Thanks once more to all of you who have been kind enough to leave reviews! Your words help fuel my muse.

*Please note my legal expertise much like my medical knowledge is TV based and is therefore likely to be less than 100% accurate ;)*

SPOILERS – This week – Bianca, Ryan and Cara are trapped by the storm – JR on trial - Will JR be found innocent or guilty?

…

"All rise for the right honourable Judge Jeffery Marshall." called the bailiff and everyone in the courtroom rose respectfully to their feet.

Judge Marshall looked through his case notes as the courtroom settle back into their seats. He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat, before reading out loud.

"This court is hearing case 98394, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania verses Adam Chandler Junior. Are all parties present?"

Jackson did not like the indifference in the judges voice. He was beginning to fear that the Judge Marshall was going to be as biased as he had heard. He took a deep breath, the show must go on.

"Jackson Montgomery for the commonwealth, your honour." said Jackson, rising to his feet once more.

"Justin McCoy for the defence, your honour." said JR's council, also on his feet. The young lawyer, with the horrendously dated ponytail, turned towards Jackson, giving him a disrespectful smirk.

"Please sit down," said the judge waving his hands towards JR and his attorney.

"Is the commonwealth ready to proceed?" asked the Judge.

"No, your honour, two of my key witnesses aren't present. I believe they have been delay by the storm." said Jackson.

"You're blaming the weather." said Justin McCoy, his voice dripping with distain.

The judge ignored his outburst.

"Are you conceding the case?" he asked.

Jackson shook his head.

"No your honour I ask of a postponement."

Justin leaped to his feet.

"Your honour my client has been incarcerated for three days. Is the prosecution suggesting that he is to be held indefinitely?"

"That is not what I am asking!" retorted Jackson.

"Sure sound like it." said Justin with sneer.

"I am just asking for the opportunity to show all the evidence." said Jackson, his tone even and steady, he wasn't going to be drawn in to a fight.

The Judge coughed as he came to a decision.

"Mr Montgomery, Mr McCoy is correct, the court cannot be seen to hold a man in indefinite custody simply because of a little inclement weather. This hearing will continue but I shall make allowances for the missing witnesses and permit them to be call at a later date if required."

"But your honour..!" protested Jackson

"I've made my decision." said the judge sharply. "The prosecution may call your first witness."

An angry murmur ran through the crowd. Jackson just stared at the Judge, he couldn't have been any clearer about his stance on this case. Thank goodness the evidence was undeniable.

Jackson looked down to read a note Caleb had slipped him across the desk; his colleague wearing a terribly serious expression on his face.

The note read, *That bigot's going to look such an ass when we win this!* and was accompanied by a doodle of a donkey with a startling resemblance to Judge Marshall.

Jackson coughed down a laugh before addressing the court.

"The commonwealth would like to call Dr Frankie Hubbard to the stand."

…