy, generic in a way that makes it feel almost purposefully devoid of character. Just four bland walls, a battered folding table, and an array of uncomfortable-looking chairs arranged in a tight semicircle.

I try not to squirm as I take my assigned seat, resisting the urge to fidget with the omnipresent legal pad and pen that have become permanent accoutrements over the past few weeks. Beside me, Mrs. Gibson exudes an aura of unflappable calm and confidence, back ramrod straight as she lays out her materials with crisp, practiced motions.

Across the table, the defense attorney offers me a disarming smile, all gleaming white teeth and carefully cultivated affability. "Samantha Small, I presume? Jerry Caldwell, it's a pleasure to meet you at last."

His handshake is firm, enveloping my much smaller hand in a warm, calloused grip. Despite his evident size and strength, there's nothing overtly intimidating about him. If anything, the vibe he gives off is more 'overgrown fratboy' than 'soulless legal shark'.

"Uh, hi. You can just call me Sam," I reply, doing my best to match his easy demeanor.

Mrs. Gibson clears her throat meaningfully. "Shall we get started, Mr. Caldwell? We're on a rather tight timeline here."

"But of course, of course." Caldwell releases my hand and settles back into his chair with an easy grace. "We're all professionals here, no need for undue ceremony. Although…" He flicks a glance towards the court reporter, who has been watching our exchange with a suitably bored expression. "I do believe the young lady needs to be sworn in before we proceed."

#writing #courtroom drama #alt history #sci fi #superhero #web serial #chum #chum web serial #chumpdate

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spockvarietyhour · 10 months

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This is a bad list with bad opinions.

First off, this is Dax and Star Trek VI erasure. And also Enterprise's Judgment, tho the similar setting of Trek VI makes it a bit redundant it should still be in here. I could hear arguments for Enterprise's The Council tho.

Two, Chain of Command Pt 2??!??!?!! That is not courtroom trek. It's a superb ep but doesn't fall in there. I would also say that Encounter at Farpoint doesn't belong here(and if you did that why not have All Good Things...).

Also, sorry SNWers but Ad Astra was not...good. bottom of the list.

I think Judgment, Rules of Engagement, Dax all need to be towards the bottom of the list. Death Wish maybe above those. The TOS eps around the middle, with The Measure of a Man, the Drumhead and Trek VI in the top slots.

#but that's just my opinion #sorry needed to get that off my chest #please resume scrolling #star trek #listicles #courtroom trek #courtroom drama

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smallfrenchstudyblr · 2 years

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Describe your academic research with tags, but only ao3 tags.

#slow burn #enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers to-#lack of communication #political intrigue #courtroom drama #no one communicates #ego gets in the way of everything #reluctant allies #phdblr #gradblr #life as a phd student #academia

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countesspetofi · 1 month

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Today in the Department of Before They Were Star Trek Stars: Leonard Nimoy plays the killer of the week in "The Case of the Shoplifter's Shoe," episode 13 of the sixth season of Perry Mason (original air date January 3, 1963). I don't think I'm spoiling anything here; this character is so shifty from the get-go that it's no surprise when he's revealed as the culprit in the penultimate scene. Shoplifting aunties, jewel fences, cheating wives, yadda yadda yadda.

Other Trek connections: The script supervisor for this episode is Cosmo Genovese, who was the primary script supervisor for both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager, as well as some script work for other Star Trek projects.

#star trek #star trek tos #star trek the original series #1960s tv #courtroom drama #leonard nimoy #perry mason #raymond burr #william hopper #william talman #ray rollins #melora conway #cosmo genovese

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chaotic-orphan · 5 months

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Brain: we have some downtime, we should work on our WIPS

Me: *Does not look at all my other WIPs*… new idea just dropped

Brain: but our WIPs

Me: already working on new idea ahuh yeah, I know, this one first

Okay, just a disclaimer at the start of this. I am currently studying law, which is crazy because I have seen other Whump authors of note who also study law so guys I think we have a type and can be weeded out. Anyways, unimportant, but I want to do a whumpy legal series that will satisfy and combine my two loves.

