All language subtitles for 1995 - Trial by Fire

Although fictionalized, the following
film was inspired by actual events.

Hey, Paul.

Nobody kills himself on a grade.

I mean, especially Kip. I don't think he
passed a class his whole life.

Hey,

Paul.

How'd you hear?

I told him it'd be all right.

Did he leave a note or anything?

Hey, check it out.

She has some nerve coming around.

What are you doing?

You can believe her showing her face
around here.

Believe it?

Yeah, I believe it.

The first thing today just made any
sense.

Today we were supposed to talk about the
contrast in styles among writers who

came to prominence during the Jazz Age.

But at the moment, Hemingway and
Fitzgerald seem pretty irrelevant to me.

I'd like to share something with you I
think is appropriate.

Patsy, would you do the honors?

The Buck in the Snow by Edna St. Vincent
Millay.

How strange a thing is death?

Bringing to his knees, bringing to his
antlers the buck in the snow.

How strange a thing.

Could I see you a moment, please?

Go on.

How strange a thing.

A mile away by now.

Right here.

Miss Gill.

Mrs. Gill, yes.

I'm Detective Morse, San Diego PD. I
just need to talk to you a couple of

minutes. I'll let you through here. I'd
like to see my office.

Have a seat, please.

Ma 'am, I'm doing some follow -up on the
death of Kip Bausch. I understand you

were one of his teachers.

Yes. As a matter of fact, I would have
had him this period for junior English.

Have you ever been to his house?

The night he died?

What about before that?

Ever visit Kip at home prior to his
death?

Yes, I have.

Is your husband aware of this?

Look, maybe you better tell me what this
is about.

Well, ma 'am, there have been
allegations made by several of Kip's

that you and Kip Oshmoyer were lovers.

A high school is a rumor mill,
detective. That was one of many stories

the round.

But I can assure you that's all it is, a
rumor.

Mrs. Gill, the people who are making
these allegations are not saying they

you were having sex with the boy.

They're saying they went over to his
house a couple of weekends in a row and

watched you have sex with him.

Look, I've been in trouble before, Mr.
Turner. Got a few priors, but this time

swear they got the wrong guy. I got the
picture. Can you tell me how the window

of Dr.

Frank's Mercedes came to be broken?

I have no idea.

I think I was just the first guy the
cops saw when they got to the scene.

Story of my life. Wrong place, the wrong
time.

I'll call the DA's office, see what
they're offering.

Well, you got my number, right?

I'll be in touch.

Everyone's entitled to a defense,
Doreen.

Oh, I need you to hold down the fort for
a couple hours. I'm having my bow

painted. I want to be there when they
take her out of the war. Wait, wait,

Roger Gilger's called. He wants some
representation for his wife.

Who?

Honestly, Owen, you really should start
reading the paper again.

Get my ex -wife on the phone.

Paulette and Kip had been lovers for
some time, or so the story goes.

Rumors started circulating, and
eventually the boys, Garrett Evans, Paul

Preston, and Stuart Cardale, confronted
Kip about it. Kip told them the rumors

were true, and when they didn't believe
him, they decided to prove it to them by

arranging for them to come over and
watch him having sex with him.

This kid sounds like some victim.

Why'd he kill himself?

Nobody seems to know.

But the night of the funeral, the boys
told their parents what they'd seen. The

parents called the police. The school
fired Mrs. Gill a month later. Our paper

broke the story. You say that with some
pride, Roberta.

Well, that's a big story, Owen. I mean,
you know.

Attractive young teacher. Secret trips
witnessed by the sons of prominent

citizens. Suicide.

Why the sudden interest?

Oh, I don't know.

I suppose I like a good scandal as much
as the next guy.

No, you don't.

You're her lawyer, aren't you? It's not
100 % yet.

I'm meeting her and her husband tonight.

Well, when they're ready to do an
interview, I want to be your first call.

I'm not your ex -wife for nothing.

Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but I
have a feeling this one's going to get

settled quick.

Are you sure about that?

We hear some pretty important people
have an interest in seeing this go all

way. Like who?

You know, Kip is from Briarcliff. The
people out there have a lot of political

pull.

I'm sure the district attorney's office
will put up a big show of outrage.

But at the end of the day, this is a
rape case where the victim can't testify

and the accused is a 28 -year -old
female.

They have bigger fish to fry.

Of course, the press thinks she did it.

Well, I suppose we do. I mean, the boys
all pass polygraphs, you know.

Besides, why would anyone make up a
story like that?

I've had the car a long time, but she's
got real low mileage.

I can't interest you in a trade -in?

No.

You don't need two cars. Besides, my
wife can't drive a stick.

She looks real clean. Tell you what,
I'll grab my jacket and we'll take over

stick.

We've got to be at the lawyers at five.

You represented the guy at work on a
DWI.

This guy said he was definitely over the
limit, but somehow, all in turn, he got

the whole thing thrown out of court.

What? That guy recognized me.

You want to blow him off? We'll take the
car down somewhere else and sell it.

No. What I really want is for you not to
sell the car.

Why don't we meet with this lawyer first
and see how much it's going to be? I

already asked. It's $5 ,000 just to walk
through the door.

You ready to go, Mr. Gill?

Paulette, car doesn't mean anything to
me.

I know that's not true.

I'll be right back.

For those of you who have never had
class with me before, let me tell you

you can expect.

It's junior English.

We're going to be studying some of the
great works of literature.

This here is Kip Bauschmore.

Hey, Kip. Oh, no, here's trouble.

Nice to see you too, Patsy.

Hi. Hi.

Let's go find a seat.

Go, now.

I think I'm in love.

One of the likeliest jokes on
unemployment books, Meyer.

How are you, Mrs. Gill? I'd separate him
from his cronies.

He's a lot less funny without an
audience.

Where are you going?

You want me to move, right?

I was just explaining my philosophy of
teaching, Kip, and part of it is that

every kid that walks through that door
starts off with an A.

That means that at this moment, you're
one of my best students.

I'm sorry, Mr. Turner's with a client at
the moment.

Mrs. Gill, on Friday you will be charged
with two counts of sexual assault.

Am I going to have to spend time in
jail?

You will be out in an hour, tops.

Now, the good news is their case sounds
very weak. I gather they don't have a

shred of physical evidence, and
obviously the victim can't testify.

That's just what the other lawyer said
going into the school board hearing.

Mr. Gill, I understand you were out of
town on the nights in question. Is that

right? That's right. I have National
Guard duty two weekends a month.

I do have an alibi for one of those
nights I was at dinner with Patsy

Who's that, a girlfriend?

Another one of my students.

I understand you also spent some time
with Kip outside of the school.

Would you describe him as promiscuous?

What the hell kind of question is that?

An important one.

Promiscuity can be a defense on sexual
assault.

That's going to be your defense?

