NationStates Jolt Archive

People's Supreme Court
Kensington, British Londinium

Nine judges, clad in black, flowing robes and antediluvian white wigs sat at the front of the marble and granite courtroom, sternly surveying the courtroom, which was bustling with barristers, reporters, government officials, security personnel, transcribers, and clerks. In the frenzy of activity, the glacial temperature of the room went nearly unnoticed.

Next to the prosecution's primary attorney, Justice Minister Andrew Swan, sat Consul Sir Alistair Davidson, patiently awaiting the start of the tribunal in his Tyrian three-piece suit. All that remained was for Grand Arbiter Lee Jackson Davis and his counsel to arrive.

OOC: By semi-open, I mean that if you'd like to be one of the judges (Londinian no matter what), or if the arbiter requires a barrister, you can ask to take those roles.

List of judges -
1. Regulus ab Sauveterre - chief justice - BL
2. Cosimo Abbadelli - Urcea
3. Lily Fiscella - Tartarystan
4. Ignatius Gagliardi - Akimonad
5. Anaxagoras Gronchi -
6. Eutropia Merlo -
7. Lucretia Profeta -
8. Publius Abate -
9. Quintus Crespo -

The Walrus would like to attend the trial.

OOC: What judge can I RP?

To ensure the the fairness and due observation of human rights and international law, Mondoth will be sending the Venerable Mona Khareine to sit on the trial as a third party observer.

James Tybalt, of the international law firm Tybalt and Lewis, has volunteered to represent the Grand Arbiter, if the arbiter so chooses to accept him.

Several hours prior, in New St. Petersburg, the Confederacy of the Far Echo Islands:

The Grand Arbiter sat on the white sand beach outside of the “Ice Box’ it was the third day of debates over dolphin rights, and the Sectary of State had taken over the questions. About a mile out a pod of Atlantic White Sided dolphins splashed and played in the cold salty water. A small ice burg had drifted in from up north, the dolphins play was centered on this, they were juveniles most likely, and they seemed to be seeing who could jump highest over the ice burg. Lee watched with amazement and wonder, he was in his own world then.

His alternate reality was shattered then by the call of Arch Foreign Relations Advisor Lucy Raven. “Mr. Grand Arbiter,” She called, “we mustn’t be late to the tribunal, and we should get going.”

“We’re taking the Concord, we’ll get there quick. Oh, and Lucy, could you do me a tremendous favor and fire all of my military advisors; they weren’t much help here.”

“OK…but don’t you think having a few military advisors would help your case.”

“Of course, that’s why I also want you to tell the three most experienced members of the 113th that they’ve been promoted.”

“Three most experienced,” she thought, “That would be Major Iris, Captain Oneta, and, uuh, Lieutenant Commander Daufuskie?” she said sounding surprised.

“Yes, those three, thank you Ms. Raven.”

Shortly before the start time of the tribunal, Kensington air space, British Londinium

The aqua camouflaged Concord approached the runway at the airport, seconds later the wheels screeched on the tarmac and let up white puffs of smoke. It was followed in short order by one, then two JAU-64 ‘Tigerclaw’ Multirole fighters (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534025). On the wings of the fighters was the symbol of the prestigious 11th Tactical Fighter Squadron (http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/aa293/The_Far_Echo_Islands/?action=view&current=specs4.jpg). They were painted a similar aqua camouflage as the Concord. The wings and door of the Concord was the seal of the Far Echo Islands. Out of the door and down the stair case strode five figurers in long royal blue robes, each had a large hood drawn over their head, shadowing their faces, and the seal of the Confederacy was embroidered on the right breast and each wore a dolphin shaped golden broach on the left. Behind them were two tall men dressed in aqua colored navy officer uniforms, straight legged pants and shirts with golden buttons. Their right sleeves and breasts were embroidered with the seal and flag of the Far Echo Islands, as well the 113th amphibious logo (http://s201.photobucket.com/albums/aa293/The_Far_Echo_Islands/?action=view&current=specs3.jpg). The first man’s uniform boasted a Major’s insignia, the man behind bore a Captain’s. Finally a man in black fatigues followed with a 15” LCD TV monitor and a web cam attached to the top, it appeared to be all battery powered as there was no cords. On the screen was an Atlantic Spotted Dolphin; on his right flipper was a nylon band, same aqua color as the uniforms of the two officers, as well as the same insignias, except it displayed the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and though his only uniform was another band on his left flipper, it displayed several medals just as the men’s uniform’s left sides.

