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Yuki fired off a text to her husband, Ho him in a feords the twist of events: Grant wants to defend himself Says he’s best person for the job

Brady texted back, Huge ego No legal experience Good for the white hats

Yuki hoped Brady was right

Courtroom 2A was still empty when the prosecution team returned to their table Moh the side door with the defendant

Grant wore a very pleased expression and a different jacket Apparently, Len’s remarks about “cheerful blue sports coat” had prompted his attorney to quickly find him a more subdued replacement The bailiff opened the door for the twelve jurors and four alternates, who filed in and got settled, putting handbags under seats, coughing politely, crossing legs, and exchanging questioning looks when they realized that the gallery was empty

They stood when the judge returned and took the bench, then sat again as he addressed the jurors, saying, “Ladies and gentle to tell you about right now We can deal with any questions before the public comes in”

Yuki said softly, “Uh-oh”

Hoffman said, “Here’s the story The defendant, Mr Grant, is exercising his legal right to defend himself”

There was a gasp from some of the jurors, and Yuki felt her heart speed up She had really thought the judge would convince Grant that he was going to hurt his chances by beco his own counsel

Hoffht to a pro se defense, that pro se meant “on one’s own behalf” He told the jurors that he had questioned Mr Grant and that he was convinced that the defendant could do an adequate job of presenting his case to the jury

The judge went on

“Ms Antonelli is acting as Mr Grant’s standby counsel She is well versed in this case and will guide Mr Grant on points of law Mr Grant has assured me that he is of sound mind, that he understands what is at stake, and that he will not be given any breaks because of his lack of legal experience

“Accordingly, the prosecution will treat Mr Grant as opposing counsel As forto make sure that this trial stays on track and that you receive the inforuilt or innocence

“Are there any questions?”