[Trial] Town vs Crucius

[Exachix]

Judge Exachix enters the courtroom, red wig on, and sits in the chair.

"This is the Trial for Town vs Crucius.

No fighting in the courtroom. Also, no disruptions, Else I shall warn you and then I'll get the police to take you out. Handcuffed.
If you need to be heard, I shall decide if you shall.
All Arguments will be heard. Be Patient.

Accused of
kidnapping
torture
resisting arrest (x2)
assault (x3) (EDIT: from 4)
murder (x7)*

Evidence:
resisting arrest, admission to torture (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38247&page=33#983),
murder charges, assault (3), kidnapping (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39278#17),
resisting arrest (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39528&page=12#359),
assault (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38889&page=11#320)

*Subject to alteration as of the definition of 'several'

Witnesses
Aerin, Aesa, Iames, Al the Mutt, Luminia, police NPCs, Maph'tey, Kyrian, Silas, Nukular

"Can the representative for Town and the representative for Crucius come forth please"

[Exachix]

(( Blump ))

[Nevrmore]

((Blarg, I don't feel like representing myself again...Need to find someone to do it for me.))

[Castaras]

(( I'll have a look at the case. If you like I could try being defence... ))

[NecroPaladin]

((Be very, very corrupt. KNAVES may be broken, but we pay well.

...Damn insomnia.))

[Jazzman]

Um...excuse me? I just got here and...well...I'm a Law student, so...if you want I'll help with the trial...goodness knows I ned to do something familiar before I have a major freakout!

Also: OHMYGODATALKINGFOX!!!

[Exachix]

Judge Exachix looks at Jazzman.

"Calm down good sir, or the Police will cast you out. Please be civil and calm. I still await the representatives."

[Jazzman]

Matteo has calmed down somewhat, takes a deep breath to steady himself, and approaches Judge Exachix again.

Sorry, I'm sorry...I'd still like to take a part in the trial if nobody else is currently registered as a representative.

By the way, my name is Matteo. Matteo Elderson (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2363766&postcount=414)

((Also, sorry if I didn't go through usual channels for this or anything, I've only just started the Town))

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"Yes, If no-one else comes up for Town you can represent them, however, if Crucius needs a lawyer will you step up for him?"

[Jazzman]

Matteo nods, looking slightly relieved.

Yes sir, I'll represent the Defendant if you wish.

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds and smiles.

"He still has to come in, I would sit down to wait. He still has to agree to have your help."

[InaVegt]

A pit fiend enters the court.

Hello, I'm offering my services for anyone in need of a lawyer, I charge 50 pp every hour.

[Jazzman]

Matteo looks around, and puts down his briefcase and saxophone case by one of the back benches then begins working his way throught the case brief.

[McBish]

((McBish doesn't want to do this trial. Therefore unless Iames steps in I don't mind having Matteo here do it.))

[Jazzman]

Matteo looks up from his papers, and tries to get Exachixs' attention.

Your Honour, I have a question regarding the first offence listed in the brief. Has the woman known as Cassandra been notified of the trial? As a witness to the events surrounding the the alleged offence, surely her statement would be significant to the case.

[Exachix]

Exachix looks at Matteo.

"My Freind. I am still awaiting a representative from the Town to come forth, which you can do if you want, and Crucius to decide a representative and come forth. Cassandra will be notified if she is called to be a witness."

[Jazzman]

Matteo looks like he has calmed down significantly from being bomobarded with the case briefs.

With respect, your honour, having examined the case, I would like to see if Mr Crucius would require my services before considering the post of Town representative.

[InaVegt]

((You still need to reply to my post in the law firm))

The pit fiend looks at Exachix.

I will represent the other side than is represented by Matteo, if a side chooses me as their lawyer, your honour.

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"Unless they refuse ok."

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin appears, looking slightly harried. I apologize for my tardiness, Your Honor. I only just received word that proceedings were beginning to get underway. I will be representing the Town.

((Also, I believe Nevrmore has set the number of killed at 10))

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"Are you sure Aerin? Then we shall await the decision of Crucius taking Matteo as his lawyer."

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin nods. I am sure.

[Jazzman]

((People, all NPC officers are underground and surronded by 5 dragons.))

((Aerin, does this have any bearing on the murder charges? If they were all underground, how could Crucius have killed them?))

[Lord Iames Osari]

((That could be interpreted to mean all living NPC officers, and Crucius was killing them here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39278#26) on page 1; and anyway, NPCs are communal control, so Nevrmore could have had the NPCs come up top for him to kill))

[Exachix]

((and trials are out of the natural timeline anyway. They are here.))

[Jazzman]

((ah okay :) That clears that up))

[NecroPaladin]

((Okay, putting it simply? Crucius is guilty of everything. But we're not admitting that. Whoever the lawyer is, pull a "batman;" be really slimy with bribes and evidence, and above all plead insanity and send him to a low-security asylum, or somewhere where he might be released indefinitely 'for good behavior' under shady reasoning.))

