A Calamity of Souls

At the hearing over whether to remove Jack from the case, Judge Bliley presides, a judge that Jack thinks is “fairer” than most. Battle argues for Jack to be removed from the case and for DuBose to be excluded because she is not from Virginia. Bliley listens to their arguments but ultimately sides with Jack.

After the hearing, Jack and DuBose are first approached by Battle. He apologizes to Jack for his injuries, saying that violence doesn’t belong in the court, but also excuses the men’s actions as defensive.

Pickett then approaches them, and he and DuBose bicker. Pickett insists that they are destroying what American “stands for” by taking the case, citing “natural supremacy of the white race” as one of America’s tenants (158). DuBose responds by citing the Declaration of Independence as the press watches on.

Jack and DuBose go to the office of Curtis Gates, the lawyer in charge of the Randolph will and estate. Although he hides much of what he knows, he does tell them that the Randolphs’ money will be split equally between the two Randolph children, Sam and Christine. He also reveals that their house will remain with the estate and will only be inherited by one of the children, after the other passes away.