The Resurrection File Read Free

“All rise, this court is now in session, the Honorable Roger K. Ramington is presiding, silence is commanded, God save the United States and this Honorable Court.”
    â€œBe seated,” Judge Ramington called out, and he perched himself behind the bench. He was completely bald, with a head that had a shiny, even polished, appearance. His eyebrows were dark and bushy, and he carried a square-jawed look that let you know he was rarely amused, always in control, and relished presenting himself as the veteran Marine that he was.
    â€œI have been informed by the clerk that all of the defendants on the docket today are here on Complaints alleging violations of federal law, namely 18 United States Code section 248, the Federal Access to Clinics Act, otherwise known as F.A.C.E.
    â€œThese Complaints all apparently have to do with alleged antiabortion protest activities three weeks ago at the Tri-County Women’s Health Center,” the Judge continued.
    â€œNow listen carefully, each and every one of you. I am about to explain why you’re here. I want absolute silence. This is not your day of trial. This is only a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is probable cause to continue your case forward toward trial. That means that merely enough evidence need be presented by the prosecution to show that a crime was probably committed and that you probably committed it. That’s all. Nothing more is needed.
    â€œI am informed that all of you, except one, are defending yourselves and do not wish to have lawyers representing you. That is your right. On the other hand I’ve always believed that, as they say, anyone who is his or her own lawyer has a fool for a client.
    â€œNow, the prosecution will present its witnesses and evidence. You may then cross-examine those witnesses, but your right to ask questions will be extremely limited. It will be limited by the rules of evidence, of which you may know very little. It will also be limited to the issue of probable cause—not guilt or innocence. And in all likelihood you won’t know the difference there either, because you’re not lawyers.
    â€œYou need not testify on your own behalf—in fact you have a Fifth-Amendment right not to. If you decide to testify today you are running a great risk because, A) You may say just enough to hang yourself, and B) I’m not your lawyer. Don’t ask me what you should do. And C) if you start telling me about your pro-life views and beliefs, I don’t want to hear them because they have nothing to do with these charges against you as far as the law is concerned. If you violate this rule and start telling me why you are against abortion I will cite you for contempt.
    â€œNow, with that, let’s all have a nice day here in the United States District Court.” Judge Ramington capped off his speech with a smile. Though it was not exactly a smile. It was more like the grin that a Doberman pinscher gives you when it pulls its lips back to bare its teeth.
    The clerk called Will Chambers’ case first, as it was the only one with a defendant who was represented by an attorney.
    â€œCase number 01 CR 657, United States of America vs. William Tinney Heftland.”
    Will Chambers and Heftland approached the bench.
    â€œAre you William Tinney Heftland?” the judge asked.
    â€œYes, Your Honor—but my friends call me ‘Tiny.’”
    â€œDon’t mistake me for one of your friends, Mr. Heftland. That would be a serious error. Are counsel ready?”
    Will and the prosecuting attorney both nodded.
    â€œBefore you call your first witness,” the judge said to the prosecutor, “does anyone want to make a short opening statement?”
    But then something caught the eye of the judge. He lunged forward and leaned over the bench to get a better look.
    The judge was staring at Will’s feet. Will looked down and his heart sank.
    â€œCounsel, approach this