That was excellent. I liked how you told it through so many different points of view - third person, transcripts, the diary - and I'm now tempted to go look up the true events it was based on.

A few constructive criticisms on courtroom proceedings:

Number one, if they're trying to prove this stuff in court, you absolutely cannot say that it's proven unless the person has been convicted of it. "Allegedly" is a good word; maybe you could just leave out that final adjective. Opening statements lay out what counsel is going to prove, and how they will prove it.

As far as objections go, speculation objections are usually followed with a "Move to strike from the record" a la "Objection your honor, this is speculation. Move to strike." Then if the judge sustains it, he would say "Sustained. Members shall disreguard the last comment."

As for leading the witness, attornies are allowed to lead the witness in cross-examination. Direct testimony - no. Also, counsel is allowed to do "redirect" on their witness to counter anything revealed in cross-examination.

As a basic law adage goes, "Never ask a question you don't know the answer to."

Good story though. _ You have a nice writing style. Sorry if I'm being nitpicky; the law has always been one of my hobbies and well ... eheh. They're just suggestions, after all.

- Nicole (aka lucid-psyche)

Hm. Based on true events? That's damn cool, then. Good story.

-Izzy J.

I've never understood HOW you manage to just finish stories...

Another amazing one. go you!

Well done, despite the absence of animal or human sacrifices in Wicca. Much less to celebrate a summer solstice.

You and your thinly veiled sexuality. And Latinas.