The Far Echo Island’s dolphin training for some type of service goes back some 75 years, all the way back during the Tribal Wars of the Sound Empire, before the Confederacy ever even existed, but the techniques have not been lost over the last three quarters of a century.

The members of CFEI government waited on the tarmac for some sort of transport vehicle to the tribunal, and for the man the Grand Arbiter had hired as his attorney, James Tybalt.

{OOC: Dolphins in the Military (http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/838003/navy_may_deploy_antiterrorism_dolphins/index.html), I kid you not.}

OOC: Having watched this, I'd like to RP Ignatius Gagliardi, please.

OOC: Aight.
IC:

Kensington International Airport

A convoy of vehicles, consisting of several Land Rover Wolfs with mounted machine guns and an armoured, though average-appearing, black sedan, drove onto the tarmac. Three Londinian soldiers dismounted their vehicles and came to collect the Arbiter and his attorneys.

"Come with us," one of the men said roughly as the Grand Arbiter was placed in the limousine.

***

As Lee Jackson Davis sat down next to his attorneys, Chief Justice Regulus ab Sauveterre lightly banged his gavel on the bench.

"Mr Lee Jackson Davis, you stand before the People's Supreme Court on one charge of subversion and on one charge of 'crimes against humanity'," Regulus said coldly. "Before the prosecution presents their arguments, you are permitted to enter your plea - how do you plead, Mr Davis?"

OOC: Can I RP Lily Fiscella?

OOC: Sure. And, for the record, the judges will submit a summary of their decision at the end, and are able to ask the barristers questions as they present their arguments.

New Brittonia would like to send in a justice.

In front of the judge, ask of his plea, the Grand Arbiter’s mind fought a war that had it been between nations neither side would have been worth fighting for. A guilty plea might appeal to the judges and jury, and perhaps lighten his sentence, or what ever it may be, but his long time spent as a dolphin trainer when he was younger, and all the research he read in preparation for the declaration of dolphin rights. The moment after the judge asked the question seemed to hang in the air as a moment sometimes does, it seemed especially lengthy, though little time really passed. The war between pleas still raged in his head, but suddenly Lee decided, “I plead innocent to all charges.” The voice came muffled and soft from the within the hood of the blue robe, but was still audible.

New Brittonia would like to send in a justice.

OOC: You can't. But you can ask to RP as one of the Londinian judges.
IC:

"Very well, then," the Chief Justice said. "The prosecution may present their case."

Justice Minister Andrew Swan nodded smartly to the judges. With a quick sip of water, he began.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the People's Supreme Court of British Londinium, today, the accused, Grand Arbiter of the Far Echo Islands Lee Davis, stands charged with both subversion and crimes against humanity - my case will begin with subversion, legally defined as 'an attempt to undermine the power and authority of the rightful Londinian government in a manner that cannot be construed as peaceful protest' by the 2004 High Crimes Act.

On 15 November 2012, the accused, acting in his capacity as Grand Arbiter, revoked his recognition of Londinian sovereignty - fulfilling the first component of subversion's legal definition. On the same date, though, in the same declaration, he laid claim to all lands under the possession of the People's Sovereign Republic - to Britzkium, to Oickoidia, to Pirandello, to Ghassan, even to the room in which we sit today. This is indisputable. The Grand Arbiter also announced that all vessels bearing a Londinian flag would be subject to attack - surely, Your Honours, this cannot be construed as peaceful protest of Londinian policy. The acts of the Grand Arbiter were nothing more than simple and plain subversion.