[Jazzman]

((If Crucius chooses me to represent, I'll let you know now that I'm not the slimy type, I'm Lawful Neutral. However, I've been looking over the case and I reckon I could pull of his being sent to an asylum alright :) This is of course providing he pleads not guilty to the offences, and pleads guilty but insanity to the murders))

[NecroPaladin]

((Assume we bribed you or will.

...What? We're villains. I have no problem saying that OOC, it's State who's deluded.))

[InaVegt]

((Stragashkan disdains things like morality when the law is concerned. He'll gladly try to have Crucius send to an asylum.))

[Jazzman]

((I won't assume you bribed me, instead I'll look forward to a nice bonus handed to me on the sly if I pull it off :P

Seriously though, I reckon I can do this, it's just a case of taking the right approach :) And just think how much credibility you'll get if I can pull it off completely above board :D ))

[Jazzman]

((I've been PM'd by Nevrmore. He says he's fine with me representing Crucius at the trial. Now I guess all we have to do is wait for him to show :) ))

[Exachix]

((Yep))

Exachix sighs and looks at the OOC. "Ok. So where is Crucius?"

[Nevrmore]

Crucius saunters in, not particularly caring about how people react to his gruesome appearance.

"I want that dude Matteo to represent me, 'your honor.'"

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"Right! This court is in order!" He hammers his gravel down a couple of times, content with the sound, he begins.

"Matteo, how does your Client Plead?"

[Jazzman]

Matteo stands up, addressing the court

Your honour, to the charges of both counts of resisting arrest, admission to torture and assault in the temple of Inari, my client pleads not guilty. To the charges regarding the incident at the Town Police Station, my client pleads guilty, with a plea of mitigation due to insanity, resulting in loss of his conscious free will.

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"Ok then. You're pleas have been noted. Aerin, as the representative of town, will you accept the peal of guity for the incident within the police stattion."

[NecroPaladin]

((Ooooh...good point. Say that State brainwashed you or something. Like, he was controlling you like a puppet so you couldn't do nuttin'. Always works in the movies.))

[Nevrmore]

Crucius looks over Matteo.

Great...I got some pennyless Englishman to represent me. He laments to himself.

[Jazzman]

((worry not, man, I gots this under control :D...i think... ))

[Jazzman]

((right, I'm offski...will be back online for a bit tomorrow morning, or late evening, UK time))

[Lord Iames Osari]

I will accept the guilty plea. Also, I would like to state for the record that the list of witnesses provided with the application for trial is incomplete, as I was unable to identify some of the assailants during the incident at the station, and Silas's reports of the other incidents were short on details.

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"Ok then. Do you accept the plea of mitigation due to insanity?"

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin considers. I will not accept his plea of insanity.

[Exachix]

Exachix sighs.

"Ok then. We can forget that for some time until we need it then. Lets start with his plea of not-guilty. Defendant Matteo, please call your first witness regarding his plea of not-guilty."

[gooddragon1]

*very quiet pop* Rathe appears in the courtroom and is seated.

Something interesting to watch.

[NecroPaladin]

Clergyman State scrys on the trial for a moment. Oh, this is not going well.

[gooddragon1]

((Didn't have to post that u kno, I should place a warning in my sig though))

Rathe's remote view trap triggers DC 25 will save for 4d6 electricity damage. 8d6 full.

[NecroPaladin]

((I did it because I wanted some kind of trap or ward to trigger for State's sake.))

Back at HQ, State has a little fun...

[Jazzman]

Matteo rises once again.

Your Honor, I call Mr Silas of the Town Police Force.

[Kyrian]

Silas steps forward, but waits for further say from the judge.

[gooddragon1]

@Silas, sorry something happened at the slums I have to go investigate

*imperceptible pop* Rathe has teleported

[Xaspian]

((Trials are out of normal time and continuity - you can be here and there at the same time...))

[Exachix]

((yes... yes they are))

Judge Exachix nodds.

"Silas.... is forth. Silas, do you so swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you [diety]."

[Kyrian]

"I do so swear."

[Exachix]

Exachix sighs.

"The defendant may now question the witness."

[Jazzman]

For the record, are you Mr Silas, Patrol officer of the Town Police?

((also, I'm not the defendant, the guy with the sown-up eyes is :P ))

[Kyrian]

"Silas, yes. Mr. Silas, no."

[Exachix]

((Technically your are defending him, thus you are the defendant. Continue))

[Jazzman]

Silas, as Judge Exachix mentioned, we shall be putting the incident at the Town Police station aside for the time being, and I will be questioning you with regard to your pursuit of my client.

Silas, how is it that you were assigned to my client's case?

[Kyrian]

"Wasn't assigned. He was one of those wanted for the set aside case, and so I went looking for him."

[Jazzman]

So you went looking for him, and the first encounter listed within the evidence files was in the woods, where you claim to have overheard my client admitting to a huntress named Cassandra, to torturing beings, is that correct?

