Chapter 37, "The Verdict" Summary

Challee loudly argues at closing that Barney has twisted the proceedings so that the accused is Queeg and not Maryk. The court cannot endorse this conduct or it will destroy the chain of command. Commander Queeg was given an obsolete, decaying, run-down ship. He carried out assignments to his superiors' satisfactions. The specification has been proved by the facts. Barney's manner is soft, apologetic, and hesitant after Challee's passionate shouting. He admits he was reluctant to take the case because the defense was to show the mental incompetence of a Naval officer. No man who commands a naval ship can be a coward. Questionable acts must be explained in another way. He reviews all the damaging evidence against Queeg, stressing what seemed to impress Blakely. Both psychiatrists admitted Queeg was sick. It is up to the court...