And as for the second count, crimes against humanity, defined by the same legislation as 'particularly odious offences in that they constitute a serious attack on human dignity or grave humiliation or a degradation of one or more human beings', all I can say is that by granting dolphins human rights, it is an insult to human dignity. It tarnishes the human rights we hold dear, and cheapens them for the rest of us. The Grand Arbiter cannot deny that he did so.

I now submit myself to the Court for examination."

Justice Gagliardi looked at the Justice Minister, slightly skeptical.

"I would like to see your evidence for the claims of subversion. Do you have records of conversations that you can submit?"

"Records? I have a copy of the announcement that was sent to the Consul himself," the Justice Minister said, placing a slim black folder on the bench. "In there is the official announcement in which Mr Davis announced the revocation of Londinian sovereignty, laid claim to our lands, and threatened all Londinian ships."

OOC: CFEI deleted the post it was in when he surrendered, so I can't link to it.

"Hmm." Gagliardi grunted, putting on his reading glasses and scanning the document. "Well," he said, "this looks pretty cut-and-dry to me. This seems to be conclusive proof."

Gagliardi looked at the Grand Arbiter.

"I'm afraid the other count - crimes against humanity - is, as the Minister presented it, a matter of opinion. Perhaps, when the defense has its chance, the Grand Arbiter can explain himself."

Gagliardi reclined in his chair.

"I've no further questions at the moment."

I do not deny signing the declaration into law, however, I did so only with the support of my former military advisors, whom also wrote it, all of whom are being persecuted in the Far Echo Island's justice system under charges of conspiracy, treason and, ironically, subversion. The military advisors whom are with me to day as witnesses were not involved in this.

But we did not enact this declaration with out provacation. The People's Sovereign Republic of British Londinium also similary called a cancellation of all trade to my nation, effectively a trade embargo the same as was impsoed on British Londinium. Also, in the same communiqué, the PSRBL stated that it no longer reconigized the Far Echo Island's sovereignty, a considerable insult to the people due to their long and hard fight for freedom over the last hundred year’s imperial neglect.

Also, so I say that our response was justified because to this. And despite all this, after seeing our error in offending you and the corruptness of our military advisors, we kindly withdrew our declaration, lifting every thing but the trade embargo, which was still justified, yet, British Londinium still set up a blockade just half a kilometer our side our waters, and had nuclear armed vessels ready to fire and wipe our nation off the face of the planet.

It should also be noted that PSRBL also rejected our whishes for negation and that the declaration was withdrawn prior to the surrender, as a failed peace offering to the Londinii.

(ooc: Londinii, did I spell that right?")

OOC: 'Tis Londii, but no matter.

"I see," replied Regulus ab Sauveterre. "Mr Davis, so you do not deny the charges? You do not deny that dolphins were given human rights? You do not deny that you laid claim to Londinian lands and threatened to open fire on Londinian vessls?"

“While I do not deny giving dolphin human rights, I do deny the charge of crimes against humanity because this was a step in the right direction for the human race as a whole.” Saying what he felt most passionately about first.

“As for the subversion charges, your government, too did subvert my nation without provocation save their diluted views of ‘crimes against humanity.’ Our declaration was a retaliation, and no worse than theirs. So unless you plan to try your own leaders I suggest you drop this charge. I have overwhelming evidence here.” The Grand Arbiter gestured toward a manila folder marked PSRBL; it contained documentation of the British Londinium’s official communiqué in which they withdrew the Far Echo Islands’ sovereignty and declared all trade ended between the two nations.

(ooc: Evidence (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534264&highlight=cfei+dolphins&page=3))

The envelope was passed along the bench, each justice thumbing through its contents.