[Kyrian]

"Not claimed. Fact."

[Jazzman]

Regardless. Silas, how would you describe Miss Cassandra?

[Kyrian]

Silas turns to Exachix. "Your Honor, I fail to see how this relates to his client."

[Exachix]

Exachix looks at Matteo.

"Defendant, We can describe Cassandra if she comes into here as a witness, please continue with relevant questions."

[Jazzman]

Matteo turns to Exachix

With respect, Your Honour, I would submit that this question is quite relevant to my clients plea of not guilty to the admission of torture. I am going somewhere with this line of questioning.

[Exachix]

He considers.

"Fine, continue, but, if in a while your questions don't come closer to relevant, I'll warn you again, then start dismissing questions."

[Jazzman]

Thank you, your honour.

He turns to Silas

Silas, as I said, how would you describe Cassandra?

[Kyrian]

Silas shrugs. "A woman. Probably darker in attitude than I noticed, I was worried more about the man in question."

[Jazzman]

Would it be a stretch of the mind to call her attractive?

[Kyrian]

"No." Silas rolls his eyes.

[Jazzman]

Silas, would you agree that my client found Cassandra attractive, and indeed displayed some degree of infatuation with Cassandra?

[Kyrian]

"Your Honor, whether or not his client was attracted has nothing to do with this case!"

[Exachix]

Exachix nodd.

"Yes, If you wish to ask a question such, ask it to the client himself. Next relevant question."

[Jazzman]

Your honour I disagree with Silas on that point, I am trying to suggest to the court that Mr Silas' admission of torture may not have been genuine, but a move to impress a huntress in the middle of vivisecting a live creature for educational purposes!

It is interesting to note that the moment Cassandra mentioned that she was currently romantically involved, my client immediately stopped regaling her with such stories!

[Exachix]

"Denied; that question can be asked to the client if you so desire. Next question for the witness Matteo."

[Jazzman]

Matteo nods respectfully

As you wish, Your Honour.

Silas, when you decided it was time to apprehend the victim, the case file shows that you approached him from behind, and struck him from behind with a giant hammer. Is it true that the only point during this particular incident that you identified yourself as a police officer was after you had struck him with considerable force?

[Kyrian]

"As it may or may not have been clear, he was wanted. I am authorized to bring him in, so I tried to do so as soon as possible."

[Jazzman]

Quite right, Silas. However, the point remains. And while your attack on my client did most certainly not render him unconscious, such an attack on his skull that clearly caused him considerable pain cannot possibly have done wonders for his thought process, can it?

[Kyrian]

"Your Honor, I refuse to answer anymore questions until my lawyer is online."

[Exachix]

Exachix looks up.

"Oh. Ok."

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin looks up. I'm here. She waits for Silas to wake up.

[Kyrian]

"It's also quite obvious that I didn't do damage to his thinking processes, as he attacked me after realizing I was an officer and I told him he was under arrest for his crimes."

[Exachix]

Exachix raises his hand.

"Silas, please just answer the questions."

[Lord Iames Osari]

Your Honor, I must object to the defense's line of reasoning. It appears that he is attempting to demonstrate that Crucius was incapable at the time of this incident. I feel that this is inconsistent with the pleas advanced by the defense; the plea of insanity was applied only to the charges relating to the incidents at the police station.

I further object that the defense's last question requires a judgement on the part of Officer Silas.

[Exachix]

Exachix hmms.

"What's the timespan on this. When did each event actually happen?"

[Lord Iames Osari]

The attack on the police station took place two days prior to the incident currently under discussion, Your Honor.

[Exachix]

Exachix hmms.

"That's very true. Then yes, objection noted. Also, Objection to the latter question has been noticed. Both are passed. Matteo, please contiue questioning, however keep questions relevant and based to fact."

[Jazzman]

Yes your Honour.

Silas. As a member of the Town Police, your are presumably issued with a badge to formally mark you as an enforcer of the Law, is that correct?

[Kyrian]

"Correct."

[Jazzman]

Interesting. Because at no point in the case brief ((and from having looked at the avatar picture)) is it said that you showed my client this badge, even after he refused to believe you were a police officer. Is this true?

[Kyrian]

Silas points to the badge, sitting oh so obviously on shirt. "I think it's fairly obvious that it's there."

[Jazzman]

((oops....well that's me royally put in my place...))

[AmberVael]

There is a snicker, and an illusion of Aesa appears in the back.
Someone needs to get things straight...

[Exachix]

Exachix would reply to that. But he's on the other side of the room, and judging this whole event.

[gooddragon1]

*LUDICROUSLY OUTRAGEOUSLY RIDICULOUSLY quiet pop* Rathe has entered the courtroom

Rathe is seated and notices aesa but makes no visible reactions to her presence.

[Exachix]

Exachix looks up.

"Continue Matteo. I wish for no other interruptions. Any other and I'll get someone to take you out."

