Attempted Assassination in Ontario

[Zapp]

The prosecuting attorney strides into the court room with confidence in his step, a briefcase in his hand.

"Sorry I'm late," he says sheepishly, setting the briefcase down on the desk. "Developments in the case kept me from coming here, I wanted to make sure I was 100% ready and had all my facts straight. You... might want to watch this. It pertains directly to the case," he assured the Judge, switching on the holo-viewer to the previous press conference for all to see.

OOC: Sorry, you posted while I was posting and a bit too soon.

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[bluntpencil2001]

A man on Katz's legal team, a certain press officer, objected loudly, the judge allowing him to say his piece,

"I object! This has no bearing on the case, nor on the accusations of terrorism! This is an allegation of treason, in combination with pedantry regarding Ontario's Constitution, neither of which are applicable to this trial!"

He adjusted his collar, of course lacking a tie.

"There is no evidence of our client, Mister Katz, ever committing a terrorist act, or assisting terrorist acts. This video has no value in itself as evidence and only serves to bias any decision-making."

It was true. The trial was for alleged terrorism, not for treason and not for fomenting unrest.

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[Zapp]

"IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE TRIAL," the prosecuting attorney snapped. "The original charges were not official, as we all know. The Chief of Police is required to sign all warrants of arrest, and Agathon's outburst has absolutely no legal weight. This is my way of informing you of the change of pace. The new charges have been levied. I suggest you take this chance to ask a recess and recollect yourselves."

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[bluntpencil2001]

Leon rolled his eyes,

"So this trial here has no charges?!

You can't have our client turn up at court to find out what the charges are after having arrived!"

He turned to the judge,

"Your honour, pardon my forthrightness, but this is ridiculous. How are we supposed to prepare a legal defence when the charges raised were not even known to the defence until after arrival in court?

The prosecution is opening a new case in the court room. That, your honour, is a complete insult to the letter and spirit of the law.

If they want to levy other charges, they can do it properly, sir, instead of accusing Mister Katz of everything under Ontario's sun as we sit here.

We again move for dismissal of the original charges, since they are what we are here for, and them alone. As it stands, there has been no legitimate evidence for prosecution presented, aside from more ridiculous accusations.

Thank you, your honour."

Leon was obviously outraged, performing for the cameras that flashed as he spoke. This was unheard of, Liberty's people were running roughshod all over due process. This would look like a lynching no matter what.

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[Jeremy Hunter]

Unnocticed by the court, a male in his late teens had slide like water into the courtroom. He has a hat in, pulled low; his clothes are dark. He takes a seat and watches the trial unfold. As the recess is called, he gets up and speaks into a communicator. He follows everyone out. As he waits for the trial to begin, his communicator beeps. He listens to it. He smiles. He walks over to Katz's attorney and hands him a small datapad. it says

Katz Has been found to be not a terrorist by LSF and an unknown party intrested in Liberty. The contacts are not tobe mention. This datapad will be wiped by a virus after ten minutes. Good Luck.

The boy leaves, leaving the attorney puzzled.

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May you ever walk in the Light, Shizune.

[Zapp]

The prosecuting attorney rolls his eyes in turn.

"Officially, we're here because you showed up. No other reason. Court," he said with a wry smile, "isn't in session. The "original charges" were never filed, so you can't move to dismiss them; I've come here to inform you of the actual charges. As I said before, I suggest you prepare for the trial. Save your outrage for the jury."

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[bluntpencil2001]

"You will find that a Writ was put out by the judiciary, sir, by the Honourable James T. Kirthus, Liberty Circuit Judge for the Second Judicial Circuit.

Please, if appearing in court, make sure you know what the case actually is."

Again, Leon turned to the judge.

"Your Honour, this is an insult and a joke. The prosecution doesn't even know why we are here. Again we move for dismissal!"

There was a lot of movement in the background, things getting riled up.

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[Zapp]

"Dismiss charges that were never raised? Suit yourself, no objection here."

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[bluntpencil2001]

"Dismiss charges that were never raised? Suit yourself, no objection here."

"Charges were raised, and a Writ issued by the good Judge. Now the prosecution effectively spits all over the letter and spirit of the law and changes the charges in the courtroom. This is unheard of, and for good reason! This is a flagrant violation of the law, intent on intimidating both the accused and any witnesses!

If things carry on in this vein, shall we see police officers in riot gear storming into court-rooms and deciding the verdict, acting as judge, jury and..."

Leon paused for effect...

"... executioner?"

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[Zapp]

"The Writ issued by the Judge was, quite frankly, out-dated, and based off charges that are, as I've said, withdrawn. Need I remind you that this entire situation is uncalled for?

As for the charges being changed in the courtroom, here's how it is, my good man. Let me break it down for you.

The original charges are no longer being pursued. Ergo, dismiss them all you like.

New charges have been raised. I have not changed them, I am calling for a new trial. And, need I add, they were changed before I got here. This is merely the earliest I was able to inform you. What traditions of law do I spit on in beginning a new trial as new information is made available? Believe me, all the evidence will be transferred to you at our earliest convenience."

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