STRESSONYM

Credit: The Enigma
NPL Magazine
September, 2015
EARL E. BYRD

Jerome hit James upon the head.
" 'Twas just a tap," the former said.
"Our 'fight' was but a _ _ _ _ _   _ _ _ _ ,
Just that, and surely nothing more."
But in court, the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
   testified,
"It was assault. I could have died."

HINT:
Jerome is the defendant

Answers:

PLAIN TIFF
PLAINTIFF