[gooddragon1]

((sorry for the interruption but it was hardly a noticeable pop))

[Lord Iames Osari]

((I don't think he was talking to you))

[Exachix]

((I was saying in general))

[gooddragon1]

((oh good then, I'll just take advantage of the temporal anomaly that this courtroom is and go kill something so if Aesa goes crazy I can ... resolve the situation EDIT: (The Grudge)))

[Nevrmore]

Crucius, not really paying attention to the whole case, drums his fingers on the desk he is sitting at, bored.

[Jazzman]

((Hey guys. I'm sorry about not coming back last night, Internet's been disconnected. My flatmates in charge of it, and he switched from Virgin to Sky TV, unfortunately he forgot to mention this includes the broadband package too, so I won't have a hard connection until tuesday. I'm currently in the unversity library, so I'll try and keep posting, but this may end up a bit dragged out.))

[Exachix]

((Ok, it's your question =) ))

[Jazzman]

Yes, your honour.

Mr. Silas, did you at any point attempt, either during the incident in the woods, or at any other time following, to get my client to come along peacefully?

[Kyrian]

"I believe it was the point when...I don't know, I told him he was under arrest?"

[Jazzman]

Yes, this point in question being *after* you had cracked him over the head with your mallet?

[Kyrian]

"I believe he was still given his chance to come quietly. Before fighting resumed."

[Jazzman]

But you do admit that it was after you had attacked my client, and most decidedly not *before*?

[Kyrian]

"Your Honor, I believe I'm not the one on trial here."

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"Yes. Matteo, we are not testing Silas here."

[Jazzman]

Your Honour, I am not putting Mr Silas on trial, I simply wish it to be absolutely clear that my client was not the aggressor in this incident.

[Exachix]

Exachix sighs.

"Good point. But remember that Silas has already said that he was given a chance to come quietly before battle did ensueth."

[Jazzman]

Matteo nods respectfully to Exachix, then turns back to Silas

Very well Silas, let's now leave the encounter in the woods and move further along the timeline, to the encounter in the bar. I noticed in the brief that, once again, you did not attempt to apprehend my client immediately on sight. Why was this?

[Kyrian]

"I was watching first, and sure enough, he threatened to torture Cosmo."

[Jazzman]

Silas, that is not the question I asked. I asked you why you chose to wait to apprehend my client when you encountered him in the bar.

[Kyrian]

((Saw that and edited))

[Jazzman]

Are you saying that a one-handed man would make a *viable* threat to torture someone in the middle of a crowded room? I refer to point in the case brief at which my client states "Come on, gnome, indulge me...I can't well figure it out for myself in public."All this proves is that my client had a somewhat odd interest in humanoid physiology. Are you saying that even after my client had said the above sentence, you believed he was making a viable threat to torture Cosmo?

[Kyrian]

"Did you even regard your client's next words: "Oh, you don't need to worry...You'll be alive. You'll be alive the entire time...". Because I did. And if you bothered to read the case files, you'd note that I didn't make a move until those words came out of his mouth."

[Jazzman]

Matteo sighs, and turns to Exachix

Your Honour, while I accept Silas' responses to my questions, I'm afraid I must protest the manner in which he delivers them. He is being sarcastic, rude and disrespectful where he has no need to be.

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"Politeness, both of you."

[Jazzman]

((also, I'm sorry, but I have to head off. Will be back on later tonight))

[Nevrmore]

((Threatening and offering are two different things, people!))

[Jazzman]

Thank you, Your Honour.

Well Mr Silas, I am afraid that is where our opinions may differ. Now, just to state for the record, was it you who attacked first in this instance also?

[Kyrian]

"Your Honor, I believe we already covered this one."

[Jazzman]

Your Honour, we covered that Mr. Silas was the aggressor in the encounter in the woods. Rather than going through the same avenue of questioning earlier, I believe it would be more expedient just to point out the fact that he was also the aggressor in *this* encounter.

[NecroPaladin]

((Niiiiiiiiiiice...))

[Exachix]

"The Defendant is right. Please awnser the question Silas."

[Lord Iames Osari]

Objection, Your Honor. If Silas acted inappropriately, that is a matter of police force internal discipline until and unless charges are brought against him. Charges have not been brought, nor is this the time or place to do so. This tribunal has been convened to examine the conduct of Crucius, not Officer Silas.

[Exachix]

Exachix nods.

"Objection noted. Matteo, I refer you to Aerin's last comments."

[Jazzman]

Your Honour, I must dispute the counsel for the prosecutions argument in this case. If I can convince this court that the amount of force Silas used was disproportionate to that which would be assumed reasonable when carrying out this arrest, surely it cannot be such a stretch of the imagination to assume that my client may have been acting in self-defence against a man he genuinely believed wished him harm. As such, I would respectfully submit that this question is vital to the case for the defense.

