A Synopsis Of The Hank Palmer Court Case

Hank Palmer was a very successful lawyer in Chicago and learned of his mothers’ death while in court and leaves immediately for his small hometown in Indiana. Hank had not been home since high school graduation and was estranged from his family, especially his dad who was the judge in their home town. Hank felt resentment against his dad after being in a car accident when he was seventeen and his brother had been injured preventing him from a potential and aspiring baseball career. As a result of this, he was sent to a detention center and his father held this over his head. Hank and his father had never come to terms with these issues. The day after his mother’s funeral, Hank discovered his dad’s car had been in an accident and

He stated not remembering the incident was not his testimony and he did not remember striking the victim with his car but he had also followed him after having a conversation with him at the convenience store. Judge Palmer had sentenced the victim years ago as a result of killing a sixteen year old girl by drowning her. The victim stated he could spit on both the girl’s grave and the judge’s dead wife at the same time. Judge Palmer saw the same qualities in his son Hank as he did the victim that night. Hank argued the case in behalf of his father stating there was not enough evidence to convict his father of murder and a mistrial be ordered. The judge was having difficulties recalling facts and certain incidents. Hank said he had spread enough doubt in the courtroom to prevent his dad of being convicted. Not being able to remember would secure a mistrial and the judge would not be

The judge’s health continued to decline but did not want to have it announced. He was now in stage 4 cancer and he did not want the pity or attention it would bring to the case. Hank did bring this information against his dad’s wishes which enraged his dad. Judge Palmer had been an outstanding member of the community and served on the bench for 42 years. He insisted his legacy be protected and by admitting he was having difficulty remembering would potentially damage his legacy. Judge Palmer was acquitted on first degree murder but convicted on volunteer manslaughter. He was sentenced to four years in the state prison. He was released after four months due to a compassion release due to his declining health. Hank took his dad home and was there for him doing whatever he could to help. They had finally began to make peace and to accept each other. Hank took his dad out on the lake in the boat to do a little fishing when his dad answered a question for him that had been asked throughout the trial. His father smiled peacefully and finally admitted to his son that he thought he was the best lawyer in the world. They had come full circle with their bitterness eating Bits of Honey which was a very sweet childhood memory as his dad smiled at him peacefully and slumped over to his