38. Sunday Justice

Summary

• In the chapter, the protagonist, Kya, is on trial for murder, guided by her attorney Tom Milton. She enters the courtroom after months in a dimly-lit cell, and has difficulty adjusting to the bright lights of the court and the hubbub around her.
• Milton had come out of retirement to represent Kya pro bono after hearing about her arrest. He had tried to build trust with her during jail visits, using a book about seashells to establish a connection before explaining court procedures and roles to her.
• However, Kya appeared withdrawn at the mention of the crime and her whereabouts during the murder.
• The courtroom, filled with spectators, was buzzing with anticipation ahead of Kya's trial, with a mix of black and white villagers and journalists. Their interest in her case is heightened due to her reputation as the 'Marsh Girl'.
• The courthouse had a resident cat, Sunday Justice, who had earned a place in the courtroom due to his hunting skills.
• The B. Cove courthouse, despite being struck by lightning in the past and overtaken by grasses, had a distinguished presence, housing the judge's bench, the jury box, and particularly notable were its twelve-foot windows which offered views of the sea.
• As the trial began, the judge dismissed Milton's request to relocate the trial due to community prejudices against Kya.
• Kya was then officially charged with first-degree murder, and the judge declared the state could seek the death penalty if she was found guilty, causing a stir in the room.
• The jury selection process began shortly after, with potential jurors being asked about their belief in the death penalty and their relationships with Kya or the victim. No hands were raised in response to the death penalty question.
• One potential juror, Mrs. Sally Culpepper, shared she had been Kya's truant officer, but affirmed she could adjudicate fairly nonetheless.
• As the judge called for a lunch recess, Kya recognized Mrs. Culpepper and another juror, Teresa White, from the village.
• Throughout the trial, Kya leans on the comfort of Milton's presence, finding it difficult to deal with the reality that she is on trial for her life.