I would also like to point out that the prosecution voiced no objections to the previous question asked when discussing Silas' encounter with my client in the woods, yet the moment I seek to draw comparison to the amount of force used, he is raising an objection.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Your Honor, Silas was attempting to apprehend a known murderer and kidnapper. The police are authorized to enploy lethal force in such cases; I do not think that the force applied was in excess of that we are authorized to employ.

My player was offline or not paying attention to this thread at the time; if it please the court, I would like to register an objection retroactively.

[Jazzman]

Very well, however, i would submit the point that the prosecution raised no objections the last time I asked this question still stands.

[Lord Iames Osari]

I repeat that my player was offline or not paying attention to this thread at the time and that if it please the court, I would like to register an objection retroactively.

[Exachix]

Exachix hmms.

"Silence both of you."

He looks at them both in turn.

"And, I may add, If there are objections with any previous questions please ask them at the next most convenient point of time."

He looks back at Silas, then at Aerin.

"Now, The question is but a mere simple one, 'Did you attack first, or was your assault provoked'. I see no argument here that is against that question, save 'We are not discussing Police Inappropriate Behavior'. This is a simple question. Now, Aerin, what is your retroactive Objection."

[Lord Iames Osari]

I object on the same grounds, that any misconduct on the part of Officer Silas is an internal affair for the police until and unless charges against him are filed.

[Exachix]

He sighs.

"Which specific question."

((Quote please =) ))

[Lord Iames Osari]

Matteo nods respectfully

As you wish, Your Honour.

Silas, when you decided it was time to apprehend the victim, the case file shows that you approached him from behind, and struck him from behind with a giant hammer. Is it true that the only point during this particular incident that you identified yourself as a police officer was after you had struck him with considerable force?

This question, Your Honor.

[Jazzman]

Your Honour, I must protest. The prosecution was fully aware of the questions I was asking at the time ((posted very soon after it))

And indeed, the proseuction objected to the very *next* question I asked. How can she realistically provide a reason to launch a retrospective objection after the trial has progressed such?

[Exachix]

Exachix sighs and hmms.

"Once again, Objection Refused. We are arguing the order of things; That may be the Behavior of the witness in question, however it would still be relevant for determining aggression and provocation regarding the defendant's client."

He turns to Matteo.

"Please ask the latest question."

[Lord Iames Osari]

((I posted 2 hours afterwards, look at the time stamps))

[Jazzman]

Thank you, Your Honour.

Once again, Mr Silas, the question I asked was, would you please state for the record if it was you that attacked first during the incident in Trog's Tavern?

[Nevrmore]

((Damn, Jazzman, you got the skills to pay all the bills, plus have some left over to spend on yourself!))

[Kyrian]

"How can I put this any clearer for you? He resisted arrest in the woods, therefore I am allowed to bring him in by force. Which I did. And, as I've already pointed out, he threatened Cosmo."

[Jazzman]

Mr Silas, I am not here to debate with you what we've already gone over. I am asking you, with the approval of Judge Exachix, I might add, to please state for the record *who* was the aggressor in the incident at Trog's Tavern. Would you please answer the question?

[Jazzman]

((thanks nevrmore :D It helps that I actually *am* a Law student))

[Kyrian]

"I'm not answering this question again."

[Exachix]

Exachix blinks, thinks back, and nodds.

"Indeed you have, apoligies Silas, next question Matteo."

[Jazzman]

As you wish, Your Honour.

Mr. Silas, we now move to the final stage of your pursuit of my client, namely, the arrest which took place in the Temple of Inari.

However, this part of the case brief puzzles me. The final charge of assault against my client is listed as having been perpetrated during this point of the case. However, I can see no point at which my client is alleged to have struck anyone within the temple. Would you please explain to the court the specifics of this charge?

((also, Silas never answered my question regarding the Trog's incident. He DID answer the one about the woods, but it's a different point in the case))

[Kyrian]

"Yea, it's called Exachix the player got tired and put the wrong charge up there. I don't blame him at all though."

[Jazzman]

Matteo turns to Exachix

In that case, Your Honour, I would respectfully ask that the final charge of assault be dropped from the list of charges.

[Exachix]

((And Coll's the Player =)

Regarding the Trog's incident, he did, at the base of page 4.

I did not though... The Evidence is what was given in the Courthouse.
The first mention otherwise is on page 2, by Matteo.))

Exachix looks at them.

"It's not your option to drop the charges. Evidence given to me included actions in my temple [See final link of 'evidence']"

[Nevrmore]

((Crucius ran through the mirror, screamed for help, tried to run out the door and got shot five times. I don't see the crime there...))

[Jazzman]

Your Honour, the leading witness in this case has stated that no assault took place in the Temple. I have looked through the brief a number of times and cannot find any mention of my client assaulting anyone whilst in the Temple of Inari.

[Exachix]

((yes, good point))

Exachix hmms.

"I can dismiss the evidence, however the charges are for the Prosecution to request the removal of."

