The Prosecuting Attorney’s Closing Argument
Your Honor, this case is the one of utmost cruelty and brutality. The defendant has clearly planned the most atrocious and cold-blooded murder of the plaintiff. First of all, he used the victim’s weakness for good spirit against him, knowing that Mr. Fortunato would not refuse to follow him once he heard about amontillado. The defendant knew that the plaintiff was a connoisseur who would never miss the opportunity to evaluate the quality of wine.
Secondly, the defendant planned the whole evening beforehand, which makes clear the presence of aggravating circumstances. The defendant has told us that he made his servants leave the mansion under false pretense. He was sure that if he told them to remain at home after he left, they would not stay a minute after his departure. By doing so, the defendant deprived the victim of the possibility to call out for help.
Finally, there is one more aggravating circumstance proving that the defendant is guilty of a planned murder. He had all the materials needed to chain the plaintiff and to build up a wall to cover up his deed. The defendant admitted having prepared a mortar and a sufficient amount of building stone. Furthermore, he had hidden those materials under a pile of old bones so that the plaintiff would not suspect anything. Taking into consideration these pieces of evidence, as well as the defendant’s confession, I request the highest measure of punishment for the defendant.
The Defense Attorney’s Closing Argument
Your Honor, I understand that there is much evidence against my client, but I would like to emphasize some facts that the prosecuting attorney has neglected to mention. First of all, my client arranged the whole matter due to the feeling of a deep insult that the plaintiff imposed on him. As a man of honor, my client could not forgive such an offense of his good name and reputation. Secondly, I would like to remind you that the defendant had continuously warned the plaintiff about the possible danger of getting cold and sick if he entered the vault.
Henceforth, it was the plaintiff’s greed for alcohol and his utmost self-pride of being the best wine connoisseur in the whole world that made him follow the defendant. Finally, the plaintiff had many opportunities to return, both on his own will and on the defendant’s suggestions, but he neglected those chances. Therefore, I request that the punishment not be so severe since there is much evidence of my client’s attempts to prevent the plaintiff’s intention to enter the vault.
The Jury’s Final Verdict
As I can see, you have not reached a settlement on the matter. I will make conclusions and come to a resolution based on the evidence available, the defendant’s confession, and your arguments. Mr. Montresor, you are hereby sentenced to twenty years in jail for planning and executing the murder of Mr. Fortunato. You had no partner in crime, which does not allow the court to choose the highest measure of punishment. However, you have violated the law and deprived a person of his life.
Therefore, you will not be given a chance for an appeal. All of your property will be confiscated and given to Mrs. Fortunato as a matter of compensation. The sentence takes effect from the moment of its announcement. The case is thereby pronounced as closed; the court will now take a one-hour break.