Honestly knowing me, will it be a series or an orphaned WIP who knows! Anyways, enjoyyyy~

*~*~*~*~*

Lawyer was happy that Senior Partner of the Firm had given them this new case. To be fair, Partner was the one that recruited Lawyer to the firm to begin with, so it made sense that they would want Lawyer to do well. Partner would help them get the good cases, and Lawyer would win them to impress the members of the board.

This was just how it went in the legal ecosystem. I scratch your back, you scratch mine.

Lawyer had recruited Paralegal who had been making eyes at them ever since their hire to help them with the cases and over the time they spent together behind the scenes, they had become a good team.

Lawyer knew more law than Paralegal, and Paralegal helped to bring Lawyer back down to the real world when their brain worked overtime and went too far intellectually. Paralegal knew more about how the administrative process worked, telling Lawyer exactly what forms to file and by when, going back and forth with opposing counsels Paralegals and all in all, they were a good team.

Lawyer was feeling good about their career.

Until the first day in court of one particular case.

It was only going to be Lawyer, the judge and opposing counsel. Lawyer was a little less happy about impressing a smaller audience but it didn’t really matter that the hearing would be short and intimate.

It was simple matter, just a filing for another company’s books and business logs before entering into a business relationship.

Paralegal told them that this kind of thing was normal in the process, that most of what Lawyer had to learn was how things actually worked as opposed to how Lawyer thought they should work.

Lawyer told Paralegal that the two should be synonymous, which made Paralegal laugh and roll their eyes. It made a little light bloom in Lawyers chest and they had a certain pep in their step as they walked into the courthouse.

They met Judge outside, smiling and shaking their hand, and thanking them for their time in presiding over the hearing.

“You really are new, aren’t you?” Judge said, a derisive snort to their words even though their expression remained pleasant.

“Yes your Honour.”

“Partner’s new one, right? Lawyer?”

“Partner must speak highly of me. I’ve told them to stop singing my praises,” said Lawyer with a charming smile and even got Judge to laugh.

“One would hope, Lawyer,” Judge said. Very neutral and friendly and respectful, everything a judge should be. Just warm enough to be civil, just cold enough to not cross that professional boundary. Judge looked at their watch on their wrist, so Lawyer did as well.

It wasn’t anything flashy which momentarily stunned and short circuited Lawyer’s brain. It was simple, analog, with a worn and ragged strap hanging by a thread to keep it together.

Old.

Poor.

Not designer at all, and Lawyer acted like they didn’t see a thing. Just stored that information away for another time.

“Do you know opposing counsel?” Judge asked conversationally and Lawyer shook their head, the pair looking at the Courthouse’s steps.

“I’m afraid not. My Paralegal was helping me with their correspondence.”

Judge raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. Then their eyes crinkled and something about them looked homely for a minute, before they said: “they are the favourite in their firm, Lawyer. Maybe a couple years your senior. They won’t let the case go.”

Lawyer’s smile stayed on. “Your Honour that only makes me want to win more.”

Judge smiled, and inside Lawyer felt the same relief when they submitted an assignment or aced an exam. As if they had passed some test that Judge had left for them with their words.

Judge’s eyes caught something Lawyer didn’t and they smiled politely at the Courthouse’s door. “Ah, Rival. Punctual as ever.”

Lawyer’s blood ran cold but they fought to keep the smile on their face and remain unaffected and detached. Their heart gave them away. It was hammering against their ribs, threatening to crack them in two, kicking in Lawyer’s adrenaline for fight or flight as they followed Judge turning away from them to face their opposing Counsel.

“Please, Judge,” that cool voice said with it’s low lilting rumble. “That’s what watches are for. I am simply on time, I wasn’t aware of a party beforehand.”

Lawyer’s eyes went to Rival’s as he extended a hand to shake with Judge and greet them as politely and clinical as was usual in greetings.

Rival looked… annoyingly immaculate.

His face a portrait of sharp angles not even an artist could perfect, but an architect or an engineer in the sheer precision it would require. His hair was from a model’s catalogue, long, but not going past their shoulders and be bold. Just enough to be on trend and add a bit of fashion to the industry. The same with his stubble that lined his jaw evenly and gave him a more intimidating look.