She did it, but it's okay because he
wasn't a virgin? Mr. Gill, look. No, you

look. I thought I explained this over
the phone. My wife didn't do this. These

people are on a witch hunt.

And we need a lawyer who's willing to
take them on. Mr. Gill, I understand

you have both been through hell.

Now, if you want something for your pain
and suffering, I suggest you contact a

civil attorney.

I'm a criminal defense lawyer.

My job is to see your wife acquitted by
whatever means the law allows.

It's been really tough on Roger.

After I was fired, he had to drop out of
school and get a job.

And the publicity has...

It's been really hard to take.

Well, I can tell you it's only going to
get worse.

That's why I'd like to explore the
possibility of a plea bargain.

But I'm innocent.

You didn't ask me that.

But I am.

Sometimes I think those of us in law
enforcement can lose track of what's

important. Like being able to send your
kids off to school without worrying

about them being molested.

So am I concerned that the prosecution
of Paulette Gill is a waste of time and

money? No.

In fact, I would say the message I'm
getting is quite the opposite.

Hold

it.

Do you know Earl Cleaver? He heads our
sex crimes division.

By reputation.

Your reputation precedes you also, Mr.
Turner.

Shall we find a room?

I understand your office initially
declined to press charges?

Only because of the difficulties
associated with prosecuting without

testimony. Since then, new evidence has
surfaced that convinced us that this

prosecution was warranted.

I was just telling Earl what a fool it
was this morning.

Given the nature of this case, I think
it's safe to say we should all

intense media scrutiny.

Yes, well, it's good to see you're doing
all you can to minimize that, Earl.

Given all the hoopla, I'm surprised you
didn't assign a second chair.

Oh, uh, Hugh is the second chair.

I'm the lead prosecutor on this.

You mean you personally?

Hugh is a fine prosecutor, but the DA
and I both felt that given the public

interest in this case, the most
experienced hand should be put on.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves,
and we're here to avoid going to trial.

Here's our offer.

She pleads guilty to one felony count.
We drop the other charge. We recommend

that she does two years probation.

And we'd also want some guarantee that
she never teaches school again.

Are you serious?

It's a fair offer.

If this goes to trial, we'll be asking
for the maximum on both counts. She

do four years. Oh, come on.

There's no evidence that this
relationship, if it even existed, was

consensual.

That's not informed consent, is it?

We like our case, Mr. Turner. We have
three eyewitnesses. These boys and nice

kids. Good, solid families and nothing
to gain by lying. She'll impress the

out of the grand jury.

There's also a statement she gave the
police on it. She acknowledges she was

the house twice in November to help him
on some personal problems.

She did it.

We know she did it.

And it's going to be easy to prove.

Well, I still can't take her on offer
like that. She claims she's innocent.

I guess we'll see in court.

Seen any good?

He was outstanding.

Hasn't had a lot of trial work, though,
lately.

Burnt out?

Miss Gill.

Did I tell you on TV again?

Yeah, I'm getting to be a real
celebrity, Danny.

I'll tell you, it's not much fun.

Well, at least you look good. I mean,
that's something, right?

What's with the book?

Don't tell me you're back in summer
school.

Afraid so.

Now I know what happens. The weather
turns nice, suddenly my grades go south.

You know, I was going to ask you, do you
think you could help me with my

homework again this summer?

Oh, gee, Danny, I don't think that's
such a hot idea.

Danny!

Oh, hell.

Get in the house. All I was doing was
talking to him. Get in the house. Don't

talk back to me. I will deal with you
later.

I told you to leave him alone.

He talked to me first. I don't care if
he did talk to you. Nothing since you

it answered. This is my fault. What's
going on? It's okay, Roger.

Your wife.

was talking to my boy. I told her last
time I would call the police, and I

Well, maybe what your boy needs is a
leash. Roger, that's not necessary.

Look, you're on my property, lady. Now
get the hell off before I call the cops.

You know something?

I cannot wait until they lock you up.
People like you do not belong in decent

company. Roger.

You, get out.

I wish you wouldn't get into it with
her, Roger. You know what she's like.

I'm glad you're home.

I'm dying to call Owen.

Trial starts in eight weeks.

You called him? That's right.

I knew he wasn't going to be able to
make any deals.

I figured I'd spare you the grief.

I don't want to be spared, all right?

Roger, I'm the one who's going on trial.

You sure seem relaxed about it. What is
that supposed to mean?

Well, you're talking to Danny again.

Despite what his mother told you,
despite what I told you, you're talking

again. Well, he initiated it.

The law says he can't initiate anything,
Paulette.

The law says that you're the adult.
Whatever happens is your fault.

I'm not going to stop being a human
being because of what somebody might

All right, have it your way, Paulette.

Just remember those people whose
opinions you're so blithely dismissing.

That's who's going to be sitting in that
jury box.

I hope your coach isn't going to give
you grief about missing football

He doesn't have much choice.

If I don't get my grades up, I won't be
on the team.

You know, Kip, you have a real flair for
language.

Spelling, however.

I am usually getting off of practice
about this time.

Noticed you're always still here.

A lot of kids need extra help this term.

Your husband doesn't mind?

I mean, if I were married to a woman who
looked like you, I'd want you home.

Not hanging out with a bunch of jerky
teenagers.

Roger's in grad school.

He spends most of his nights at the
library.

You know, Kip, I encourage you guys to
say whatever's on your mind.

But I think some things should be off
limits.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Gill. I meant it as a
compliment, really.

I'm still your teacher.

And I'm a married woman.

Don't compliment me too much.

Hi, Mrs. Newbeck.

Patsy Newbeck?

Yeah? My name is Fred Cobb.

I'm an investigator working for Paulette
Gill.

I was wondering if I might ask you a few
questions.

Mrs. Gill was telling me that you and
she had dinner on November 17th last

We had dinner together last night.
There's not one that really sticks out.

Sorry. Now, Mrs. Newbeck, Mrs. Gill also
told me that when she was fired, you

went to the school principal and told
him that these boys had to be lying.

You think we could talk a little bit
about that?

All right.

I'll come in for a moment.

Thank you.

Maria, por favor.

Look, it's true that I went to the
principal.

But just to say that I didn't believe
these guys.

I never said that I had any firsthand
information about what they might or

not have seen.

But you did have dinner with her on one
of the nights in question?

I might have.

I just don't remember.

I'm sorry, Mr. Cobb. I don't think I'm
going to be of much help.

What's going on here?

Who are you?

Fred Cobb.

Mr. Newbeck, is it?

He's a private investigator for
Paulette, Daddy.

I think you'd better go.

You have no business sneaking around the
neighborhood trying to catch people off

guard. But I invited him in. Stay out of
it.

My attorney is Buddy Reston of Reston
and Myers.

Yeah, write that down.

You have any more questions for my
daughter, you give him a call.

