Judge Stevens began his leg instructions to the jury. He explained, as he had done when the jury was initially being selected, that Gregg Aldrich was charged with the burglary of Natalie Raines's home, the murder of Natalie Rail and possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose. He instructed them that in order to convict Gregg Aldrich, they must be unanimously convinced that the prosecutor had proven his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. "I will define for you what we mean by the phrase 'beyond a reasonable doubt,' " the judge continued. "It means that in order to convict, you must be firmly convinced that the defendant is guilty. If you are not firmly convinced of guilt, then you must find him not guilty." Emily listened as the judge explained this burden of proof. You must be firmly convinced that Gregg Aldrich is guilty, Emily thought. Am I firmly convinced? Do I have a reasonable doubt? I have never felt this way trying a case. I have never argued to a jury to convict someone when I wasn't completely sure myself.
