Plea Bargain

Step into the district attorney’s office of a heavenly court, where Gabrielle, the defense attorney, pleads for mercy on behalf of her client. But Prosecutor Michael isn’t backing down. With a scroll of the law in one hand and the Bible in the other, he makes the case that guilt runs deeper than actions—it’s embedded in the heart. Can justice and mercy coexist? Or will the final decision be left to the Judge?

Perfect For:

• Youth or adult drama teams
• Sermon illustrations on sin, judgment, and grace
• Small casts and simple staging

Bible Reference: Exodus 20:1–17; Deuteronomy 5:1–21
Cast: 2 (Michael/Michelle & Gabrielle/Gabriel)
Run Time: ~4 minutes
Genre: Modern courtroom drama with eternal implications

Sample script:

(GABRIELLE enters. MICHAEL stands to greet.)

MICHAEL:
Gaby! Good to see you. How long has it been?

GABRIELLE:
Hi, Michael. I think it was the Celestial Bar Association banquet.

MICHAEL:
That long!
(They sit.)

GABRIELLE:
How have you been?

MICHAEL:
Busy. Too many cases, not enough time. The bad guys keep us hopping, and the Boss, well… you know.

GABRIELLE:
I do know. Sometimes I think the Boss pushes too hard. That’s why I’m here.

MICHAEL:
Well, you called the meeting. I’m guessing you’re looking for a plea bargain.

GABRIELLE:
You bet I am! It’s the murder charge against Pat Wilson. It’s unjustified. It’s excessive!

MICHAEL:
Pat Wilson? I’m afraid we have a solid case against Pat, Gabrielle.

GABRIELLE:
I’m disappointed in you, Michael. I know you’re a tough prosecutor, but I didn’t think you were cruel.

MICHAEL:
What do you mean?

GABRIELLE:
Look at these charges:
(Reading)
“Count 1. On April 15, 1996, defendant Patrick Marion Wilson did fervently wish and entreat that a meteor would strike IRS headquarters, destroying all who were there present.”

MICHAEL:
Are you saying that Pat didn’t do that?

GABRIELLE:
No, but Pat didn’t really mean that he wanted—

MICHAEL:
I have evidence that Pat really meant what he said. But that’s not the most serious charge. Look at Count 2.

GABRIELLE:
Okay, Pat did say some nasty things. Pat’s boss is not a nice person, but he doesn’t really rent out his kids as slave labor.

MICHAEL:
Pat knew that wasn’t true and he said that to people anyway.

GABRIELLE:
Yes, but—

MICHAEL:
And look at Count Three. What kind of person even thinks such awful thoughts about a spouse?

GABRIELLE:
Look, I know Pat isn’t perfect. Pat has a bad temper and sometimes says hurtful things. But Pat is not a murderer!

MICHAEL:
Really?

GABRIELLE:
Of course not! Look at the Law!
(Pulls scroll from briefcase)
Right there! “Thou shalt not murder.” Pat never killed anybody. Not by accident, not in self-defense, and certainly not by murder!

MICHAEL:
You’ve been out of touch for a couple of millennia, Gaby. There’s a new covenant.

GABRIELLE:
What? The old law doesn’t apply. . . . 

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