Oh, and thanks for your time, Miss
Newbeck.

Let me have Evie Boshmore, please.

Evie! Don Newbeck.

Listen, I think it might be a good idea
if we got everybody together.

Hey, let's not overreact here. It's not
like she wasn't going to put on a

defense. So I spoke to Earl Cleaver, let
him know what's going on. I also spoke

to my own attorney, who tells me that
we're under no legal obligation to

cooperate. What about witnesses planning
on testifying for the prosecution?

Makes no difference.

Suey and Garrett are under 18. They
can't even be contacted without your

consent. But Paul just turned 18, Don.
He still has to give his consent,

Unless her attorney gets a court order.

Which Cleaver thought was very unlikely.

Would you excuse me for just a moment?

I'm so sorry you all got dragged into
this.

Evie, you put that thought out of your
head.

Garrett has told me many times that he
has no regrets. And Stewie and Paul feel

the same way.

Hey, where are you going?

Out. Without saying hello to our guests?

I'm in a hurry.

Suit yourself.

But the problem will still be here when
you get back.

Look, Daddy, for the last time, I don't
know anything about Paulette and Kip. I

think you do know something.

The way you and that Gill woman palled
around, hell, you probably know

everything. Patsy, do you understand
that it's not just about Kip's family

anymore? Do you know that if Mrs. Gill
is found not guilty, she can turn around

and sue the boys and their families, our
friends, for everything they own?

And there's a bigger picture here,
Patsy. There really is.

Somebody has got to protect our way of
life from sleazy influences like that.

you understand that if you go to a
public school that is better and safer

most private ones, you think that
happens by accident?

Well, if it happened in Briarcliff,
Daddy, I'm sure you had something to do

it.

Owen?

Hey, Fred Owen.

How'd it go this week?

Same as last.

Must have talked to about two dozen
kids, some of the teachers, too.

Nobody knows anything.

Did you get through the DA's file yet?

Almost. And I'll tell you, they're not
having the same trouble we are.

I've defended murderers who didn't have
this many people saying bad things about

them.

Mrs. Gill frequently wore tight -fitting
sweaters to school where you could see

her nipples.

Mrs. Gill had parties for students in
her home where she served margaritas.

Mrs. Gill gave Kip...

Roger Gill told me this thing was
shaping up as a real witch hunt.

So what now?

Once you get past all the hearsay and
innuendo, Cleaver's whole case really

comes down to the testimony of these
boys.

I think our defense has to be that they
are just flat out lying.

What's their motive?

Well, their friend had just killed
himself. Somebody had to take the heat,

right? These boys are real Eagle Scouts,
so even if they were looking for a

scapegoat, it's hard to believe they'd
commit perjury to do it.

Kip died on Thursday. His funeral was on
Monday.

That gave him three days to cook this
thing up.

From now on, I want you to do what you
can find out about where they were that

weekend. Yeah, I'll do my best.

I haven't seen you this worked up in
quite a while, though.

You know, I don't mind a fair fight, but
these rich folks are ganging up on our

client, Fred. That irritates me.

They may be ganging up on her, but that
doesn't make her innocent.

You have doubts about that?

She seems like a real nice lady.

On the other hand, it's been my
experience that there's usually at least

little fire at the center of this much
smoke.

I don't want you to be concerned about
this lack of cooperation. It's not

unusual. And Cobb will keep talking to
kids right through the trial.

What about Patsy?

She wasn't too helpful. But calling her
presented certain problems anyway.

Like what?

She's not a perfect alibi. You could
have had dinner with Patsy and then gone

over to Kip's.

And I think we want to soft -pedal your
extracurricular relationship with these

kids as much as possible.

Now, a number of people have commented
on Kip's flirtatiousness with you. I'd

like to know a little more about that.

It was strictly a teasing kind of thing.

For example, there was one day last
term, we hadn't really spent much time

together, so you can imagine my surprise
when he blurts out, I would kill the

guy who would make love to you.

What is that supposed to mean?

That's my new pickup line, Mrs. Gill.

What do you think?

I think a girl your age would probably
prefer a less direct approach.

Guess I'll have to keep practicing?

Yeah.

You never reported this behavior to
anyone?

If I reported every boy for every
comment he'd made, I would have spent

time in the detention office.

I understand, but subsequently you went
to his home alone in the evening.

Now, the prosecution can argue that you
were responding to a sexual invitation

from him.

What nobody has mentioned yet is that
there was another side to Kip.

When he was alone with me, he was
completely different.

Serious, sensitive.

That was the side I was interested in.

I don't think he believes me.

It's not his job to believe you.

It's a pickup line business. You never
told me about that either.

You never told me he said anything that
overt.

Didn't I?

No. I guess I was just embarrassed.

I'm sorry.

Listen, it's still light. You want to
stop and get some coffee or ice cream or

something?

No, Paula.

I just want to get home.

This is Jake McGee here at the San Diego
County Courthouse where the crowd is

building and it's the first day of the
Paulette Hill sex trial. The doors of

courthouse will soon be opening.

This is Mary Kay Andrade reporting live
from the San Diego County Courthouse.

This is Joel Friedman. Okay, here's a
sound check. This is the first day of

sensational Paulette Hill sexual assault
trial.

Relax, Roger. We have plenty of time.

I'm going to wait outside.

So today's a big day, huh?

Yeah, we'll be leaving for court soon.

Good luck.

Thank you.

So how's school?

Well, actually, I'm running for student
council.

Can you believe it?

Danny, that's wonderful.

Yeah, I mean, it's just for class rep,
but actually I got to give a speech this

afternoon. I had to come up with a
platform and everything.

Uh, do you want to take a look at it?

Oh.

Now's not really a good time.

Besides, your mom would kill me.

She already left for work.

Please, Miss Gill, it'll only take a
second.

All right.

Paulette, for crying out loud!

It's all right, Roger. His mom's at
work. I'll just be one minute.

You know, it's great.

Kids really respond to her, huh?

Oh, yeah.

My wife loves teaching that one.

She's got a real gift for it.

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth, so help you God?

I do.

Would you state your name for the
record?

My name is Evie Bauschmoyer.

I live on Bridal Ridge Road with my
husband Wayne and my daughter Tracy.

My son Kip also lived there with us.

Mrs. Bauschmoyer, I know this is
painful, but would you describe how you

learned that Kip had killed himself?

I'd picked my daughter Tracy up from
school.

I had just finished grocery shopping.

Tracy?

Is your brother in this room?

If that boy skips school again, I don't
know what I'm going to do.

Tracy?

Tracy?

He's sick, honey.

Come with me.

Tracy, now!

Call a doctor.

I called my office. I asked them to
notify the authorities.

I needed to deal with my daughter right
then.

Then I phoned my husband.

Shortly after this, people began to
arrive?

Yes.

By then, it had been on the news.

Did you see the defendant, Paulette
Gill, at your house that night?

