Trifecta-Week Eighty-Nine – Weak

Here we go again, another Trifecta prompt. The prompt that allows you a robust 333 words to examine a usually rare meaning of a word that otherwise lives a modest lifestyle within our daily lexicon. We have had many run-of-the-mill words come our way, but when you shuffle down to the third definition you will likely have to ponder the response you supply.

I have read some fins work by others in these Monday and Friday prompts and received many fine comments about my efforts. I thank each of you fro those sentiments and look forward to working with you to further the trifecta tradition. You can be sure you will find some high quality writing in the collection and I invite you to click on the link to read the other efforts.

With that said let’s get on to the word for Trifecta Week Eighty-Nine.

WEAK (adjective)

1: lacking strength: as

a : deficient in physical vigor : feeble, debilitated

b : not able to sustain or exert much weight, pressure, or strain

c : not able to resist external force or withstand attack

d : easily upset or nauseated <a weak stomach>
2a : mentally or intellectually deficient

b : not firmly decided : vacillating

c : resulting from or indicating lack of judgment or discernment

d : not able to withstand temptation or persuasion <the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak>
3: not factually grounded or logically presented <a weak argument>

– See more at: http://www.trifectawritingchallenge.com/#sthash.L94N9gUF.dpuf

★★★★★★
The court room was packed as it had been for the previous forty seven days. The trial of Peter Falkland for the murders of Elisa Kelly, Erin Greene and Terri Garr was a massive undertaking. The well groomed, professional looking Falkland seemed to be out of place nestled between two pairs of high priced lawyers, charged by his father with making sure his sole heir did not wind up behind bars for the rest of his life.

The evidence was seemingly never ending, but not exactly concrete. The Falkland defense team had uttered the word circumstantial so many times the judge cringed when he though another opportunity presented itself from the defense team. Judge Horace Wells guarded his mind against taking the words as the gospel. A weak mind could be convinced after repeatedly hearing the phrase and he was determined to maintain his reputation of being a fair magistrate.

He could remember on of the first lectures he attended in law school from perhaps his favorite teacher, a retired federal judge named Cyrus Demarco. The man had presided over trials ranging from racketeering to election fraud to kidnapping to mass murder. He cautioned the young students to hone their ability to make a decision based on the appearance of the accused and evidence until all the information was collected. Many cases required the discretion of a fair-minded judge who would exercise sound judgment to determine what was pertinent and what was fluff. Weak arguments could change the whole tenor of a case. It was his job to keep everyone on task.

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