IV. Practise phonetic reading and translate the sentences from English into Russian. Pay special attention to the underlined words and phrases.

1. The tension was suddenly thick as the defendant made his way to the witness chair. Finally, after four long days of trial, the accused would take the stand and tell his side of the story. But, in doing so he would also subject himself to questions from the prosecution. (200)

 

2. Theo knew that in 65 percent of murder cases the defendant does not testify, and he knew the reasons why. First, they're usually guilty of the murder and cannot withstand a clever and nasty cross examination from the prosecution. Second, they usually have a record of prior criminal activity, and once on the witness stand the record becomes fair game. In every trial the judge tries to explain to the jury that the defendant does not have to testify, does not have to say a word nor produce any witnesses on his behalf. The burden is on the State to prove him guilty. (200)

 

3. Mr. Nance then began a series of simple questions. He took his time establishing the basics - Mr. Duffy's family history, education, jobs, businesses, lack of criminal record, and so on. The two had spent hours rehearsing all this, and the witness settled into a routine. He often glanced over at the jurors in an effort to establish an easy conversational tone. Trust me, he seemed to be trying to say. (202)

 

4. The back-and-forth finally got around to something important when Mr. Nance brought up the subject of the $1 million insurance policy on the life of Mrs. Myra Duffy. The witness explained that he was a firm believer in life insurance, that when he was a young man with a young wife and young children he had always saved his money and invested in life insurance, both for himself and for his wife. Life policies are valuable tools to protect a family in the event of an untimely death. (202)

 

5. Mr. Nance then moved to the delicate matter of the Duffys' marital troubles, and here again the witness did a fine job. He admitted things had been rocky. Yes, they had gone to marriage counselors. Yes, they had consulted separate divorce lawyers. Yes, there had been fights, but none violent. And yes, he had moved out on one occasion, a miserable one-month period that made him even more determined to patch things up. (203)

 

6. The daily trips to the cemetery. Then, the horror of being suspected, accused, indicted, arrested, and put on trial. How could anyone suspect him in the murder of a woman he loved and adored? He finally broke down. He struggled to control himself and wiped his eyes and repeatedly said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." It was very moving, and Theo watched the faces of the jurors. Total sympathy and belief. Duffy was crying to save his life, and it was working. (206)

 

V. Find synonyms to the following words:

 

quiet, nasty, chunk, obtain, danger

VI. Find antonyms to the following words:

stylish, allow, rough, softly, grand

VII. Comprehension check. Speak on the following using your active vocabulary (ex. II, III, IV).

 

Chapter 17

 

1. The defense calls Mr. Peter Duffy himself. Why was the tension suddenly thick?

2. Mr. Nance brings up the subjects of:

- insurance policy

- business ventures

- marital troubles

- golf

- the day of the murder

3. Jack Hogan’s turn to put questions to the defendant.

4. Comment on Mr. Duffy’s behavior during the questioning.

 

Chapter 18

 

1. A family meeting on Saturday morning.

2. The plan of the Boones.

3. Theo and his father play golf.

4. On the spot where the witness was hiding.

5. Mr. Boone takes photos. Duffy sees them.

 

Discussion (Google for some additional information on the questions)

 

1. The aim of cross examination. Behaviour of the sides.

2. Does common business unite or break families?

3. Do family traditions influence children? Free time together or separately?

 

 

Section 10 (ch. 19 - 20)

Listen to the audio “Theo Boone – Kid Lawyer”. Use the recording as model and aid for your work on the section.

I. Transcribe and practice pronouncing the following words as they are given in the text. Make sure you know what they mean.

19) decent, curb, league, plaque, bleachers, anthem, immunity, triple, crucial, weight

20) vibrated, closely, frown, carousel, loitered, policeman, dodging, verge, sprawled, quilts

 

II. Find the Russian equivalents of the following words and phrases. Make up your own sentences using these phrases.

 

1. to jump at the chance (229)

2. to brag about (230)

3. they stood for the national anthem (231)

4. in legal terms (233)

5. raids from the immigration people (234)

6. What’s up? (236)

7. His father was a step ahead (238)

8. to loiter about (239)

9. to dodge cops (239)

10. the fast track to being a legal resident (240)