Yes, I did.

And at Kip's funeral the following
Monday, did you see her there, too?

Not at the funeral, no.

But afterwards, there was an open house.

I'm Paulette Gill, Mrs. Bauschmoyer.

I had Kip her English.

Well, thank you for coming.

I know Kip wasn't very popular with his
teachers.

Well, maybe that's because they didn't
really know him.

I can tell you he was very special to
me.

She told you he was very special to her?

That's what she said.

No further questions.

Mrs. Bouchemoyer, isn't it true you
blame this woman for the death of your

I wouldn't say that, no.

Naturally, we wonder what influence she
may have had.

Isn't it also true that when the DA's
office initially declined to file

you called persistently until that
decision was reversed?

My son had been molested, Mr. Turner.

How do you know?

I have the word of people I trust.

Plus, my own impressions of her conduct
at the open house.

I believe you said she came by to pay
her respects, told you she'd taught your

son like him personally, and gave you a
hug.

That's correct.

What is it exactly you find so peculiar
about that, ma 'am?

It was obvious.

She thought of herself more as a friend
than a teacher.

So you find it strange that she liked
Kip enough to consider him a friend?

Objection argumentative.

Sustained.

Mrs. Bauchmoyer, there were other
teachers at Kip's funeral, weren't

At the funeral?

Not at the open house.

On the nights of November 17 and 24, do
you have any knowledge of Paulette Gill

coming to your home?

Kip's room was at the other end of the
house.

We wouldn't have any idea what was going
on in there.

You had a dog. Wouldn't your dog bark if
a stranger came to your home at night?

I suppose she would.

Do you recall her barking on either of
those nights?

No.

You think they'd at least send someone
out to let us know what's going on, you

know?

I don't know how you guys could all be
so casual about this.

Paul, come on, all right? We're all in
the same boat. Yeah.

You know, it's starting to sound like
you saw you're even here.

I'm not saying that.

Just, you're stressed out by all this,
you know? Okay.

Look, let's just not forget why we're
here, all right?

Yeah, we're here for him, man.

That's right.

We're here for Kip.

Come on. I don't believe it, not for a
second. You saw how she was with me just

now. The same way in class, always
looking at me.

That's Paul.

She's like that with everybody. No,
she's not.

Look, I knew she was interested in me
from the beginning.

One night I hit on her, and she's like,
oh, no, I'm a teacher and I'm married.

So I figured I was wrong.

Then a few weeks later, she asked me to
go have coffee with her. She started

telling me about how her husband doesn't
understand her.

That was a month ago, boys. I've been
having her ever since. Come on. Look, I

know it's hard to believe, but it's...
It's impossible to believe.

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

This time, you've got to put your money
where your mouth is.

Yeah, who are you?

Name's Fred Cobb. I'm a private
investigator working on the Paul Ed Gill

Are you Mr. Groom? Yeah, that's me, but
I don't know what I can tell you because

I only went to school there for about a
year.

Say, how'd you happen to come talk to
me?

Mrs. Gill gave me a list of students she
thought might have something good to

say about her.

Mrs. Gill was all right to me. She tried
to get me to stay in school.

I wouldn't want to testify or anything.

Come on.

These other guys, Garrett, Paul, and
Stewie, were part of the most popular

in the school.

Kip had been part of that crew too, but
there was some kind of falling out.

And it was around this time that we all
started hearing rumors about him and

Mrs. Gill.

Then Kip kills himself.

And all I know is that the night after
Kip died, Garrett, Paul, and Stewie and

bunch of other kids went out to the ice
house. The ice house.

What's that?

It's a factory out near Miramar, and
kids from school used to go out there

party.

I heard that's where they decided to
make this up.

I talked to a lot of kids this summer.

Why haven't I heard about this before?

Well, I know I wasn't in any right to
come forward.

Firstly, I don't care what people think,
but my parents had just joined a

country club. Wait a minute.

Are you saying you felt that you were
discouraged from coming forward?

You guys really are in the dark about
this, aren't you?

Kip's family and the families of the
other three, they've had their own

investigation going on since last year.
And in Briarcliff, the word's out.

You're either with them or against them.

I honestly don't see any grounds for
delay, Mr. Turner.

Your Honor, I now have reason to believe
that much of this new evidence that Mr.

Cleaver claimed as his reason for filing
charges comes from a group of citizens

who have a vested interest in the
outcome of this case. As I understand

those people are doing are trying to
protect themselves from any possible

action from Mrs. Gill.

There's nothing illegal about that.

And I hardly think the existence of this
one boy proves widespread coercion, Mr.

Turner. Your Honor, this one boy's
statement alone raises questions about

credibility of the rest of the boys who
are going to be testifying here.

What possible reason could I have for
filing charges if I had any questions

about their credibility?

Well, the guy that beat Bouchemoyer off
your back, didn't it, Earl?

The way I figure it, this trial's a win
-win proposition for you.

My job is simple.

I look at the evidence, and I look at
the statute.

If I get a match, I prosecute. Your
request for continuance is denied.

The only thing that's relevant here is
where the defendant was on the nights of

November 17th and 24th, and that's what
we're going to find out right now.

Mr. Preston, what was your reaction when
Kip Bauschmeyer first told you of his

relationship with Mrs. Gill?

It just didn't seem possible.

I mean, I'd seen the way they were in
class, and I knew she liked him, but I

still thought, she's a teacher, no way.

How did Kip respond to your disbelief,
Mr. Preston?

He said, I guess I'm just going to have
to prove it to you then.

Let's talk about the weekend of November
17th.

You and Garrett had been over there
during the day?

Yes, sir.

Kip told us that she was coming over
that night and asked if we would go help

set up his room so that we could see.

And what was some of these preparations?

His window was kind of high up, so we
had to stack some paving stones to stand

on.

And he had these curtains that we had to
rig so that we could see better.

And what happened after you finished
setting up his room, Paul?

We went home.

And then later I picked Garrett up and
we drove back over to Kip.

I knew what kind of car Mrs. Gill drove
because I'd seen it a bunch of times at

school.

It was parked right where Kip had said
it would be.

Now, at this point, we're thinking,
maybe she's just over there talking to

right? But on the way up to the house, I
started to get cold feet.

I said I didn't want to go, so Garrett
went first.

I was scared we'd be caught.

And then after a minute, he comes back
and he says, somebody's about to do

something to somebody.

And that's when I went up to the window.

When you first looked through the
window, what did you observe, Paul?

Exactly.

I saw my best friend, Kip Boushmore, and
my teacher, Mrs. Gill, having sex.

Order!

Order!

Your

witness,

Mr. Turner.

Mr. Preston.

Yesterday, you described preparations
you made in order to better see Kip and

the defendant having sex.

For example, you stacked up some
stepping stones. Do you recall why you

that?

It made it easier to see.