((I don't think that at that point we were talking about a charge))

[Jazzman]

((no problem =) ))

Thank you, Your Honour.

Your Honour, at this point I have no more questions for Mr Silas.

((phew, that was some tense questioning...))

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds and smiles.

"I did this bit in the wrong order didn't I.... Aerin, you may now question the witness."

[Nevrmore]

((*pats Exachix on the back* It's okay :)))

[Jazzman]

((meh, it's a different dimension..you can't expect it to be your standard ballpark rules :) ))

[Kyrian]

((The last link should be resisting arrest.))

[Nevrmore]

((I don't think that it should count as an entirely different charge. The Inari thing spilled over from Trog's Tavern, it was a continuation. It should be dropped entirely.))

[Lord Iames Osari]

First, I would like to drop the final charge of assault.

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"That is done."

[Lord Iames Osari]

I have no questions for Officer Silas.

[Exachix]

Exachix hmms.

"Silas please be seated. Prosecutor, do you have a Witness you wish to call?"

[Lord Iames Osari]

I would like to call Crucius to the stand.

[Exachix]

"Crucius, please come to the stand."

[Nevrmore]

There is a short silence. Crucius, who had not been paying the slightest bit of attention, had to be nudged by someone sitting nearby. He sighs and walks over to the stand, taking his seat.

[Kyrian]

Silas gets down.

[Exachix]

"Crucius, Will you tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, in the name of [diety]"

[Nevrmore]

"Yeah, yeah, sure."

[Exachix]

"Aerin, you may question the witness."

[Lord Iames Osari]

Your Honor, is it permitted to employ spells such as discern lies in this court? Crucius's response to the oath struck me as impudent and insincere.

[Jazzman]

Your Honour, I object to the prosecution's accusation. My client has a right to fair trial, and I protest the slanderous remarks of the prosecution. He has agreed to the oath, I would submit that how he responded is irrelevant.

[Exachix]

Exachix hmms, thinking about it.

"Crucius, repeat the oath."

[Jazzman]

Your Honour, I must protest! If you insist my client repeat the oath even though he has already agreed to it, you are sending a message that this court considers my client untrustworthy! Surely in regards to the plea of not guilty, my client is presumed innocent until proven otherwise?

[Exachix]

Exachix glares at Matteo.

"He did not say it."

[Jazzman]

Matteo, realising he is fighting a losing battle, bows his head in respect, and sis down.

[Nevrmore]

Crucius sighs audibly.

"I do so swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help me none."

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"Any more objections to that?"

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin shakes her head. No, Your Honor.

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"Aerin, you may now question the witness."

[Lord Iames Osari]

Aerin walks over to the stand. Mr. Crucius, you were a participant in the attack on the police station that resulted in the charges of murder and kidnapping, were you not?

[Nevrmore]

"As long as you ain't implying that my being there means that I murdered anyone, then yeah." Crucius leans back in his chair.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Do you mean by that statement to retract your guilty plea, Mr. Crucius?

[Nevrmore]

"Nah, all I'm saying is that you're trying to make it sound like I'm a bad guy." Crucius smiles.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Could you describe to us your actions during the battle?

[Nevrmore]

"Sure. I sat back for awhile watching the action, then when it got heavy, I ran in and tried to thin out the numbers so my friends wouldn't get hurt."

[Lord Iames Osari]

You say "when it got heavy, I ran in and tried to thin out the numbers so my friends wouldn't get hurt". So you took action willingly, then?

[Nevrmore]

"Yeah. I ran in to help my pals." Crucius once again flashes that eery smile.

[Lord Iames Osari]

To be absolutely certain: You made the choice to do so? And your subsequent actions were also choices made by you?

[Nevrmore]

"Yes, for the love of God. If helping your friends is a crime then I'm guilty."

[Lord Iames Osari]

Please explain the nature of your claimed insanity.

[Nevrmore]

"Well, y'see, when I joined up with K.N.A.V.E.S. I was unaware that the leader was some crazy undead dude with weird like, voodoo powers. Sometime during the whole affair he did some crap to me that made me go crazy and stuff. I got outta hand."

[Lord Iames Osari]

But in your answers to my previous questions, you said that your actions were the result of your own choices. There is an inconsistency there. Either your actions were the result of your choices, or they were the result of these "voodoo powers".

[Nevrmore]

"I jumped in at first to help my friends. Sometime mid-battle is when he used his weird powers."

[Jazzman]

((stupid forum left me unable to log on with reliability for a while))

Your Honour, I must object to this line of questioning. At this time you stated we were dealing with my client's plea of not guilty to the charges after the incident at the police station. I kept to that line of questioning when Silas was at the stand, and I would respectfully ask that the prosecution leave their questions on the matter as well.

Also, my client had not yet presented an account of his defence to the court regarding his plea of insanity, and I object to the prosecutions cross-examination of my client in that regard before the defence has been outlined to the court.

