Today we held our mock trial of Mrs. Lieberman at the Birch Street Nursing Home, to help calm her fears before her real trial. I played the judge. The judge's robe that Grandmother lent me was a little big, but once I was seated I was no longer worried about tripping on it. I called court to order at 9 o'clock. Mr. Pearlman, playing the prosecutor, made his opening statement, and everyone was impressed by his argument. He didn't pull any punches, and went right after Mrs. Lieberman, reminding the jury that they had all seen the stolen vase and worn the stolen hats. Even Mrs. Henley, who was playing the defense attorney, applauded Mr. Pearlman's performance. Mrs. Henley's defense was largely based on Mrs. Lieberman's good character. She reminded the jury that Mrs. Lieberman gave the stolen hats and purses to them, and that the vase was there for the enjoyment of everyone while we played poker. Mrs. Henley also called witnesses who testified that Mrs. Lieberman made things fun at the Birch Street Nursing Home by running the poker game and by setting up fireworks displays on the 4th of July. As the closing arguments were made, I wasn't sure which way the jury would go, and thought deliberation might go on for hours. But after only five minutes, the jury foreman, Mrs. Kunkle, told me that they had reached a verdict. Mrs. Lieberman was guilty on all counts. And now Mrs. Lieberman is more nervous than before.