When his green eyes settled on Lawyer it was with that same aggravatingly knowing look that he always knew more than Lawyer ever did. That he was always one step ahead In whatever he set his mind to, or against.

Lawyer was the one to offer their hand first, their charming smile still oozing confidence to any passer by walking past the large windows of the courthouse.

It would have been perfect.

If it wasn’t Rival who was looking into them, who seemed to know what Lawyer was thinking or saying or doing before Lawyer did.

Rival took Lawyers hand. The moment they made contact Lawyer wished they hadn’t. It was as if Rival was hooking Lawyer up to a battery and trying to jumpstart something inside them that threatened to become destructive and dangerous. Trying to draw out the fear of the past, but Lawyer, to their own amazement, withstood the handshake and the pleasantries.

“Lawyer, look at you. All grown up.”

“I’ve heard some interesting things about you recently, Rival, you’ve done well for yourself.”

Lawyer wasn’t about to mention that the recent part of the news was two minutes ago but that could stay between Lawyer and Judge. Rival would never have to know.

Rival smiled though it’s edges were sharper than their cheekbones and said, “we should catch up after this. Have a few drinks.”

It wasn’t an offer.

Lawyer learned that the hard way.

Lawyer just smiled and dropped Rival’s hand. “Speaking of, shall we?”

Judge nodded and turned to the doors behind them, big heavy wooden doors. Old. Mahogany if Lawyer would have to guess, but Lawyer would only notice something so benign when they were trying to distract themselves from the rich cologne of Rival’s aftershave that was threatening to overwhelm them with its subtlety.

Courtroom three.

Small.

Quaint.

Fit for purpose.

Exactly what Paralegal had explained and told Lawyer of when they were talking about the case after a long day of work. Over food. Lawyers idea.

“I’d say it’ll be courtroom three, but maybe the Judge will just do it in their quarters, although… that’s not very official. Or usual.”

“Courtroom three then. Is it nice?”

Paralegal paused, chopsticks hovering loosely above their box of chow mein. “It’s very… austere.”

Lawyer almost pouted. Almost.

They walked to their desk, Rival walked to theirs and then the Judge disappeared into the Judge’s quarters to get their robe and official documents or whatever judges did in their quarters.

Lawyer set their briefcase down on the chair beside them, unzipping it and taking out their own files and paperwork.

They glanced over at Rival to see that he was already staring at Lawyer, eyes as sharp as a hawk’s. Rival was standing, file on the table, prepared and ready to work, briefcase on the ground beside their feet.

Lawyer glanced back at their own briefcase which was less fancy and more flimsy, and had to stop themselves from fixing its position and copying Rival’s set up.

They remained in silence, except for the occasional noise from the judge’s quarters and Lawyer wanted so badly to break it. To say something. Anything. Just to not deal with this stupid tension filled anticipation of nothing.

The worst part wasn’t the silence, though, it was Rival’s silence which was its own breed of torture. Colder than the arctic winds and harsher than a Russian Winter. What made it worse was that Lawyer could feel Rival’s twisted enjoyment of Lawyer’s suffering, literally suffering in silence.

It wasn’t a moment too soon when Judge emerged from their room into the court. Lawyer felt a sudden reassurance flood them that they never felt around Rival. As if they knew that Rival couldn’t do anything now, here, with Judge in the room and observing them both.

The battle ground that stretched from Lawyer’s side of the court to Rival’s felt more even, and suddenly Lawyer remembered why they were here, and all the work that had gone into getting them here.

All the time they had spent with Paralegal.

With Judge in the room, Lawyer’s easy confidence came back and they were suddenly Lawyer again, the Lawyer Partner had trusted with this case. The one that had to impress the board members of the firm. The one that had to prove to Paralegal that their work together wasn’t worthless that Lawyer could still be useful.

“I will begin this Hearing thusly,” said Judge with their professional judge’s voice that oozed authority, very different from their polite and civil manner. As soon as the robes went on Judge seized to be a person and became apart of the Legal Process that Paralegal had told Lawyer so much about. “Apologies for the peculiarity of today, I am recording this session as the Courthouse’s stenographer is currently in the Caribbean on his honeymoon. To which, we wish a heartfelt and sincere congratulations, Dave.”