[NecroPaladin]

((That "Crazy Voodoo Powers" claim just made me burst out laughing. I'm trying to imagine State going 'Damn, Looks like I need to re-dominate Terrorem's brain again,' before putting on a tiki mask, stripping naked save a skirt made out of leaves and oily streaks of yellow body paint, and dancing around a crude fire chanting "humina humina humina" and throwing shruken heads and various powders into the fire as he sashays his hips. At this point, of course, Terrorem goes, "Yes master, I obey. ...Humina humina."))

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"That's very true Matteo. Plus we are only regarding ourselves with the claims regarding the woods, Trogs, and Inari's. His pleas of not guilty... the others will be dealt with later."

[Jazzman]

In that case, Your Honour, might I respectfully ask that the previous questions by the prosecution be stricken from the record, so that when the incident is revisited, it can be done so afresh and without prejudice?

[Kyrian]

Silas rolls his eyes. In that case, could I object to the defense attorney? he thinks to himself.

[Exachix]

Exachix hmms and looks at Aerin.

"Anything to say?"

[Lord Iames Osari]

No, your Honor.

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds.

"The previous questions by the prosecution are removed from the record... Aerin, please continue."

[Lord Iames Osari]

Mr. Crucius, during the incident in the woods, did you admit an interest in torturing?

[Nevrmore]

"I admitted an interest in learning about the various anatomies of animals and such, yes. If dissection is suddenly akin to torture now, then you could say I admitted to such a thing." Crucius replies, starting to speak more formally.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Officer Silas overheard this conversation, prior to taking any action against you, Mr. Crucius. During this conversation, you admitted to amputating the limbs of a fairy, who you kidnapped from the police station, for your personal amusement.

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38247&page=34#999

Cassandra slyly looks up at him, Yes, you were taking apart two different creatures, were they anatomically correct?
"I wouldn't have bothered if they weren't. It ruins the suspension of disbelief."
Cassandra laughs, Very true, I do prefer live ones though, more blood, more realism.
Crucius' grin begins to form again. Perhaps this wasn't a lost cause after all.

"Of course. But it would draw such unwanted attention to myself if I had been doing that in the tavern."

He sighs. "Just yesterday I was performing such operation on a live fairy...It was a good day."
Cassandra stands and slings the lynx against her back, Sounds fascinating, what interesting parts did you find inside? She starts walking further into the woods to find a good meadow.
Crucius follows behind her.

"Well, truthfully, I never got to vivisect her. I did amputate most of her limbs, though. Fun stuff."I submit that if the "dissection" of a living being is not torture, then the law banning torture is meaningless and should be stricken from the books.

[Jazzman]

Your Honour, I feel I must object at this point. At this stage, the charge of torture is evidenced purely by my client's interaction with Miss Cassandra. This is a point that will be raised by the defence during my questioning of Mr Crucius, as I've alluded to earlier during questioning Mr Silas.

I must also protest at the distinction the prosecution is drawing between my clients testimony and what was said in the woods. She is choosing to raise no question of the validity of my clients statement to Cassandra, made during an informal social interaction, yet when he is called to testify before court under oath she forces a long and drawn out argument in which she questions the ability of my client to bear proper witness to the events surrounding these charges.

[Lord Iames Osari]

If the charges are unfounded, then let the fairy testify before the court. Given that your superior is so proficient with mind-altering magic, we will of course take the utmost care to ensure that no outside influences will affect her testimony.

[Exachix]

Exachix hmms.

"Matteo. Firstly, every interaction witnessed is viable for show in court. Aerin, your submission is noted, and your concern for the truth. However, you are questioning the witness, not making statements."

[Lord Iames Osari]

I apologize, Your Honor. Allow me to append a question: Mr. Crucius, do you deny that the conversation took place as described?

[Nevrmore]

If the charges are unfounded, then return the fairy to the court, in the state she is in at this very moment, and allow her condition to be shown, and her testimony to be given. She has been missing since she was taken from the police station on the day of the attack. Given that your superior is so proficient with mind-altering magic, we will of course take the utmost care to ensure that no outside influences will affect her testimony.
((She hasn't. I don't know where it is, but after Crucius tortured her, Aesa took her, healed her, and teleported her back to the station))

[Lord Iames Osari]

((well, I never knew that, so if you could please find the posts...?))

[NecroPaladin]

((I just realized...Since they just captured the Namesake half of Clergyman State (which everyone but Czar and Conviction think to be THE Clergyman State), would that have any effect on this trial? (what with the 'mind control?')))

[Nevrmore]

((well, I never knew that, so if you could please find the posts...?))
((http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2310384&postcount=367))

[Lord Iames Osari]

((editing))

((done))

[Nevrmore]

Crucius looks around with shifty-eyes, although this is unseen seeing as his eyelids are covering them.

"Fairy?" He says. He quickly regains the little composure he has when he is feeling normal, "Uhh yeah, fine. Whatever."

[Lord Iames Osari]

Crucius, answer my question please.