"Mr Davis, allow me to remind you of the definition of subversion in this state." said another justice, Quintus Crespo. "It refers to undermining the Londinian government, not your government. And, mind you, the Consul never laid claim to the Far Echo Islands, if I am not mistaken. By withdrawing the recognition of sovereignty, all he did was to call your government illegitimate - hardly violent, mind you."

"But, Grand Arbiter, I still fail to see how dolphin rights improve the human race," commented Justice Publius Abaté. "Unless, of course, you'd care to clarify?"

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/kirav.jpg

Kiravian Empire

Permissum Astrum Subleuco

Imperial Secriat of Justice

For the Information of all involved and uninvolved Parties, the Empire will be Observing the Progression, Outcome, and other involved Articles of the Trial.

At this time, we have no position whatsoever, and declare full and unconditional neutrality. However, the Empire notes that this is subject to change.

“You ask how a declaring dolphin right improves the human race, well; the human race has long had an overconfidence of what it was in the world, how perfect it was, even though it kills, rapes, steals, and many other things, it doesn’t matter because we are the only truly intelligent race, well, we are not. Despite the doubts of true dolphin intelligence and abstractness by other nations, it must be observed from an outside perspective, as the differences in aquatic and terrestrial intelligence must be realized, and a more encompassing definition of intelligence enacted. I believe that anything that broadens the human perspective of the world is good for our species. I am of course not asking your nation to recognize this by any means, simply answering your question.” The Grand Arbiter responded, ignoring the subversion charges for now.

Hear, Hear!

"Very well," the Chief Justice replied. "Do you have any other comments you wish to make before the decision is reached?"

"This is the highest court in the country, Mr Davis," the chief justice replied. "There is no appeal. That is why there are nine justices."

"I am still unclear on exactly how your court system works, so I must ask, will I have the ability to appeal?" Lee asked.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/kirav.jpg

Kiravian Empire

Permissum Astrum Subleuco

Imperial Secriat of Justicee

The Empire does not challenge the Merits of this court. But it must be said:

The charge of human rights abuse by declaring Dolphins equal to humans, is, frankly, irrelevant. This action, with no material consequence, is a cultural issue. Not a legal one. No humans were harmed by it. The only thing they may have lost is their feeling of superiority, which, to be truthful, is not a right.

We, humans, by whatever power through which were were brought into being, were endowed with sentience. With this gift, were were granted the ability to manipulate our surroundings, to create complex tools, and use language. Moreover, we were given a deeper understanding and ability to interpret the world around us. But, an ability is by no means a right. Merely because a leader can opress his people, does it give him the right to do so?

As a race, we beleive in the concept of natural law. But, we must keep in mind that natural law is just that. Natural. While it has been incorporated as a human institution, it is not of human making, and thus, we can never understand the entirity of natural law is. Humans were given sentience, but as stated, sentience does not entitle one to rule exclusively.

In closing, the Empire asks the court to repeal the second charge. It is, as said in court, a matter of interpretation, an immaterial reckoning.

Regards,

Emperor Kexarin Raincedar

OoC: I guess the Emperor is like a suprise witness called to the bench, right?

"Thank you Emperor Raincedar, I hope my foregin ambassador is being well recived in your nation. And your testominy is true, thank you for your unyielding support of my nation and its dolphin rights." Turning to the Chief Justice he said: "I am ready for your ruleing."

“You ask how a declaring dolphin right improves the human race, well; the human race has long had an overconfidence of what it was in the world, how perfect it was, even though it kills, rapes, steals, and many other things, it doesn’t matter because we are the only truly intelligent race, well, we are not. Despite the doubts of true dolphin intelligence and abstractness by other nations, it must be observed from an outside perspective, as the differences in aquatic and terrestrial intelligence must be realized, and a more encompassing definition of intelligence enacted. I believe that anything that broadens the human perspective of the world is good for our species. I am of course not asking your nation to recognize this by any means, simply answering your question.” The Grand Arbiter responded, ignoring the subversion charges for now.