Lawyer and Rival blinked up at Judge who smiled lavishly at the pair, a devilish kind of indulgence. “Dave has to listen back and record these meetings when he gets home. Dave, please strike all this from the record. Lovely man. Ahem, anyways…”

“It is August 7th of the Gregorian calendar year of 2023. The matter of today’s hearing is merely one of disclosure and discovery. The claimant, Company, wishes to see the books of the Defendant before they wish to proceed with their intention to create a contractual relationship with Defendants company. Are we all agreed?”

“Yes your honour,” they echoed back.

Judge looked to Lawyer then and nodded. “Counsel for the Claimant will present their case first.”

“Yes, Your Honour. The matter is clear cut and simple. It is as you presented succinctly. My client, Company, simply wishes to know who they are going into business with before any hands are shook or deals are signed.”

Judge nodded. Their eyes went to Rival then. “And the defence? Do you have any objections to the motion for discovery?”

“Yes your Honour.”

Lawyer frowned. Judge frowned. Lawyer glanced over at Rival then back to Judge. Judge nodded, though Lawyer noted the short rise and fall of their chest, as if they let out a quiet sigh. “Proceed.”

“Thank you, your Honour,” said Rival, quite politely with a humble nod of deference that Lawyer would have laughed at if someone else had done it. “My client, Defendant Company, has and always intends to conduct business on the basis of trust. They are a reputable business and operate how they have always operated. It is family founded, built and led, and it is simply the current owners way of honouring his father, and his father’s father before him.”

“Tradition is the reason to deny discovery to a potential business partner?” Judge asked, the dispassionate tone matching his look of subtle disapproval.

“Yes your honour.”

“Your Honour, if I may,” Lawyer chimed in and Judge didn’t stop them so they proceeded. “The rules of knowing your business partner before entering into relations is how business has been done for generations—“

Lawyer said pointedly glancing at Rival as they said it. “With today’s climate of uncertainty, my client thinks it is prudent to be prepared rather than have to face a caveat emptor situation whereby—“

“Objection, your honour. Caveat emptor isn’t relevant here. The product is not from a third party, it is the business relationship as a whole that is on offer here.”

Judge looked a bit annoyed but they shot Lawyer a glance that could almost be apologetic. “Objection sustained, Lawyer please reword your statement.”

Lawyer didn’t bristle. They remained calm and cool. Professional. “Of course your honour. I didn’t mean to invoke the doctrine of Caveat Emptor, more the principles of it. That the buyer beware of the exact business they are entering into should the relationship turn sour.”

Judge raised their eyebrows and turned their head to Rival.

“As the opposing counsel presented your honour, in today’s climate of business it is more essential than ever to create and enforce trust between business partners. I do not see why on a legal basis they have the right, or need, to look at my clients books as to whether or not they would like to enter into a business relationship.”

“Need I say that both businesses operate parallel in the economic biosphere of our city. What my client fears, and is reluctant to divulge,” Rival said, turning their head slightly inclining it towards Lawyer.

The movement was so small. So imperceptible, but it crushed Lawyers chest like an anvil falling on a piano. That was Rival’s tell, their victory lap, because they had already decided that they won.

“…is that the opposition’s client,” Rival continued, “Company, may decide against pursuing a business relationship at all with my client and take up business with another company. This will cause an unfair advantage for the claimants company, and upset the carefully curated social rules and governance of our city’s economy.”

Judge screwed their mouth up, and Lawyer knew they lost. It was as if Judge had put a pin in Lawyer’s ever present good mood.

This is the first time they lost and they were already swamped in grief without the gavel to signal the death. Because that’s what it felt like. Like Lawyer could see their entire career dying before them.

Thanks to Rival.

It had to be Rival.

They should have come more prepared. Stayed later, worked harder. They wasted Paralegal’s time, Jesus— shit! They still had to face Paralegal.

“With regards to the current situation of a potential business relationship going hypothetically awry, I will have to dismiss the motion for discovery in favour of the defendants objection.”

