Emotional Closing Argument and Acquittal

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The chapter discusses Karen Bathea Shields' emotional closing argument in Joanne Little's trial, using the dimensions of Joanne's jail cell to convey the situation to the jury. It reflects on the jury's surprising emotional response, the quick not guilty verdict, Joan Little's writing talent, escape from prison, and her life post-release. The chapter also features a trailblazing woman lawyer turned judge and her experiences in the legal field.

When Karen Bethea-Shields was in college, she heard a judge say, “No way in the world a Black woman can get raped.” A few years later, in 1975, she helped successfully defend Joan Little—a Black woman—who became the first woman in the U.S. to be found not guilty of murder using the defense that she used deadly force to resist sexual assault.

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