INT. COURTROOM - DAY
The court is packed with spectators, reporters, and a JURY seated to the side. The BAILIFF stands beside JUDGE GARCIA, an experienced and no-nonsense jurist. ETHAN RALPH, a disheveled and heavyset man in his late thirties, stands at the DEFENDANT'S TABLE, shoveling potato chips into his mouth.
JUDGE GARCIA (clearly annoyed) Mr. Ralph, your opening statement, please.
ETHAN RALPH (slurring) Y-yeah, Your Honor, I got this.
Ethan clumsily shuffles papers on his table, spilling some onto the floor. He takes a swig from a flask hidden in his suit pocket before beginning his statement.
ETHAN RALPH (rambling) Ladies and gentlemen of the jury... uh, my fellow Americans... So, I'm here today 'cause of this whole... uh... this whole revenge thingy.
Ethan takes another bite of chips, crumbs falling onto his papers. He clears his throat and continues.
ETHAN RALPH But lemme tell ya, it's all a big misunderstanding. My ex, Faith, she's just... ya know... overreacting.
Ethan suddenly gets visibly agitated, waving his arms around.
ETHAN RALPH (raising his voice) I mean, come on! I got a show to run, people! The Ralph Retort ain't nothin' without a little... a little drama, right?
Ethan chuckles to himself, wiping grease from his hands onto his suit. He then points to the jury as if he's sharing an inside joke with them.
ETHAN RALPH You get it, right? It's just entertainment! Besides, that restraining order is like... I dunno... a piece of paper! It's not like it's a big deal or anything!
The JUDGE bangs her gavel, interrupting Ethan.
JUDGE GARCIA (sternly) Mr. Ralph, please refrain from making personal comments about the victim and focus on your defense.
ETHAN RALPH (defensive) I'm getting there, Your Honor! Geez, give a guy a break.
Ethan takes another swig from his flask and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.
ETHAN RALPH Anyway, I ain't no lawyer, but I know what's right and what's wrong. And what's right is... is... freedom of speech or something.
Ethan trails off, losing focus as he stares at the last few chips in the bag.
ETHAN RALPH (sudden realization) Oh, uh, I guess that's it. I rest my case... or whatever.
Ethan sits down, spilling more papers and shoving the last of the chips into his mouth. The JUDGE looks at the JURY, who seem bewildered by Ethan's opening statement. She sighs and addresses the PROSECUTOR.
JUDGE GARCIA The prosecution may proceed with their opening statement.
As the PROSECUTOR stands up, Ethan takes another swig from his flask and begins rummaging through his bag for more snacks.