What's it like to try a case? Picture this...

I'm often asked what it's like to try a case in front of a jury, in terms of the step-by-step process and also what's it's like for me.  As a writer, you'd think a flowery description would satisfy those interested in my answer.

But even a writer knows that a picture can be worth a thousand words.

So here it is:

First, I eyeball the jury panel...

Then I try to weed out the less analytical ones,

and retain the intelligent, ones who express themselves well.

Once that's done, we start opening statements and I tell them about the case, using visual aids.

Then the defense lawyer stands up and gives his opening statement...

My case-in-chief starts, and I present the evidence that's been collected by the cops (watch closely or you'll miss it)...

.... and put questions to my stoic but deeply affected victim....

... and present rock-solid scientific evidence.

When I'm done, the defense puts on their witnesses.

Finally, I give my eloquent closing argument, hoping the jury will remember my victim and be all...

But I first have to listen to the defense lawyer giving his closing,

which makes me feel totally...

but I'm a professional, so I force myself to give it some...

Then my part is all over, and I wait for the the verdict...

If it's a 'Not Guilty,' I feel kinda...

.. but at most you'll just see...

Whereas, if it's a 'Guilty' verdict, I wanna be all...

But this is serious business, so I remind myself,

But whatever the verdict, I go home and get one of these...

... and then mix one of these.

 Because pretty soon, I'll be doing it all over again!



(Note:  Much credit to Nathan Bransford for inspiring this blog post, which I deem a poor knock-off of his, which is utterly genius and called The Publishing Process in GIF Form)