The Court Read Free

believe eventually my actions will be seen as blameless under civil law. However, what the future may hold is not in my command. I was trained to serve God and humanity, Mr. Wright. I may be serving God here but I feel the need to serve humanity. I need to resume nursing. That is why I called you, Mr. Wright. I wish to withdraw the appeal and begin my sentence.”
    The attorney knew the shock had shown on his features, but he quickly composed himself. A lot would depend on just how he handled the situation. He paused, then spoke. “Come now, Sister. You can’t be serious?”
    Her chilly eyes never blinked. Sister Agatha Murphy was a determined woman. One eyebrow lifted slightly as she replied. “Surely you can have no objection to dropping the matter? I would have thought you would welcome it. I understand most of your work on this case is donated. What do you lawyers call it? Pro bono—for the public good?”
    Michael Wright sat back in his chair. He was an experienced trial lawyer and quite accustomed to controlling panic. He knew if he reacted too quickly or emotionally she might perceive the true situation. She was intelligent. It would have to be handled very delicately.
    â€œIf you want the matter dropped, Sister, I shall certainly do so.” His mind raced for just the right words. “However, your case has really gone beyond the fate of Sister Agatha Murphy, hasn’t it?”
    She said nothing. Her only response was a slight narrowing of her eyes.
    â€œSister, there are desperate people all over America. They are dying. Slowly. Painfully. There is no hope of recovery. The pain medications no longer work. Surgical nerve blocks no longer work. You know what is happening to them much better than I. They pray for release. If they are comatose and living on life-support systems, even your own religion allows the plug to be pulled. But if they are alive and screaming in pain, they are forced to endure to the very last.”
    â€œYoung man, I am not a jury and you don’t have to paint any word pictures for me. I have spent most of my life serving such people. If you have a point, make it.” Her tone was soft but her words crackled with command.
    â€œLook, if you win, the whole law shifts. This issue, which has bounced around the courts and various state legislatures, which has been on ballot initiatives, will finally be settled. People in pain, if they desire it, can ask for release. Doctors and nurses can legally do it in every state. Now some doctors and nurses who help these people out of their misery stand in jeopardy of ruin and prison.”
    â€œMany do it, despite that.”
    â€œOf course, but many do not. That’s why your case is important, extremely so. It isn’t just a matter of whether you get locked away in a jail or a convent. As in so many of these cases, Sister, your personal fate is comparatively unimportant. But the outcome of your case will affect millions. It will change the law and society will be forced to solve a problem it has long feared to face.”
    She studied him silently for a moment. “Do you honestly think I was right in what I did with my patients?”
    He nodded.
    For just a moment her features seemed to soften. She looked out the window again. “All right. I can understand the importance of the decision. I suppose I can endure.” She slowly turned her head and looked at him. “Perhaps it will ease your burden if you know that I do not care whether I win or lose as an individual. We will continue the appeal, Mr. Wright.” She stood up. “Thank you for coming.”
    He got to his feet. “You are a most admirable person, Sister. I can certainly understand your discomfort here, but it won’t be long now. The Supreme Court has accepted the case. My brief is almost finished. The briefs will be submitted and the Court will assign us a date to argue. The professor in Oregon believes that the court