This essay first appeared in Litmosphere, fall 2024

ALLEGATION

During his opening statement, the prosecutor calmly lists some of the ways she’s been abused. We’ve heard enough during voir dire to know that worse is still to come.

BAIL

He can’t afford it. He’s been locked up for over a year while awaiting trial. No GoFundMe organized by friends and family. No lien against property to raise the funds that would allow him to roam free.

CRIMINAL ABUSE OF AN ANIMAL

Four counts. It doesn’t mean what you pro...