Your Honor, may I?

Would you step over here, please?

Right here.

Now, I want you to imagine that the jury
box is Kip's bed.

Earlier, some photos were introduced
indicating that the bedroom window is

feet from the base of the house.

How tall are you, Paul?

I'm 5 '10".

Now,

I want you to look at the jury while I
measure out five feet.

Garrett's shorter, I think.

Actually, he's an inch taller, but okay.

I'll measure out two more inches.

I'd like the record to reflect that I
measured out five feet, two inches, and

yet Mr. Preston can still see the jury
easily over the top.

Can you?

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

You can sit back down.

Now, when you were before the grand
jury, you testified that after Kip and

Gill had made love, he turned the lights
off to signal that they were finished.

Do you recall that being part of the
plan?

Yes, that's right. He said, when I turn
the lights off, you guys have to leave.

So what you're saying is they made love
with the lights on, and then when they

were ready to go, he turned the lights
off, and they got dressed in the dark.

Yeah.

Maybe a lot of the stuff we did wasn't
necessary, but it's not like any of us

had any experience with this kind of
thing. That would be one explanation.

Another might be that you guys made up
the story.

and then never got around to going over
to Kip's house to see if it checked out.

That's not true.

And we never discussed this among
ourselves until after we gave our

to the school.

Have you ever heard of a place called
the Ice House, Mr. Preston?

Yeah,

I've heard of it.

It's a place Kip's from school used to
hang out sometimes.

And weren't you hanging out there the
weekend after Kip died, along with

Evans, Stuart Cardell, and several
others?

Yeah. Yes, sir. I suppose we were, yeah.

Kip had just committed suicide, and yet
the subject of what you had all

witnessed between Kip and Paulette Gill
never came up.

Is that your testimony, Mr. Preston?

Mr. Cardell, could you please tell us
what happened on the weekend of November

24th?

The weekend of November 24th, Paul and I
were staying over at Kip's house.

His parents had already gone to bed.

We were just getting ready to watch
video when the phone rings.

And what time was that?

About 11 .30.

So Kip's on the phone for a couple
minutes.

When he gets off, he's got this great
big grin on his face.

And he says to Paul, it's on again for
tonight.

At that point, they told me that Mrs.
Gill and Kip had sex the weekend before.

And what did you think of all this, Mr.
Cardell? I believed it.

I had her as a teacher.

You could say I'd seen her in action.

Order.

Let's leave the humor to the lawyers,
Mr. Cardell.

Please proceed.

So anyway, Paul and I go outside to
wait.

About ten minutes later, she shows up.

I watch for 45 minutes, maybe, during
which I watch Mrs. Gill and Kip have

intercourse and all sex.

Your witness.

Mr. Cardell, would you please tell us
the sequence of sexual acts you

You mean like what order?

That's what I mean, Mr. Cardell.

Okay, well, best I can remember, it was
oral sex, and

then, you know, regular sex, and then it
was oral sex again. So you observed

three separate sex acts in 45 minutes?

Yes. Now, how was Mrs. Gill as a
teacher?

She was okay.

She actually went out of her way to give
you a lot of extra help, didn't she?

Yeah. Did she ever make any sexual
overtures to you?

No.

So when you say that her actions
contributed to your conclusion that Kip

Paul were telling the truth, what are
you talking about?

It was just a feeling I got.

After Mrs. Gill left, Did you guys talk
about what had just happened?

You know, I don't think we ever really
talked about it until after we gave our

statement to the school.

You mean even at Kip's funeral?

And when you were all together the night
he died, you didn't talk about it?

I don't believe so.

What about when you were all out at the
ice house, Mr. Cardell?

No. But you were out at the ice house
together, weren't you? He is killing us

with this ice house business.

Yeah, yeah, we were there.

No further questions.

Let's hold Garrett back for now. I want
to interview him again.

I want you to call Don Newbeck, tell him
it's time to fish or cut bait. Got it.

Any redirect, Mr. Cleaver?

Sorry, Your Honor.

In view of the hour, Your Honor, the
state requests a recess until tomorrow.

You were great today.

That's not just my opinion. The whole
press corps is talking about how you're

kicking their butts.

Well, it's early yet, but thanks, Bobby.

So why the long face?

I guess I'm still bugged by the way
Cleaver stood by while the town held its

inquisition. Oh, don't be such a boy
scout.

The people in Briarcliff want justice,
and if they're in a position to pull

strings, I'd pay more power to them.
That's just how the system operates.

well, may I remind you, you and I are
part of the system. Yeah, and I've seen

you work that system plenty to put some
really awful people back on the street.

Who always says winning is all that
matters?

The first day I went to pick them up for
court, the boy across the street came

over to ask Paulette's help for a
project at school.

I mean, here she was about to enter the
arena, yet she was willing to take the

time to help some kid with his homework.

That's when I knew.

This woman cares too much about teaching
to get involved in anything like this.

I think you're being a little naive
about her.

I mean, even nice people can rationalize
almost anything in the name of passion.

Look at us.

Roger? Roger?

You know, it occurred to me I haven't
cooked for you in ages, so I decided to

whip up a special batch of my stir fry.
Come here.

This is really sweet of you.

You like it?

Thank you.

Would you like some champagne, my dear,
huh?

Champagne, too?

Either that or diet cranberry juice.

Decide to live dangerously.

I really appreciate the thought.

But I don't think I could get down a
bite of food.

Maybe what you need is to work up a
little appetite.

Huh?

Come here.

You look beautiful.

Step on your feet, I want.

I don't feel very attractive right now.

Oh, you are, believe me.

Okay.

I'm really not up for this right now.

Roger, please.

I'm sorry, I just don't feel very sexual
right now.

Please be patient with me.

As the boy's vice principal, it was my
decision to transfer Kip Boschmeyer into

her class.

Miss Gill ran a somewhat informal
classroom, but I thought the boy might

better in that environment.

Did he?

At first, he did.

But then I kept hearing that she was
keeping him after class a couple of

every week.

Objection. Your Honor, this is blatantly
misleading.

There is no offer of proof that anything
but studying went on at these after

-school sessions.

Let me see you two lawyers up here right
now.

What is your theory of invisibility on
this? Given her informal manner and her

willingness to meet with him one -on
-one, Kip no doubt saw these after

sessions as an open invitation.

To do what?

Study.

I'm going to sustain the objection.

As long as we're here, Your Honor, it's
my understanding that the testimony of

the next three witnesses goes
exclusively to the issue of whether or

Gill's attire in school was too
provocative.

Again, Judge, it's our contention that
her relationship with Kip was just part

of a whole range of unacceptable
conduct.

Perhaps. But I'm not going to allow her
to be convicted of sexual assault based

on what she wore to work.

Now, do you have any other questions for
this witness? No.

Step back.

Mr. Garcia, you're excused.

