The Wall: Chronicle of a Scuba Trial

FOR THE DEFENDANT

At 11:30 all are assembled.

"Bailiff, please let in the jury."

The jury enters the room and is seated.

"Have you reached a verdict?" the judge asks the forewoman.

"Yes, we have your honor," she says.

"Please read it."

"We, the jury, find no evidence of negligence on the part of Ocean Realm International or their divemaster Charlene Marvich in the death of Jennifer Arlene Knowlton. We believe the weight of the evidence indicates that this was an intentional suicide and that the deceased made a conscious decision to leave the group and not be retrieved. In our opinion the situation that presented itself to divemaster Marvich was one beyond her control, and that she acted proper in all respects."

"You have discharged your duty," says Judge Whittaker. "We thank you for your patience and attention. This jury is dismissed. Plaintiff has thirty day in which to file an appeal of this decision."

Pearson does not wait 30 seconds. Rising, he states: "Your honor, we wish to serve notice that we will appeal this decision. We believe that much of the evidence presented was properly inadmissable and serve notice of appeal on those points."

"Notice accepted, Mr. Pearson. "This court is adjourned."

-END-

Prologue & Epilogue -- July 14, 1996 and The Present