"All Rise," The bailiff announced as the chatter in the courtroom stopped, "The people's Court of the Second Judicial Circuit, Criminal Division, is now in session, the honorable Judge Harlow presiding."

As the judge swore in the jury I took a deep breath and looked over to my client, Mr. Kris Kringle. That's at least the name he provided to the authorities, he didn't have any form of ID on him when he was arrested. It is a convenient alibi for a man arrested for breaking and entering on Christmas Eve. He ignored my suggestion of taking a plea deal or pleading insanity. This guy really thinks he is Santa Claus and claims he was simply doing his job. It has already been a headache to represent him and I'm not looking forward to this trial. In the face of overwhelming evidence against him, it seems like the only way I'll be able to win this case is to somehow convince this jury that he is indeed Santa.

Judge Harlow then turned his attention back to the rest of the court. "We will proceed with the case of the State of New York vs Kris Kringle," Judge Harlow said, "The prosecution may begin their opening statement."

I look to the table parallel to ours and see the District Attorneys standing and turning to the jury. The hotshot young DA, Darrel Grey, seems to be taking the reigns. "Thank you, your Honor. Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, I am District Attorney Darrel Grey. The Prosecution intends to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused, the so-called Mr. Kris Kringle, is guilty. The evidence you will see today will show that Mr. Kringle had broken into various homes on Christmas Eve, disguised as a beloved holiday figure in order to fool and manipulate children into his sick game. Not only did he do this with a sound mind he continued his charade after he was apprehended by the NYPD in a poor attempt to create an alibi. You will hear from eyewitness testimony and see video evidence of the accused caught in the act. Therefore we, the representatives of the people of New York, ask you to review the evidence provided and return with a guilty verdict. Thank you," the young DA so eloquently puts.

I can't really argue with him, this may be the lowest point in my career. As ponder just how I could possibly make this jury believe this guy is really Santa, the Judge calls on me, "The defense may now proceed with their opening statement." I take a deep breath and stand up turning to the jury.