Defamation

In a Chicago courtroom, in 2012, Judge Adrian Barnes presides over a civil lawsuit. She (or he) begins by establishing the proper behavior for a courtroom as well as the requirements for the audience to participate as jurors in the case. At the plaintiff’s table sits Regina Wade, an African-American woman, and her lawyer Mr. Lawton, a white man. At the defendant’s table, Arthur Golden--a white man--is represented by his lawyer Ms. Allen, an African-American woman. In the audience, waiting to testify, is Lorraine Jordan, an African-American woman. Ultimately, the jury must decide if Mr. Golden not only made false statements about Ms. Wade, but also if these false statements caused financial injury to her and her business.

Ms. Wade takes the stand first, questioned by her lawyer (Mr. Lawton). In his questioning, Lawton establishes the relationship established between Ms. Wade and Mr. Golden: She was referred to him by another client, Lorraine Jordan, to do some pro bono graphics design