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Monica is summoned
to be a juror on a murder case in which the defendant could get
the death penalty. The defendant, Brendan Falstaff, is on trial
for the murder of his former girlfriend, Elizabeth Bennet. The
prosecution maintains that Brendan Falstaff set fire to
Elizabeth's house while she was asleep. The defense, however,
maintains that their case is built merely on hearsay and
circumstantial evidence. After hearing both sides present their
case, the jury is ushered into the deliberation room to reach a
verdict. Carol Anne is selected as the foreperson and tallies the
votes, but Monica holds up the process by requesting the others to
discuss the decision. Most of the jurors are in agreement that
the evidence supports finding Brendan Falstaff guilty -- based on
investigators' findings that the fire was the result of arson,
that a gas can was found in Brendan Falstaff's trunk and that Mr.
Gunderson, the neighbor across the street, identified Brendan's
car leaving the scene of the crime. Monica raises some doubt
regarding Mr. Gunderson's ability to identify the license plate
when he couldn't identify the make of the car. One of the jurors
is able to explain this to the other jurors' satisfaction, but
Monica remains unconvinced of Brendan's guilt. Outside the
courtroom, Tess overhears two officers discussing the case. The
one man who could corroborate Falstaff's alibi was a homeless wino
whose testimony was inadmissible. Tess is frustrated that an
innocent man could be convicted, but Andrew reminds her they're
here on assignment and refuses to let her interfere with the
wheels of justice. Meanwhile, back inside the deliberation room,
Monica asks God for help, and her prayer is answered when she
notices that one of the jurors is dyslexic. Monica asks the
jurors to consider the possibility that Gunderson was dyslexic,
and that he merely repeated Falstaff's license plate by memory,
having towed his car from in front of his house on numerous
occasions. Monica's insight turns the tide as the other jurors
start to change their minds. Undone by the prospect of an
acquittal, Carol Anne reaches her breaking point and rushes into
the restroom. Monica talks with Carol Anne privately and
discovers her zeal to convict Brendan Falstaff has more to do with
her husband's unsolved murder in an unrelated case. Over the
years, Carol Anne has turned her anger inward, blaming herself
albeit without cause. Monica assures Carol Anne that she is not
to blame and that she needs to find forgiveness, starting with
herself. Carol Anne emerges from the restroom and admits to her
fellow jurors how her state of mind clouded her ability to see the
truth. She calls for another vote. Back in the courtroom, the
verdict is announced and Bredan Falstaff is acquitted.
Recognizing the victim's parents' sense of grief, Carol Anne
approaches them in an effort to help them find the closure she so
desperately needed.
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