Judge looked at Lawyer when they spoke again, directing the words to them in earnest. “The law does not operate within hypotheticals and potentials, and it would be a significant error, and violation, of traditional business relations if I filed to accept your motion on behalf of your client, As there is no legal basis to file for this motion, I rule this request as denied. Thank you counsel.”

“Your Honour,” Rival said immediately with a nod.

Lawyer said it a beat after, a bit in a stupor.

Judge rose from the podium, turning off the recording and went back to their chambers to de-robe. Lawyer could hear Rival cleaning up. They heard the hard leather land on the table and the locks click open.

Professional.

Neat.

Organised.

Lawyer looked like an idiot beside them.

Lawyer watched almost forlornly as Judge disappeared behind the door to the Judge’s private quarters, leaving them open and vulnerable to Rival. They felt like a baby bird who fell out of it’s nest right beside a hungry cat with two gleaming hungry eyes and claws sharper than thorns.

“It was a poor motion to pursue,” said Rival, their voice velvety and consoling. It sprung Lawyer into action, taking their own briefcase and hastily putting their papers away. “Businesses do this all the time, Lawyer, it’s okay.”

“You’re not my tutor anymore, Rival. You don’t get to dictate how I feel.”

“I can’t even try and cheer you up as a friend?”

“You were never my friend,” said Hero with a shrug as they zipped up their briefcase and turned to leave.

Rival stood there, blocking their path. Tall, dressed in their designer navy suit with a crisp white button down and a hand held loosely in one pocket. A perfect imitation of a human being, without having the characteristics of one.

“That’s harsh, Lawyer.”

“And yet, true. You’ll have to excuse me.”

Rival didn’t move, didn’t blink. He just stood there, looking down at Lawyer, expression imperceptible. “Come have drinks with me.”

Lawyer scoffed. “To celebrate?”

“It is one loss Lawyer,” said Rival, tone hard. Lawyer sent a cutting glare up at Rival, their eyes narrowed to the dangerous point of a dagger.

“Would you accept it?” Lawyer asked, furious. Rival blinked. That was all the answer Lawyer needed. “Exactly. Excuse me. I need to get back to work.”

Lawyer brushed by Rival and this time, Rival let them. “I’ll find you after work then,” said Rival, and Lawyer shook their head but didn’t turn back around. It wasn’t an offer they could refuse, but right now Lawyer would take all of the agency they could get.

It took getting out into the fresh open air, with sunlight smiling on their skin before Lawyer let their shoulders sag an inch. Just for a moment.

A long, gratuitous inhale, and a satisfying filling exhale.

Then they fixed their posture and continued down the courthouse steps, their easy mask of confidence returning.

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iamthespineofmybook · 5 months

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Just had a new semi-random idea for a TV show: a supernatural courtroom drama.

It's a Modern Fantasy setting, with no Secret World stuff beyond people being people. It's just that some of those people are fae or vampires or dragons that can take human shape or what have you.

The idea was prompted by CaFae Latte and the idea of a magically (in this case fae) enforced restraining order.

#tv show idea #courtroom drama #modern fantasy #cafae latte

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inthememetime · 2 years

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It is TIME

H(a)unted

Summary: Danny is surprised when he and his sister are taken to court with Vlad and their parents. Vlad is suing for custody. Ridiculous!

Or is it? As the court case continues, Danny and Jazz have to come to terms with the idea that Vlad may be their only shot at survival and escape- and that their parents are not the people they thought they were.

Who is he really? Who- and what- is his sister? Are his parents bad luck to be around- or murderers?

This story is told primarily through dialogue and epistolary storytelling as an experiment. Throughout the story, please expect body horror, illegal and nonconsensual experimentation on human beings, murder, and kidnapping. Mind the tags, please.

Chapter 1 under the cut. Tagging: @shroudthecursedone @ghost-malone @goata33 @tellmeabtspinos @murderandjam @elegantmantaray let me know if you want to be tagged for chapter 2!

Based on this convo!

"State your full name for the record, please."

"Vladimir Gregori Masters. Born Vladimir Gregori Romanov."

"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? And, uh, the Ancients?"

"I do so swear."

