Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer

The class eats at Pappy’s, a deli, during the lunch break. When Mr. Mount asks who the better attorney is between Hogan and Nance, the class is split. He then asks who thinks Duffy is guilty, telling the class that everyone must vote. Theo does not vote, explaining that he thinks that Duffy is guilty, but he isn’t sure how the prosecution will be able to prove it. The class wants to watch the whole trial, but they must be back at the school and have other classes for the rest of the week, so the afternoon session will be their last opportunity.

On the way back to the courthouse, Mr. Mount points out Mr. Duffy conferring with his lawyers. Theo notices Omar Cheepe among the group. Cheepe is a retired federal agent who Theo has heard about from his mother, who called him a “man who enjoyed breaking the law” (76). Theo makes eye contact with the intimidating man. He is also unable to shake his sense that Mr. Duffy is guilty, which frustrates him because he is supposed to believe in the presumption of innocence. He senses that something about the case is missing and that “the mystery might never be solved” (77).