Depraved Indifference

24

It would have taken an hour, perhaps more, for the clerk to read each of the counts contained in the indictment, and for the teacher's aide to recite the words Not guilty ninety-three times. Graciously, if perhaps a wee bit testily, Abe Firestone rose to his feet after five such recitals, and suggested that the court might wish to inquire whether the news on the remaining eighty-eight counts was going to follow the pattern suggested by the first five.

"Thank you," said the judge. Then, turning to the forelady, she said, "Please answer this question 'Yes' or 'No.' Has the jury found the defendant not guilty on all ninety-three counts of the indictment? Just 'Yes' or 'No,' please. Nothing else."

"Yes."