Vlad wasn't swearing on a bible. Somehow, that made him almost want to laugh. Instead, he was swearing on a glowing purple book with ectoplasmic green pages. It floated slightly above the bailiff's hands. It hissed, opened itself, and Vlad bit one finger, allowing a drop of blood to land on the blank page. The book hissed again. "Your oath is accepted. Failure to uphold it shall result in grave punishments upon the river Styx."

A drop of sweat rolled down the bailiff's balding head. "You can set it down now," Vlad told him.

It added to the absurdity of the situation. One week ago exactly, he and Jazz were picked up from school by police officers and two CPS representatives. One week and one day, it was as normal as his life ever got. Just one day later, everything changed.

He hadn't spoken with Vlad- not for lack of trying, but he was always watched. If he could just get the fruitloop to see this wasn't the winning strategy! He was using ghostly artifacts in front of humans- someone was going to figure out what they were, and Vlad had a lot more to lose than he did.

Everything Vlad did had a reason of some sort. Neither he nor Jazz could figure out the reason for this.

"The trial of Vladimir Masters, the State of Wisconsin, the State of Illinois, the State of Michigan, et. all, versus Madeline and Jack Fenton is now in session," the judge said, banging a heavy wooden gavel.

Danny swallowed. This wasn't some dumb ploy by the fruitloop, not if three states or more were involved. "Mr. Masters, please state your intent with this trial."

"I see it, based on evidence, that I would be a better caretaker for both Jazmine and Daniel Fenton until they reach adulthood than Maddie or Jack Fenton."

Maddie or Jack. That made Danny freeze when he wanted to jump out of his chair and yell. Well, that and the tight grip his sister held on his arm. What was his plan if he wanted mom in jail, too?

"I would also like to press charges for murder."

A low murmur started in the courtroom. The judge slammed the gavel down again. "Whose murder, Mr. Masters?"

"An unknown number of children," he began, and Danny wanted to scream, "as well as my own." And then, in front of a full courtroom and cameras, Vlad Masters became Vlad Plasmius.

"The state of Michigan would first like to provide evidence." A lawyer said.

"Granted. Mr. Masters, please leave the stand." The judge ordered, still watching the ghost carefully. Vlad didn't try anything. He stepped through the witness stand and transformed back into his human form halfway to his seat.

The evidence had been provided by a librarian at the University of Michigan, of all places. A binder had dropped behind a heavy metal bookshelf, and it was found when the university started construction on a library expansion and had to remove the shelves.

Copies were passed around.

March 16, 1981

First attempt at protoportal had moderate success. Able to withdraw 15 samples, 1 gram each, of ectoplasm in a jellylike state.

Leaving 5 untouched as control samples. Divided remaining 10 into sample sets.

Hypothesis: if ectoplasm is what is used for energy by beings from another dimension, it should either burn or reenergize organic material. Possibly reanimates the recently dead.

Control A: houseplant. Watered exactly 2 every week. Kept in direct sunlight. Sample A- same type of houseplant, watered in same conditions. Addition of one ectoplasm sample mixed into soil. Sample B- instead of mixed with soil, applied directly to leaves and stem. Sample C- applied both in soil and on leaves. Sample D- .1 gram added every week to soil.

Control B: lab rat. Rat is given food and water amounts listed below. Sample E- rat has ectoplasm mixed into weekly water storage. Sample F- rat has ectoplasm mixed in weekly food storage. Sample G- rat has ectoplasm mixed in bedding. Sample H- rat has ectoplasm mixed in food and bedding. Sample I- rat has ectoplasm mixed in food, water, and bedding. Rate is .2gram/week for all samples.

Sample J- dead rat, killed by mousetrap. Injected with sample of ectoplasm.

March 17, 1981

Sample A- same as control. Sample B- ectoplasm has disintegrated the leaves of the plant and caused severe stem damage. Sample C- ectoplasm has caused some damage to stem and leaves, but not killed plant. Sample D- same as control.

Sample E- rat suffered convulsions, then dissolved from throat out. Sample F- rat noticeably sluggish, no other effects. Sample G- rat has developed red areas, and possibly will become sores. Sample H- results mix of F & G. Sample I- same as E.

