The Kingdom vs. Jack Spriggins

Pinto Joe: 

I mean you think about these things, and the next step is doing them.

Jack:

You mean go back to the Giant's?

Pinto Joe:

Don't tell me you don't think about it all night and day. It was so easy to take that goose. What else could you take?

Jack:

Well, the Giant is a pretty big guy. 

Pinto Joe:

Meet my friend, (pulls out a gun) he's bigger than some old Giant. 

Case Summary:

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The trial is a classic case of first degree murder. Young Jack Spriggins is a fatherless, impoverished, and lonely young man. He needs money and must sell his one and only possession, his beloved cow. Is it surprising that on his way to the marketplace, he falls into the wrong crowd? Jack acquires a handgun from the "shady bean salesman," Pinto Joe.  A first time offender, Jack has stolen a golden goose, kidnaped a harp, and killed the Giant who owned them; then scrambled down the beanstalk to his home. There is no question that he killed the Giant, but what was his intent?  Was it pre-meditated murder, or self-defense? The jury must decide if he is a well-meaning young man who made a few bad choices or a hardened criminal that is a threat to the community.