((*points to post #212*))

[Nevrmore]

"Yes, that conversation took place."

[Lord Iames Osari]

To the best of your knowledge, were you under the influence of mind-altering magic, psionics, or similar powers at the time?

[Nevrmore]

"...No." Crucius replies.

[Lord Iames Osari]

And were you lying to Miss Cassandra?

[Nevrmore]

((Oh, come on.))

"You guys got a fifth amendment?" Crucius sinks into his chair a little.

[Jazzman]

Your Honour, I must agree with my client in this matter. Miss Aerin is treating my client as a witness for the prosecution, attempting to pick holes in his story before any case for his defence has been formally presented.

[Exachix]

Exachix hmms.

"Aerin, please re-phrase your questions in such a way that does not incriminate the client."

((I almost put Earin.))

[Lord Iames Osari]

Your Honor, I must protest. My question, by itself, does not incriminate the defendant in any way. As the prosecutor, it is my duty under the law and my obligation as a protector of justice to seek to prove the guilt of the accused party. If you persist in this course of action and deny me the ability to frame questions in such a way as to obtain definite answers with regards to the validity of the charges and thus carry out my duty as prosecutor, then I will have no choice but to quit this court and denounce its proceedings as being contrary to the principles of justice. Furthermore, I will direct all police officers not to cooperate with further proceedings in this trial, and, given the precedent being set here today, not to bring any more cases before the courts of this Town at all.

[Exachix]

Exachix blinks.

"No Aerin.. Do not openly accuse the client in your statements is what I meant, that is a direct violation of your position as a Lawyer and Prosecution. Although..." he looks at Matteo. "You're point is moot, Aerin works here as prosecution, the question is valid, not designed to incriminate the subject. He looks at Aerin, then Matteo again. "However... I will request now that all questions that are incriminating or imply that the witness or defendent or anyone is in the wrong are rephrased unto... kinder questions." He smiles. "That's not against you in general, just as lawyers for your respective parties." He looks to Crucius.

"Crucuis, please answer the question; Did you lie to Cassandra during the conversation?"

[Nevrmore]

"I ain't gonna help you incriminate me, Cochise. I refuse to answer." Crucius folds his arms indignantly.

[Lord Iames Osari]

((you do have the right not to incriminate yourself, so go ahead and edit that if you want))

[Nevrmore]

((How exactly could I edit it?))

[Lord Iames Osari]

((by clicking the Edit button, right next to the Quote button))

[Nevrmore]

((...

What I meant was, 'How could I edit it so as not to incriminate me?'))

[Lord Iames Osari]

((you could say "I exercise my right not to incriminate myself"...

but then, that may have been slightly too obvious...))

[Nevrmore]

((I figured Exachix' statement pretty mcuh said I couldn't do that...Oh well. Editting.))

[Exachix]

((In actuallity; My statement meant that questions could not be asked that incriminate people.

Nothing about replies, or finishing statements or such))

[Nevrmore]

((Got ya. In any case, editted.))

[Lord Iames Osari]

Very well. Aerin looks up at Exachix. Your Honor, if we are proceeding on a charge-by-charge basis, I have no more questions for Mr. Crucius relating to this charge.

[Jazzman]

((As i understand it, We're dealing with everything he's pleading NG to now))

[Exachix]

Exachix nodds to Aerin.

"We are doing just the Not Guilty charges, the Guilty charges come later. So yes... Defense, you may now question the witness."

[Jazzman]

Thank you, Your Honour

Mr Crucius, I will be carrying on in the same vein as the proseuction, returning to the events in the woods.

Mr Crucius, during the time period in question, you encountered a huntress named Cassandra. Could you please describe to the court under what circumstances you encountered her?

[Lord Iames Osari]

((Hang on, hang on... Sorry, I meant that she didn't have any more questions for Crucius about the incident in the woods. She does still have questions about the incident in Trog's Tavern. This trial is so confusingly irregular...))

[Nevrmore]

"Sure...I was taking a nice stroll through the woods, see? Clear my mind and crap, and I see this trail of traps that catch my interest. So I follow them and eventually find her. She was pretty hot so we got to talking before Cochise over there - " He points to Silas, "Assaulted me with a hammer."

[Exachix]

((ok ok! I mucked up))

Exachix hmms.

"Sorry Matteo.. I have OOC news that Aerin hasn't finished... sorry.. Aerin.. continue."

[Jazzman]

Matteo sits down

((sorry Iames/Aerin, should have cleared it first :) ))

[Exachix]

Exachix coughs loudly to Aerin.

[Lord Iames Osari]

((Sorry, I've been really busy the last couple of days, and I will be for a few more. I don't have the mental resources to devote to this trial at the moment))

Your Honor, I request a 2-day recess.

[Exachix]

Exachix smiles.

"The court will ajourn for two days, no more no less."

((Ok. Matter not =)))

[Exachix]

"And.... we're back."

[Lord Iames Osari]

((Just in time for finals week! Yay!))