Script — Prima Facie

Tessa's world is shattered when she is sexually assaulted by a colleague from her own chambers. For the first time, she finds herself on the other side of the legal system—not as the architect of the defense, but as the witness for the prosecution.

In criminal law, the Prima Facie Script is even more critical because the burden is higher at trial (beyond a reasonable doubt). However, for a preliminary hearing or to survive a motion to dismiss, the prosecutor only needs a prima facie script.

The inciting incident—the assault itself—is handled with startling restraint in the script. Miller does not depict the event in graphic detail. Instead, the text fractures. The confident, linear prose of the first act gives way to staccato bursts of memory, fragmented sentences, and physical stage directions that disorient the reader. prima facie script

Because it is a , the script is a masterclass in monologue writing. Tessa delivers a blow-by-blow account of her strategies and tactics, using a first-person internal monologue to give the audience intimate access to her thoughts, emotions, and legal maneuvering . The script allows the actress to portray multiple roles—lawyer, interrogator, victim, sister—transforming seamlessly through voice and gesture. The Wall Street Journal and the Daily Beast have praised the performances, noting "one of the most thrilling performances of the season" and "one of the most electrifying pieces of theatre on Broadway".

She compares the courtroom to a theater. She uses tactics, pacing, and legal loopholes to dismantle the testimonies of vulnerable witnesses. Act II: The System Fails (From the Witness Stand) Tessa's world is shattered when she is sexually

However, upon closer inspection, you may discover:

If you are interested in reading the full script, it is published by Nick Hern Books and widely available. If you found this analysis helpful, I can also help you: However, for a preliminary hearing or to survive

Since its publication, the script has become a vital text in both drama schools and legal seminars. It has been used to discuss:

By treating your script as a prima facie document, you respect the industry's standards and give your creative voice the best possible chance to shine. To help you refine your screenplay further, let me know: What are you currently writing? What is the logline or core concept of your story?

Do not anticipate defenses. Do not write, "Although the defendant claims self-defense..." That is an argument for the reply brief. Your prima facie script is about your facts, not their excuses.

Find the exact legal elements. For a contract, you need: Offer, Acceptance, Consideration, Mutual Assent, and Legal Purpose. Write these down verbatim.