Monster Lies & Deceit Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

If [the jury] sees it as a contest between the defense and the prosecution as to who's lying, they'll vote for the prosecution. The prosecutor walks around looking very important. No one is accusing her of being a bad person. They're accusing you of being a monster. They jury can ask itself, Why should the prosecutor lie? (6.82)

Steve not only has to prove he's innocent, but he also has to prove he isn't guilty. Wait a second—isn't that the same thing? Not according to O'Brien. She's saying that merely sitting as a defendant makes him look guilty. He's got to overcome this as well as prove his innocence in the crime. That's a lot of work.

Quote #5

Miss O'Brien looked at me—I didn't see her looking at me but I knew she was. She wanted to know who I was. Who was Steve Harmon? (7.9)

O'Brien will do her job, whether Steve is guilty or innocent. He thinks he's innocent, but is he lying to himself?

Quote #6

O'BRIEN
Are you a member of a gang?

OSVALDO
No.

O'BRIEN
So the information I have about you belonging to a gang called the Diablos is wrong?

A beat.

OSVALDO
No, that's right. I belong to the Diablos.

O'BRIEN
So your first answer was a lie?

OSVALDO (Looks toward Petrocelli.)
It was a mistake. (8.45-51)

Why does Osvaldo change his story here? Is there a difference between a lie and a mistake? Take a minute and chew on those (but don't let them lose their flavor).