Thank you.

Do you have any other witnesses you can
call at this time?

We do, Your Honor.

She's not on a lift, having only
recently come forward, but she is in the

building and ready to testify.

Call your witness, Mr. Cleaver.

The state calls Patricia Newbeck.

Please proceed.

Ms. Newbeck, your relationship with the
defendant was more than the usual

teacher -student relationship, wasn't
it?

We were also close friends, yeah.

How did your friendship come about?

At first, it was based on my schoolwork.

And then as we discovered we had mutual
interests, we started hanging out

together outside of school.

You mean you would socialize in each
other's homes, maybe go out to eat?

Yes. I'd like to call your attention to
the night of November 17th, 1992.

Do you recall where you were between 9
and 11 that night?

Paulette and I had dinner at Joy Garden.

It's a Chinese restaurant near school.

Do you recall the conversation?

Yes, I do.

You asked my opinion, Patsy, and I'm
telling you, I don't think you should be

giving Bobby that kind of commitment.

We really love each other.

Why is that so hard for everybody to
understand?

I understand.

I was in college. I was dating Roger.

I was in love.

And now here it is a few years later,
and people don't always evolve in the

direction.

God, Paulette.

You and Roger aren't having problems,
are you?

I love Roger, but I don't think either
of us really... She went on to say

that... Since Roger had started grad
school, he had gotten totally caught up

his work.

She said he was distracted and losing
interest in her.

And had another complication in the Gill
marriage developed at this time?

Yes.

Paulette told me she might be falling in
love with Kip Bauschmeier.

Did she say what those feelings were
based on?

Kip was crazy about her.

She was always interested in everything
she had to say. Was it your impression

that those feelings had been acted upon?

That's how the subject came up.

Paulette had a date with Kip that night,
and she wanted me to cover for her.

If my teacher looked like that, I
probably would have killed myself, too.

You know what she said when they caught
her? No, what's that?

She's cramming for an exam.

Are you crazy?

Just two more questions. Would you say
you were also close friends with Garrett

Evans, Stuart Cardell, or Paul Preston?

No, I'm not friends with their group at
all.

Have you ever been to the Ice House?

I don't even know where that is.

Thank you.

No further questions.

Miss Newbeck, you knew Kip Bouchemoyer
pretty well, didn't you?

Our families were close, yeah.

Initially, you were one of Mrs. Gill's
strongest supporters.

You told the school principal, your
parents, anyone who would listen, that

thought Paulette Gill was not guilty of
these charges.

That's true.

What prompted you to change your story?

Paulette and I were friends, but I felt
that what she had done was wrong, so I

decided I couldn't support her anymore.

When was that?

I don't remember exactly.

Miss Newbeck, this is a statement you
made to the district attorney's office

April of this year.

Do you recognize it?

And you told the district attorney's
office you had no relevant information,

didn't you?

Yes.

And when my investigator, Mr. Cobb,
spoke to you last July and asked you

having dinner with Mrs. Gill, what did
you say?

I told him I couldn't remember.

Ms. Newbeck, let me direct your
attention again to your April statement.

Where did you tell the DA was your
reason for accepting the interview?

Shall I read it to you, Miss Newbeck?

I said the only reason I was there was
because my father had been bugging me.

And the reason he was bugging you was
that he didn't believe you when you told

him that you thought Paulette Gill was
innocent of these charges.

And as it turned out, your father's
instinct that you're a liar proved to be

correct, didn't it?

What's important is that I'm telling the
truth now.

No further questions.

The guy you pushed was a lawyer.

Owen got him to not press charges.

Oh, that's a load off my mind.

Owen also thinks it might be a good idea
if you stayed away from the courthouse

for a while.

Owen thinks, huh?

What do you think?

That depends on whether you think you
can control your temper, Roger.

There was no loss of control, Paulette.

I saw a chance to defend your honor for
the first time since this whole business

began.

And I took it.

If you'd like to listen, I'd like to try
to explain about Patsy.

Discuss our problems with her or not.

She took things I said at different
times out of context.

What context could there possibly be for
talking to this girl about our

marriage? You know, I never liked the
way you were with those kids.

How accessible you made yourself.

But I didn't say anything because I
figured that was your call.

And because I never dreamed that what
you were sharing were intimate details

our family life, Paulette. When kids
come to you...

Asking advice and sharing their secrets.
You find yourself responding in kind.

Is that such a crime?

That depends on how far it went, I
guess, huh?

Are you asking if it's all true?

No, but when they say you didn't keep
your distance, they're not wrong, are

they?

You did cross over the line and you
brought this down on us as surely as if

had slept with him.

Maybe.

It's not such a bad idea if you did stay
away from court.

Well, I wish I didn't have to go to
court, believe me.

Our friends in the press, they'd have a
field day.

I don't care much about appearances
right now.

Well, I do.

I'm not going to give those bastards any
satisfaction.

Let me spell it out for you.

I don't want you there anymore.

If that's the only reason you have for
coming.

How long did you watch the defendant and
Kip having sexual intercourse, Mr.

Evans? About a half hour, of which I was
at the window maybe ten minutes

altogether.

Now, why is it that you decided not to
tell anybody about what you'd seen prior

to Kip's death?

Oh, Kip asked us not to.

He was worried about getting Mrs. Gill
in trouble.

And I think also we felt a little
ashamed.

Now, this place, the Ice House, you and
your friends did go out there?

Yes, sir, the night after he died.

Did you and Stuart Cordell...

And Paul Preston conspired to make up
this story at the ice house, Mr. Evans.

That would have been impossible, sir.

We went to the ice house on Friday.

By then, I'd already told my mother and
some other police officers what I knew.

No further questions.

All Garrett's testimony really proves is
that he was the first one to tell the

story.

We can argue that he was the ringleader,
but it hurt us.

And as for Patsy Newberry... Can't we
call Leland Gruen?

Unfortunately, his story about the ice
house isn't a first -hand account, and

wouldn't be admissible.

Cobb can't find anyone who will admit
that they were actually there.

Paulette, this whole thing is going to
come down to your testimony.

So I want you to really focus on that.

When you get up there tomorrow, I want
you to tell your story simply and

straightforwardly.

Do that, and I think the jury will
believe you.

Will they?

You didn't.

Yeah.

Maybe I've just defended too many guilty
people.

But I have to believe that when that
jury really looks at you, they'll see

I saw when I finally opened my eyes.

An innocent woman, falsely accused.

Highs expected in the daytime of 72.

A little bit warmer, of course.

And now in the next five days, we expect
them to remain in the mid

-70s. We'll be right back.

haven't met. I'm Roberta Rosen with the
San Diego Ledger. In the media, people

seem pretty chummy with Mrs. Boschmore.
Ever ask her what she's doing here?

