People v. Iago
Steps for the Prosecution
1. Choose the charge for Iago--murder, manslaughter, etc. (in the murder of Desdemona). See the law section below.
2. Choose witnesses--you’ll probably want to re-read the last act for this.
3. Share with the defense which witnesses you intend to call and what evidence you will introduce.
4. Write out what you’re going to say in the opening statement.
5. Write out what you are going to ask the witnesses and what they will say in return. Avoid asking “yes or no” questions.
6. Meet with the witnesses and practice--explain to them what you are going to ask them and what they are going to say.
7. Write your closing statement.
8. Practice your opening and closing statements.
1. Deliver your opening statement (you go first).
2. Call your own witnesses.
3. Listen carefully to the defense’s questioning of witnesses. Take notes. You’re listening for something that you could clarify in cross-examination that could undermine their case.
4. Cross-examine the defense’s witnesses if you like.
5. Make your closing statement (you go first).
(a) First-Degree Murder: Iago’s actions were planned, and Iago knew about the impending murder of Desdemona & instigated it or helped bring it about in some way.
(b) Second-Degree Murder: Iago tried to get somebody else killed (Cassio?), and Desdemona was murdered as an unintended consequence.
(c) Voluntary Manslaughter: Iago said and did the things he did to bring about the murder of Desdemona in a jealous rage, but didn’t plan to say or do those things beforehand. A reasonable person would have to become as jealous or disturbed as Iago under the circumstances for this to be true.
401. Aiding and Abetting: Intended CrimesLiving Witnesses at the end of the play that can be called to testify:
To prove that the defendant is guilty of a crime based on aiding and abetting that crime, the People must prove that:
1. The perpetrator committed the crime;
2. The defendant knew that the perpetrator intended to commit the crime;
3. Before or during the commission of the crime, the defendant intended to aid and abet the perpetrator in committing the crime;
AND
4. The defendant's words or conduct did in fact aid and abet the perpetrator's commission of the crime.
Someone aids and abets a crime if he or she knows of the perpetrator's unlawful purpose and he or she specifically intends to, and does in fact, aid, facilitate, promote, encourage, or instigate the perpetrator's commission of that crime.
Iago (though he may not be asked to testify against himself)Other Possible Evidence you might want to introduce:
Cassio
Lodovico
Gratiano
Montano
Bianca