Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: SLANDER (09/07/17)
-
TITLE: Family Court | Previous Challenge Entry
By Allison Egley
09/14/17 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Spencer was right on his tail. “Whatever he just said isn’t true.”
I eyed Spencer suspiciously. “If you didn’t hear what Anthony said, how do you know it isn’t true?”
“Oh, I see. You’re taking his side.”
I chuckled, as I shook my head. “I never said that. But given the severity of Anthony’s charge against you, I suggest a trial, where I am judge, jury, cross examiner, and... well, basically everything.”
“How much time do I have to prepare my defense?” Spencer asked.
“That’s an admission of guilt, if I ever heard one,” Anthony replied.
“Hey, save it for the court room. Fifteen minutes to prepare.”
I returned, wearing Spencer’s middle school graduation gown. “Norfleet Family Court will now be in session, Judge Mom presiding, in the case of Anthony vs. Spencer.” I held out a Bible. “Anthony, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?”
The boys stared at me as though I had gone crazy.
“What in the world are you doing, Mom?”
“That’s ‘Your Honor’ in Norfleet Family Court.
“Uhhh...” Anthony stammered. “Yes, Mo... Your Honor. Anthony put his left hand on the Bible and raised his right.
“Anthony, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”
“Yes?”
I repeated the process with Spencer.
“Yes?”
“Let this court case begin. Anthony, what is your basis for accusing Spencer of trying to kill you?”
“Well, we were playing outside, and I may or may not have snuck up on Spencer and I may or may not have thrown a water balloon at him and ran. He turned around, chased me, and said he was going to kill me.”
“Objection, Your Honor! I merely suggested that Anthony might want to sleep with one eye open tonight.”
“Spencer, I will hear your side of the story in just a minute.”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Anthony, when Spencer said this, did he seem angry?”
“Objection Your Honor! You’re leading the witness.”
I turned to Spencer. “Oh, so you have been listening in your civics class. I’m impressed.” Turning back, I continued. “Anthony, how did he behave?”
Anthony smirked at Spencer before answering. “He seemed angry.”
“Well, of course...”
“Order in the court! I will ask you questions in just a minute.”
“Anthony, what means do you believe Spencer has to kill you?”
“Huh?”
“What evidence do you have, besides his words?”
This time, it was Spencer’s turn to smirk.
“Well, I mean, aren’t words enough?”
“I end my questioning.”
“Spencer, why did you say that Anthony, in your own words, should sleep with one eye open tonight?”
Spencer responded. “I object to this line of questioning. I said those words before you questioned me, therefore they cannot be brought into evidence.... can they?”
“Uh,” I stammered. “I don’t actually know. What did you say to Anthony?”
Spencer hung his head. “I told him he had best sleep with one eye open tonight.”
“And why did you say this?”
“I was mad. But Anthony failed to mention that the water balloon he threw at my head was frozen!”
Anthony tapped his foot and raised his hand. “May I respond to that accusation?”
“Yes, you may.”
“It was frozen 2 hours ago. It was merely.... slightly slushy, if that, by the time I threw it. That’s slander right there, saying I had a deadly weapon.”
I continued my questioning.
“Spencer, what did you actually plan to do to Anthony tonight?”
“Well, it’s quite simple, actually, Mo... Your Honor. I was just going to tell you that he got an F on his math test. I figured you and dad would take care of the rest”
I turned to Anthony, who was staring at Spencer, wide-eyed with his mouth hanging open.
“Why, I oughta.... It was a D, Mom. Now he’s the one trying to slander me!”
“This court session is now over, as Judge Mom has made her decision. You are both found guilty of slander, and are hereby sentenced to a grounding on Saturday, in which you will both clean your rooms, top to bottom. Case dismissed.” With a flair, I took off the graduation robe, listening to Anthony and Spencer.
“Did she just...” Spencer began.
“Yep. She got us good.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Blessings~
Great job storytelling.
Judge Mom was fair and both sons received their just punishment. Very clever and well written.