Finding the Way Back to Mayberry

 

Episode #35, “Andy and the Woman Speeder”

 

Introduction:

Andy gives a speeding ticket to beautiful big-city woman Elizabeth Crowley.  By the time the case goes to trial, Miss Crowley has used flattery and bribery to turn the witnesses for the prosecution—Floyd, Barney, and Opie—against Andy.  After winning the case, Miss Crowley sees the error of her ways.

 

Lesson Points:

Flattery—Miss Crowley  (Psalm 12:2-3, Proverbs 7:5, 21)

 

Bribery—Miss Crowley  (Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19)

 

Helping See the Error of Our Way—Andy  (James 5:19-20)

 

Guilt and Remorse—Miss Crowley  (Psalm 51:1-4, Matthew 27:3-5, Acts 2:36-38) 

 

Discussion:

1.   We’ve all read or heard stories about small-town law enforcement and justice.  If you had been in Miss Crowley’s position, how would you have felt if the arresting officer was also the Justice of the Peace? 

 

2.   Contempt of court is any action that disrespects or insults the dignity of the court.  While Miss Crowley’s conduct probably met this definition, was Andy too quick to declare her in contempt of court?

 

3.   Exodus 20:16 says, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”  Did Barney, Floyd, and Opie follow the letter and spirit of this ninth commandment?

 

4.    t what point did Miss Crowley finally see the error of her ways?

 

Final Thought:

“Well, that’s a fine day’s work.  You’ve outsmarted justice, and you’ve made a mockery of this court.  And you’ve turned three people against me that I would have sworn would never leave my side.  Oh, I can understand a shiny autographed baseball turning a little boy’s head, but I am a little disappointed in Floyd.  And I’m real disappointed in my deputy.  He’s a law officer and ought to know better.  Congratulations ma’am, it’s been quite a day’s work.”—Andy