The People v. God is a novel jury trial in which “The People,” standing in for all humanity and represented by Lucius HellMan, Esq., sue God—defended by Misha-El Angelini, Esq.—for the pain, evil and suffering woven into human life. After the judge impanels the jury and issues preliminary instructions, HellMan delivers the opening statement, arguing that the prevalence of suffering and injustice betrays a breach of divine care; Angelini follows with her own opening, contending that what mortals perceive as evil may serve higher purposes beyond our grasp. In the Plaintiff’s case-in-chief, HellMan calls religious philosophers, moral theologians and cognitive neuroscientists to testify on the origins, scope and impact of human suffering; each expert faces direct examination by HellMan and cross-examination by Angelini. The Defense then presents its witnesses—comparative theologians, evolutionary biologists and psychologists—who explain pain and disorder as necessary foundations for free will, personal growth or cosmic harmony; these experts, too, are questioned first by Angelini and then by HellMan. When all evidence has been heard, both counsel will deliver closing arguments, after which the jury will retire to decide whether God can be held legally responsible for the human condition or whether suffering lies outside the purview of divine liability.