Opening Question
Format: Courtroom cross-examination
Approx. length: 1-3 minutes
Original audition scene

INT. COURTROOM - DAY

BARRISTER VALE questions DR. SUTTON, an expert witness.

VALE
Dr. Sutton, you told the jury the signature was “highly likely” to be genuine.

SUTTON
Correct.

VALE
Not certain.

SUTTON
Certainty is rare in handwriting analysis.

VALE
How inconvenient for a courtroom.

SUTTON
How honest for a scientist.

A small stir in the room.

VALE
You compared the will to six known samples.

SUTTON
Yes.

VALE
All provided by the claimant.

SUTTON
That is standard when original records are limited.

VALE
Standard. Another word that does heavy lifting.

SUTTON
If you have a question, counsel.

VALE
I do. Did you examine the birthday card sent by the deceased to my client two weeks before his death?

SUTTON
No. It was not provided.

VALE holds up a plastic sleeve.

VALE
Would it surprise you to learn the signature on that card contains a tremor absent from the will?

SUTTON
Stress, medication, surface texture, or writing position may affect tremor.

VALE
And death?

SUTTON
I beg your pardon?

VALE
The will was allegedly signed at 9 p.m. Hospital records place the deceased unconscious from 7:35 p.m. Would that affect your confidence?

SUTTON looks to the judge.

SUTTON
Yes.

VALE
No further questions.
