Othello and Iago Trial Script
Baliff: (me) All rise
(Everyone in the courtroom stands)
Bailiff: The Honorable Judge ____________________presiding.
Judge: This courtroom will now come to order.(bangs gavel)
The court is now in session. This is an action brought by the people of the state of Cyprus, NC against the defendants, Othello, the moor, and Iago, the villain for murder and conspiracy to commit murder against innocent beings.
Are the attorney ready?
Attorneys are Othello: Ready for the people
Judge: Are the attorneys for Iago ready?
Judge: Will the bailiff please swear in the jury?
Bailiff: Will the jury please stand. (Jurors stand)
Bailiff: Do the members of the jury declare that you are ready and willing to render a true verdict in this case?
Jury: We so swear.
Bailiff: You may be seated.
Judge: Will Othello’s attorneys make an opening statement?
(Makes opening statement)
Judge: Will the attorneys for Iago make an opening statement?
(Makes opening statement)
Judge: Will Othello’s attorney please call your first witness?
(Calls first witness)
Bailiff: Please place your right hand on the book. Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give will be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you?
Witness: I do
Bailiff: Be seated.
Othello’s attorney: (asks questions). After questioning, says “No further questions”
Iago’s attorney: (Cross-examines the witness.) After questioning, says, “No further questions.”
Judge: Next witness please.
Continues until prosecution calls all their witnesses.
Judge asks Othello’s attorney if they would like to recall any witnesses.
When Othello’s attorney finish, Judge asks if Iago’s attorney would like to recall any witnesses
Judge: I will now turn this case over to the jury for deliberations and a verdict. I urge you to carefully consider all testimony and evidence heard in this case carefully and to render a fair and objective verdict in good conscience.
Jurors: Leave the room to deliberate
Jurors leave
Jurors re-enter the courtroom and sit down
Judge: Have you reached a decision?
Jury Foreman/woman: (stands) We have, your honor.
The Bailiff takes a written piece of paper with the verdict on it to the judge. The judge reads it and gives it back to the bailiff who gives it back to the Foreman.
Judge: Othello please rise. (Othello and his attorneys rise.) Will the jury foreman/woman please read the verdict.
Jury Foreman/woman: We, the jury, find the defendant, Othello, the moor, _____________ of the crime of_________________________.
Judge: (repeats the verdict) The jury has found Othello/Iago __________________ of _______________________________.
Having been found _______________________ of the crime(s) of _________________ will thereby be sentenced _____________________________________________.
Sentenced to death by hanging
Sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole
Sentenced to __________________years in prison
Sentenced to a probationary period of ______________ years and mandated by the state to continue psychiatric counseling…
Released from custody and her record cleared.
Bangs the gavel and says “This court is adjourned”
OBJECTIONS:
Irrelevant: the testimony does not have to do with the case before the court
Example: Attorney: “Othello, do you love your wife? Did you love your wife?
Badgering the witness: harassing the witness
Example: Attorney: “Iago, you are a cold, sniveling inhuman, are you not?”
Leading the witness: the question is phrased like a statement, leading the witness to a particular response.
Example: Attorney: “Roderigo, you were afraid that Iago would not be your friend and that is why you aided him. Right?”
Speculation: the witness is asked to speculate about an event or behavior that hasn’t been seen by the witness.
Example: Attorney: “Othello would have believed anything, whether it came from Iago or not. Right?”
Hearsay: the witness is asked to comment on what she or he heard another say that yet another person said
Example: Witness: “I overheard someone say that they heard Iago and Roderigo plotting the night of celebration in Cyprus and I knew about the plot."
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