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How does Petrocelli discredit Mr. Sawicki's testimony?

Mr. Sawicki runs the film club at Steve Harmon's high school and testifies on Steve's behalf during the trial. When O'Brien questions Mr. Sawicki about Steve's character, Mr. Sawicki says that he thinks Steve is an outstanding young man. He also mentions that Steve is a compassionate, honest individual. When Petrocelli cross-examines Mr. Sawicki, she asks him if he is from Steve's neighborhood. Petrocelli then asks Mr. Sawicki if it is fair to say that he doesn't know what Steve does in his neighborhood after school. Mr. Sawicki replies by saying that it would not be fair to make that statement because Steve's films give an accurate depiction of his life outside of school. Petrocelli then asks Mr. Sawicki if he knows what Steve was doing on December 22nd, and Mr. Sawicki comments that Steve did not show him film from that day. When Petrocelli asks Mr. Sawicki if he feels that the ability to make films means that a person is honest, Mr. Sawicki says,



"It is my belief that to make an honest film, one has to be an honest person. I would say that. And I do believe in Steve's honesty" (Myers 241).



Mr. Sawicki then testifies that he is very fond of Steve. Petrocelli discredits Mr. Sawicki's testimony by implying that simply because Steve Harmon has a positive reputation in school it doesn't mean that he acts the same in his neighborhood. She attempts to persuade the jury into believing that Mr. Sawicki is partial towards Steve because he is a good student and that Steve's films do not reflect his true nature.

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