Sample J- rat has begun twitching. Possible nerve stimuli?

March 20, 1981

Sample A- plant has a noticeable glow. Sample B- completely disintegrated. Sample C- plant is repairing damage. Repaired areas are glowing. Sample D- same as control.

Sample E- rat completely dissolved into black protein sludge. See images below. Sample F- rat's teeth have fallen out and been replaced with sharper ones. Images below. Sample G- pores are pus-filled and oozing. Rat lethargic, no longer attempting to eat. Sample H- red spots developed into bony protrusions, rat lethargic but still attempting food. Sample I- rat partially dissolved.

Sample J- body has begun glowing. Tail has noticeable twitching.

March 23, 1981

Sample A- plant has grown 8.23 cm. Sample C- plant has grown 8.04 cm. Sample D- growth of 6.82 cm.

Adjusted hypothesis: ectoplasm provides greater assistance to wounded/ill plants.

"May I direct your attention to the log for April 14?" The prosecutor asked.

April 14, 1981

Surviving and reanimated rats have eaten contaminated plants and each other. Vlad cites behavior as disturbing and votes to stop all animal testing until we can create adequate containment due to multiple escapes. Also cites ethical concerns; experiments causing too much distress to animals.

He is thinking too small. The animals do not have a large enough body to metabolize the amount of ectoplasm needed to maintain homeostasis after initial exposure. In addition, rat does not have a way to communicate thoughts and experiences.

Jack and I will be controls. No need to alert Vlad yet; behavior changes may invalidate results.

Bile ran up Danny's throat. This had to be a late April Fool's joke. Or faked by Vlad. This- his parents couldn't do something like this.

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halfdeadfrognerd · 1 year

Text

The Good Lawyer: a surprisingly positive experience

So if you remember my last post about ABC’s backdoor pilot “The Good Lawyer”, which is also the 16th episode on season 6 of “The Good Doctor”, you know I was very skeptical about the representation of someone with OCD, especially with the wording they used in the early synopsis of the episode. I thought I would share my thoughts again AFTER I watched the actual episode, and let me tell you I think it was a lot better than I originally thought. Just in case it wasn’t obvious I have OCD, and have had OCD since I was 2 years old, and I have been in treatment for it since 2020 and am scheduled to come off my meds soon as my compulsions have become essentially non-existent and my intrusive thoughts are quite manageable with only occasional meltdowns (so basically nothing I can’t handle). I am also a film student about to get my masters degree this autumn so this review I’m writing will hopefully come from an informed place, but since I am not a medical professional there might be some misinformation. Feel free to correct me if I got something wrong about OCD, I am basing this off mine and my friends’ experience who are/were also struggling. 1. The myth around OCD=tidy gets debunked really early on in the episode where Shaun tells Lea about hiring Joni as his lawyer for his malpractice trial.

Shaun explains to Lea that people with OCD are not, in fact just neat and tidy, but they suffer from intrusive thoughts and manage them by carrying out compulsions. I was happy this got addressed, even though it is kind of the bare minimum. 2. Joni’s OCD.

Joni exhibits typical compulsions for OCD which emphasize her obsession with the number 3, and tapping different objects three times. We find out that she developed OCD after she lost her father at a young age, and later on it became her coping mechanism as her mother struggled with alcoholism.

Not only do we see her compulsions, as an audience we also get to “get into her state of mind” when she experiences the intrusive thoughts.

When Joni gets intrusive thoughts, the space around her seem to get distorted and narrow, loses colour and the camera pans closer and closer to her face, emphasizing the panic, anxiety and loss of focus. I find this super relatable as I really tune out the rest of the world when I get my thoughts and I can even stop midway through conversation, losing my train of thought (which happens to Joni during trial as the plaintiff’s lawyer’s chair squeaks as he leans back on it).

Joni also experiences a fair share of health anxiety, which is actually how she gets introduced in the episode, worrying about whether she can develop cancer from the material of her wooden workdesk.

She even goes as far as covering bits of her furniture in plastic and taking her “outside” clothes off in a bag the moment she gets home.

