1) “Though taken from a distance of forty yards by a man dodging rather heavy mall foot traffic, the photo was clear and revealed a nice face, clean-shaven (Pg. 1).” – This quote begins the story with a description of the main character, Nicholas Easter, who has finished 2 years of Law School and understands the manipulative tactics that anyone and everyone can make. Here, an undercover photographer, who has been noticed by Nicholas, is attempting to capture some images of Nicholas, so that he can relay this information to Fitch and make sure their jury selection has been meticulously picked and created. The way in which Nicholas just goes about his day, even when he knows that this agent has slipped up is hilarious and reveals just how intelligent and observant that Easter is.
2) “It was a perfect spot to end the day (Pg. 118).” – After Dr. Bronsky’s lecture and informative speech about the effects of nicotine on the body and how manipulative that these tobacco manufacturing companies are, Nicholas comments with this quote. The major reason for Nicholas to respond in this manner reveals his mysterious persona, as he knows how his plan is supposed function and he acknowledges this doctor’s speech with satisfaction. Nicholas is just as deceptive as these other jurors and lawyers and he is portraying his intelligence and understanding of everything that is taking place in favor of his plan with Marlee through his personal thoughts.
3) “‘The tobacco companies spent millions selecting us, and now they’re spending even more to watch us’ (Pg. 174).” – Even after Nicholas notices these undercover agents that are monitoring him, he makes a point to reveal this to his fellow jurors. On top of listing these facts, Easter also explicitly addresses the issue of these tobacco companies spending millions of dollars to select their ideal jury, including millions to spy and watch the jurors, too. It’s amusing that these tobacco companies’ sly and undercover actions are being noticed by Nicholas, as he relays this information to all of his fellow jurors.
4) “That was the nearest Herman Grimes came to discussing any aspect of the case (Pg. 238).” – Herman Grimes, who is the blind man foreman of the jury, abides strictly to the rules, just as a martinet would. He breaks none of the tort laws and respectfully listens to anything and everything that the judge states. For this reason, Herman refuses to discuss the tobacco litigation trial outside of the courtroom and everyone is astonished to hear him talk about his opinion on the trial when they are under sequestration. Eventually, Marlee eliminates him from the jury with a heart attack, but Herman still remains mute, as well as blind, to the trial and the information regarding it.
5) “The ignition was rapid and virtually silent, at least to anyone who might have been listening outside (Pg. 292).” – As Fitch and his associates continue to obtain information pertaining to all of the jurors, they set Nicholas’s apartment on fire because they are ridding Nicholas of the evidence that is necessary to accuse them of arson, as well as to rid him of the evidence that is helping to to create the greatest verdict against the defense. This brutish act of stupidity has highlighted Fitch and his associates’ plans and how their undercover schemes have been noticed and that they are in potential danger of law suits, too.
6) “‘Look, Fitch, what are the chances of us getting together for a little chat, private you know, without all your goons ducking behind bushes’ (Pg. 350).” – Just as her partner, Nicholas, has noticed all of Fitch’s agents working undercover to obtain necessary information for Fitch, Marlee has explicitly stated that she has noticed all of Fitch’s “goons” hiding behind bushes and other obstacles, one reason that Marlee can give an excuse not to ever be seen again. It’s funny to see how much control that Marlee has, too and how she is able to conduct all of their operations at a moments notice.
7) “She removed the same sensor-scan from it, and aimed it at Fitch from head to toe… ‘Yeah right, you’re clean’ (Pg. 423).” – Once again, we see Marlee’s “always in control” personality and how she basically controls everything that takes place, including her and Fitch’s meetings. She makes sure that Fitch has come truthfully, in terms of meeting with no hidden cameras or mics, as well as his agents snooping on their every word. This reveals the human insecurity with regards to manipulation and deception being rampant with no escape from it.
8) “‘And remember, Fitch, next time you boys go to trial, we’ll be there (Pg. 550).” – This final statement from Marlee to Fitch accumulates all of the events of the story and basically foreshadows the coming of another trial similar to this one. Marlee and Nicholas have collaborated together, in order to create the greatest verdict against the defense by manipulating others through deception, just as Fitch has worked and failed to do himself. The certainty of Marlee living up to this quote is extremely high, as she will continue to work with her deceptive motives and how Nicholas will be at her side the rest of the way.
9) “‘And we, the jury, find for the plaintiff, Celeste Wood, and award punitive damages in the amount of four hundred million dollars’ (Pg. 536).” – After Celeste Wood is awarded 2 million dollars in compensatory damages, this additional part of the final verdict is laid upon the defense, as all of the tobacco companies are having to fork up this large amount of money to pay for the damages caused for their nicotine packed cigarettes. Also, this quotes captures the essence of what Marlee and Nicholas were striving to work for: the greatest verdict against the defense that would cause them to pay the largest amount of money.
10) “Sequestration of a jury was a rare, radical event, made necessary by extraordinary circumstances, and almost always used in sensational murder cases (Pg. 190).” – As Judge Harkin knows what he is about to do, he understands that the sequestration of the jury has really only occurred during murder trials, not tobacco litigation trials. However, due to the actions of the jurors and how talkative they have become over the trial when they’re to remain silent outside of the courtroom, Judge Harkin is basically forced to go through with this decision. Although it may not appease the jury, the manipulation through deception that is rampant is somewhat contained by the Judge’s order, a vital part to this suspenseful novel.