Witnesses aren't allowed in the
courtroom, but she comes to the

day. Ever ask yourself what it means? I
think it helps her cope with the loss of

her son. I came out here to give you
equal time.

Yeah, well, our lawyer advised us not to
speak with the press.

Then you can't complain about the kind
of press you're getting, can you?

And that's it, huh?

You think saying that absolves you of
responsibility?

You think there's some questions we
ought to be asking? How about asking

I'm doing here?

Why would I possibly stick by Paulette
if there was any truth to these charges?

Well, you haven't been sticking by her
lately, have you?

Your attorney told us you came down with
the flu.

You seem pretty healthy to me.

You know, maybe I haven't handled myself
as well as I could.

But I'm not a public figure.

I'm just a guy that sells computers.

And my wife is a woman whose only plan
in life was to get married and raise a

family and teach school.

Before you make any judgments about us,
why don't you ask yourself what your

life would look like if it was put under
a microscope?

I love my wife, Miss Rose.

Excuse me.

Mr.

Turner, are you ready to proceed?

The defense calls Paulette Gill.

Raise your right hand.

Do you swear the testimony you're about
to give is the truth, the whole truth,

and nothing but the truth, so help you
God?

I do.

Mrs. Gill, why did you decide to become
a teacher?

I'd always admired my own teachers.

and I liked working with kids.

And how long had you been at Briarcliff
High School when you met Kip Bouchmore?

About two years.

We heard testimony that the decision to
transfer Kip to your class was based on

the idea that you and he would have a
rapport. Is that your recollection?

Not really. I think it had more to do
with the fact that I was the most junior

member of the department, and Kip had a
reputation of being a troublemaker.

Was that reputation well -deserved?

Make thick my blood?

Stop up the access and passage to
remorse.

I think he's misunderstood.

Teachers sometimes forget that while
you're testing the kids, they're also

testing you.

Come to my woman's breast and take my
milk for gone. I'm not saying we didn't

have our moments, but overall, I think
we did end up with a pretty good

We also heard testimony that you spent
time with kids outside of school. How do

you account for that?

All I can say is that I grew up in a
very small town where our teachers were

neighbors, people we thought church.

So it just seemed natural to me.

And it was just a couple of students
like Patsy that I felt particularly

to. And was Kip another one of those
students?

Not at first, but there came a time when
Kip began to seek me out on a more

individual basis.

Do you recall what brought that on?

It was around the time when he was
kicked off the football team. It's not

They said all I needed to do was get a
passing average, not pass every class.

Hey, did you hear?

Kip's off the team.

Yeah, of course I heard.

I'm co -captain, aren't I?

That's a tough break, man.

I just hate letting you guys down while
the team's on such a roll.

Yeah, well, I wouldn't lose too much
sleep over it, Kip. I'm not saying we

couldn't use you on the team, man. Just
don't act like you're indispensable or

something. Why are you always hassling
me, man?

Because someone's got to let a little
air out.

Otherwise, you'd float away under that
big head of yours.

Guys, let's go.

Limsteady, give us the ride.

Miss Jean, class today, Kip.

Hey, Miss Gill.

I had to go down to the principal's
office.

Get this thing with my grades
straightened out.

I told him what he needed to do was get
some more teachers like Mrs. Gill.

They were all as pretty as her. The
whole football team would be on the

roll.

What are you doing right now?

And when we were all little, I was the
one who could run the fastest or climb

the bigger tree.

Garrett was just a little squirt, but I
always included him.

Now it's the other way around, and the
guy gives me nothing but grief.

Well, maybe being co -captain has just
gone to his head.

No.

He's just got it in for me.

Dewey and Paul, they go whichever way
the wind blows.

In my opinion, being kicked off the
football team isn't the worst thing that

could happen.

You have more going for you than you
realize, kid.

Yeah?

Like what?

Like the side of you I see right now.

Your serious side.

I like it, and I'd like to see more of
it.

You know, I never thought I could talk
to a teacher like this.

After that, he started calling me at
home.

I hadn't given him my number, but other
kids had it, and it was listed.

Now, at one point, you did have occasion
to go to his home.

Could you please tell the jury what
prompted that?

About a month after we had coffee, Kip
called me one evening, very upset.

Hello? Mrs. Gill, I need to see you.

Kip, what's the matter?

So when they thought my grades were
going up, they bought me a car, right?

You thought in the driveway.

Then I didn't do too well on my
midterms. Now they're going to take the

Do you even have your license here?
That's not the point.

I mean, it's just something else for
them to hold over my head.

Meantime, Paul had a big party.

Never even called me.

Life's a mess.

I don't get a car?

Might as well go into exile.

I'm adopted.

Did I ever tell you that?

My older brother got all A's in school.

Dad always asked me why I couldn't be
more like Michael.

Of course, Mike's their natural son.

See, that makes me what?

The unnatural son?

I'm sure your father doesn't feel that
way.

What about your mom?

I just don't get it.

Not like you do.

You're the only person I can really talk
to.

All I can tell you, kid, is that it gets
better.

Eventually, you'll be out on your own,
and the cars, and your parents, and what

your friends think seem pretty
unimportant.

I don't know if I can wait till then.

Let's talk about January.

You began to hear rumors that you and
Kip were lovers. What did you make of

that?

When you're around kids that age, you
hear a lot of wild stories.

But then somebody told me that Kip
himself was the one who had started the

rumors. And how did that make you feel?

Used.

Betrayed.

When I asked him about it, of course he
denied it.

And why didn't you report him to the
principal, Mrs. Gill?

At the time, I thought if I spoke to him
myself, it would put a stop to it.

Did it?

No.

I learned later that he continued to
tell his friends that we were sleeping

together. Until finally there was a
compromise.

You say a word to anybody. What are you
going to do, Kip? Hit me?

What are you going to do, Kip?

She just called you a liar.

You're not going to let her get away
with that, are you? She can say whatever

the hell she wants to say.

It's true about me and Mrs. Gill. You
guys all saw the proof.

This is your proof? A pair of women's
underwear you could have bought

Hey! Whoa!

You have that freshly bought look. Give
them to me!

Give them to me! Give them to me! Give
them to me!

Give them to me!

Give me them!

We always knew you were full of crap
anyway.

Think you know?

Kip, I've had a long day.

I don't have time to play guessing
games. I'm talking about Patsy.

She comes up to me today in front of
everybody and accuses me of spreading

rumors about us.

I can't believe you put her up to that.

I didn't put her up to it, Kip.

You told me you didn't start the rumor.
I accept that.

Let's just leave it there.

There was more to it, though.

She can't blame people for talking.

But that's the way it always goes for
me.

As soon as I get close to a girl, she
backs off.

Kip, listen to me.

There was never anything more between us
than friendship.

And there was never going to be.

That's great, Miss Gill.

Are you saying that I'm not even a
little bit special to you?

That was the last time that I saw Kip.

And three days later, he killed himself.