While the health anxiety I find relatable (because I totally don’t ask my bf whether I got a TBi every time I hit my head even to a small degree), I am not sure about the plastic bits. It seems a bit excessive to me, and I don’t see the point behind the plastic “doorways” in the house. If we get a proper show out of this I hope it gets explained what Joni’s health anxiety is triggered by because at this point it just seems like something to be added to “haha person with OCD is a neat freak”.

Another thing I also was unsure about, is the way the intrusive thoughts went in Joni’s brain.

“Fix this or bad things will happen.”

What bad things? Not to be a hater, but since my OCD doesn’t allow me to say certain trigger words out loud, “or bad things will happen” is the really toned-down version I give to my friends. With OCD, the bad things can be anything. In Joni’s case, since we saw her doing compulsions in the flashback scene in hopes that it will stop her mother from dying, it might be related to the health of her loved ones. Maybe if they varied, like “Fix this or mom will die”, or “Fix this or my client will go to prison”, “Fix this or my sister will get into an accident” it would have been a lot better.

3. The people around Joni

So from this episode we gather there are two significant people in Joni’s life: her mentor and her sister.

Her sister is also her carer in a way, but it also seems like she is enabling her and indulging her in her compulsions. This is very realistic that when your loved one has OCD it seems easier for you to accomodate their needs by giving reassurance or even creating an environment for them where they can carry out their compulsions. This is the wrong approach, and again, if the show gets green-lit I hope it gets explored. No blame on people supporting their loved ones with OCD but it is important to get the word out that this behaviour is damaging and can stall the problem or even make it worse on the long run. The best help a person with OCD can get is therapy, meds or both.

Joni’s sister also seems to believe the current situation is better for Joni, since she doesn’t need to “hide her rituals”, to which Joni quickly reminds her that she isn’t happy this way, because her coworkers and boss treat her as an embarassment and hide her from the public eye, in a small closet-sized “office” where she can do “research” and not interact with others so nobody can see the state she’s in.

Joni’s mentor, Janet is what you would expect: a stone-cold career woman who absolutely cannot tolerate mistakes. (at least on the surface). The only reason she hasn’t fired Joni yet is because the latter threatened to sue the law firm for firing a disabled employee in a discriminatory way. Janet regularly belittles Joni, calls her out for her public rituals or meltdowns over intrusive thoughts.

However, she is also protectice of Joni and believes in her ability to be a good lawyer. Idk, I am not sold on Janet yet, she seems very much like a J.K. Simmons from “Whiplash” kind of mentor who bullies her protegees only to then take credit when they manage to thrive. We also find out the reason why Joni became a lawyer is because Janet was assigned to one of the court cases on whether Joni and her sister would get taken away from their mom and go into foster care.

So yeah. I am curious to see their dynamic in the future.

4. OCD being a superpower

My biggest fear was that after reading the synopsis where they referred to Joni’s OCD as a “superpower”, we would get her to have scenes like Shaun, where he just randomly comes up with solutions because he is autistic. I cannot emphasize more that autism and OCD are two completely different conditions that may have similar symptoms but are VASTLY different. OCD is a mental illness, autism isn’t. OCD is treatable, autism isn’t because it is not an illness.

but this also gets debunked quite quickly, Joni is simply a smart and detail-oriented person, who works well despite her diagnosis, not because of it. She explains to Park that her brain, unlike most people’s is very focused on details, which can be true for an individual who has struggled with OCD since childhood. It might be why I’m good at finding clues and solve every escape room and riddle, I don’t even know.

But it seems like it was just the synopsis of the episode written by an absolute knob, and the actual portrayal of the character isn’t “OCD Ex Machina”.

Overall, I actually liked this episode and really hope it gets a show because the main character is quite interesting, is played by an actress with OCD (Kennedy McMann who also campaigned for the character’s illness to not be portrayed as a superpower) and I am actually curious to learn more about her and the people around her. There is potential and I do think people with OCD could and would enjoy it.

#ocd #Pure OCD #pureo #obsessive compulsive disorder #obsessive compulsive spectrum #mental health #MentalWellness #mental illness #mental wellbeing #abc #abc network #the good doctor #the good lawyer #joni degroot #kennedy mcmann #Courtroom Drama #show review #film student

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