Thank you.

No further questions, Your Honor.

So it's your testimony that you never
had sexual relations with Kip

Yes, it is.

But you do admit to visiting him in his
home after hours on two occasions.

Yes.

Well, it's an interesting coincidence,
wouldn't you say?

These three boys say you went over there
twice.

You say you went over there twice. Can
you account for this similarity in both

stories?

No, I can't.

All I can figure is that maybe Kip told
them that I had been over there as part

of his proof that we were sleeping
together.

Do you deny having dinner with Patsy
Newbeck on November 17th?

Not the way she described it.

We had dinner, yes.

Oh, I see.

So once again, only the sex part is a
lie.

Your Honor, I think we can all do
without Mr. Cleaver's sidebar

I agree.

Watch your tone, Mr. Cleaver.

Sorry, Your Honor.

Mrs. Gill, about these problems you say
you were helping Kip with, do you have

some training that qualifies you to
counsel troubled kids?

No special training, no.

The school has guidance counselors,
don't they? Couldn't you have referred

to one of them?

Or told his parents that he was having
difficulty?

Some of his problems had to do with his
family, Mr. Cleaver.

So no, I didn't think that was
appropriate.

And when you realized Kip was developing
romantic feelings for you, you also

declined to tell anyone in authority.

Was that because you were afraid of
being asked what you'd done to lead him

Perhaps that was part of it.

Because you had led him on?

Because women get asked that question a
lot.

Mrs. Gill, let's talk about the second
time you went to visit Kip at his home.

I noticed you didn't have much to say
about that on direct examination.

There wasn't much to tell. It was pretty
much the same as the first time.

He called me. He sounded upset.

I picked him up. We drove around.

When he calmed down, I brought him home.

Mrs. Gill.

Your own testimony proves this was a far
different encounter.

Because by then, you knew that this
young boy was interested in a lot more

hand -holding, didn't you?

Yes, I knew he had a crush on me.

And yet, you went to see him anyway.

You, a married woman, a teacher. This
student calls you, and you rush right

there. You drop whatever you're doing.

Now, would you do that if you didn't
have some feeling for him? He sounded

he was in trouble, Mr. Cleaver.

No, Mrs. Gill. I submit, you went
because you cared for him, too.

Mr. Cleaver, I admit it. I cared.

It's hard not to care about a kid who
wants to be liked so much. And yes,

looking back, I think that maybe it
wasn't the greatest idea to go over

But at the time when he called me
begging me, please come, Mrs. Gill,

only person in the world I can talk to.
I didn't stop to think. Your Honor. Gee,

what's everyone going to think? I just
went. Your Honor. I cared. Mrs. Gill. I

thought good teachers were supposed to
care. Mrs. Gill.

That's enough now.

Mrs. Gill, do you need a moment?

Mr. Cleaver.

At this time, I have no further
questions.

Ladies and gentlemen, during jury
selection, I asked

each of you what you thought we should
expect of our teachers.

Each of you indicated that you expected
teachers not only to teach, but also to

be role models, to provide examples.

Measuring from that standard, it's clear
that Paulette Gill failed in her

responsibility to the students in her
care.

She claims she drew the line at
intimacy.

But three young men from this town say
otherwise.

The defense has not produced a single
witness who can explain what would

motivate... three boys of outstanding
reputation, to come in here and lie to

you. On the other hand, many witnesses
can testify to the fact that time after

time, this defendant crossed over the
line to what many people would consider

unacceptable conduct.

She herself admits she met with Kip
repeatedly outside of school.

Is it possible that this attractive,
sexually sophisticated woman Did not

comprehend the effect this would have on
an inexperienced young boy?

Let us send a message that in this town,
traditional standards of decency are

still the measure of behavior, and that
those who don't adhere to those

standards will be punished.

If you apply common sense as well as the
law, I am confident that you will

conclude that Paulette Gill is guilty of
sexual assault.

Thank you

From

the beginning I felt that the most
extraordinary thing about this case

was that it was being prosecuted at all
She was intimate with him.

That's what they say Maybe Kip and
Paulette did have a kind of intimacy The

that occurs when one person reaches out
to another person and says you're not

alone.

The state has suggested that this case
represents a sign of the times.

I agree.

I think that the prosecution of this
woman suggests that we have reached an

when simple human kindness is so rare
that those who act out of it come under

immediate suspicion.

Particularly by the people who in this
case were unable to do what Mrs. Gill

able to do.

Reach this boy.

And it is my opinion that they want to
blame her for his death because their

only alternative is to blame themselves.

As to why these young men lied, I can
only speculate.

Maybe in the wake of Kip's death, they
honestly wondered if there wasn't

something to his story after all.

Maybe they felt guilty.

And if the price of easing that guilt
was the reputation of this teacher, this

outsider, well, so be it.

Remember, folks, they could not have
foreseen it would come to this.

They simply told their parents, who
called the police, who informed the

Somebody tipped the press off, and here
we are, deciding the fate of this woman

on the basis of this same absurd,
childish story.

It has come to this because at every
step of the way, people who should have

known better stood by and did nothing.

Well, I submit to you now.

At its high time, somebody in this case
stood up and did the right thing.

And I'm sure that you will.

They have two weeks of testimony to go
over. I'll be very surprised if we hear

anything before tomorrow.

Paulette, I've just been informed by the
Baltimore's attorney that the

Baltimore's are filing a civil action
against him.

On what ground?

I haven't had a chance to go through it.
I'm sure they've cooked up some theory

of how Paulette deprived them of their
son.

Paulette, now this is really a nonsense
suit.

It's going to be okay. No, it's not.

This thing is never going to end.

It's all right. No, it's not.

I love you, Paulette.

We'll get through this.

I'd just like to say that money is not
the issue here.

My concern is that this woman not be
allowed to teach anywhere else.

My son Kip is gone.

But what about the other kids that are
still out there? What do they have to

look up to?

What are their teachers representing to
them?

Isn't this lawsuit a little inconsistent
with your testimony last week when you

said that you did not blame Mrs. Gill
for Pip's death?

Well, since then, new information has
come to light.

Mrs. Gill's own testimony shows that
such an influence exists.

Ma 'am, are you just looking for a
scapegoat?

That's not the kind of people we are.

Jerry's back.

What do you suppose it means, jury only
being gone an hour?

They had their minds made up before they
went out.

Will the defendant please rise?

Madam Foreman, have you reached a
verdict?

We have, Your Honor.

In the matter of the State of California
v. Paulette Gill, we, the jury, find

the defendant, Paulette Gill, not
guilty.

All I can say is the jury has spoken and
we accept their decision. Now you'll

have to excuse me. Okay.

Oh, Paulette.

You decide you want to get your teaching
credentials back.

Let me know.

Oh, I'll never teach again.

Why don't we get the credentials back
and then you can think it over.