"I believe you have sealed it for me. In order to make dolphins equal, you would have to, for example, raise them up. But since we still have capacities beyond dolphins, you must lower the human race down. Only then can we be on the same line. In my mind, you have admitted to this, which I see a offensive."

OOC: The Justice Minister is the one prosecuting you - the Chief Justice administers the ruling.

"We have discussed the courts final ruling amongst ourselves," Chief Justice Regulus ab Sauveterre declared. "And we find you, Mr Lee Jackson Davis, guilty on the charge of subversion - there is no doubt in my mind that you willfully sought to undermine and destroy the People's Sovereign Republic. And, as for the charge of crimes against humanity, I find you innocent. I find that the extensions of rights to dolphins, regardless of our personal feelings towards it, does not sufficiently meet the criteria laid out in the law. It does not constitute a serious attack on human dignity, and thus you cannot be charged with those crimes. I now ask my colleagues for their opinion."

"I find you guilty on all counts. 'Nuff said."

OoC: I guess the Emperor is like a suprise witness called to the bench, right?
OOC: Yup!, pretty much.

OOC: all the judge spots are not filled, how will the final ruling be laid down?

OOC: all the judge spots are not filled, how will the final ruling be laid down?

BL really can make up any ruling he wants, regardless of anything.

ooc: ok

What of the sentance?

What of the sentance?

Patience. Let BL get online.

I do hope it's appropriate for the crime. Execution or life imprisonment would be highly immoral. In regional Rp's I've had national leaders executed by foreign powers for the strangest reasons. Of course, those nations became the newest provinces of the Kiravian Empire.

The Chief Justice readdressed the Grand Arbiter. "Mr Davis, this court hereby finds you guilty for subversion and for crimes against humanity - with only one dissenting vote, namely mine, finding you innocent of the latter. Mind you, both of these crimes are able to be punished by the death penalty." He paused to let the message sink in. "And you, therefore, should consider yourself fortunate that a firing squad will not be called upon in these proceedings. You shall be fined five million denarii as punishment for subversion. And, for crimes against humanity, you are hereby sentenced to one year of labour in the Britzkium colony, upon completion of which you will be returned to the Far Echo Islands."

The Empire inquires as to the nature of this labour.

Labor. Work. Get over it.

It's probably assembling something or mining.

The Grand Arbiter will be working as an agricultural labourer in that colony, assisting various state-run farms.

Labor. Work. Get over it.

We weren't complaining. We were merely curious about the nature of the labour.

We weren't complaining. We were merely curious about the nature of the labour.

Curiousity killed the cat :P

At least you know now. I think this is done, barring any firefights breaking out.

Curiousity killed the cat :P

That's why cats have nine lives, lol.

"I thank you for your mercy, Chief Justice, however I do have a request before my sentance starts, that you allow me to transfer my power to my trusted Arbiter, Grant Norse, here and now so that my nation will not find itself leaderless in this time of crisis."

The cloaked Kiravian observer in the back of the room stands. "The Empire acknowledges and approves of this sentance. The Emperor himself recognizes the Grand Arbiter and commends his action of taking responsibility for the acts of his government. Permissum Astrum Subleuco."

The soon-to-be former Grand Arbiter turned to the Emperor, and said thank you, very, very much."

In the back of the courtroom where the entourage of the Grand Arbiter sat, which included the Arbiter, Sectary of Defense, the Arch Foreign Relations Advisor, Foreign Ambassadors, Raman Hender and Octavos Yongerson, as well as the members of the 113th, they all extended some short of thanks, even the dolphin, Lieutenant Commander Daufuskie did a movement of his head that resembled a nod. Then is was seen that the man in black fatigues had been signing everything that happened in the case to the dolphin, and the dolphin had apparently been watching it on a television monitor, there was a quick exchange of awkward glances around the courtroom after that.

"I thank you for your mercy, Chief Justice, however I do have a request before my sentance starts, that you allow me to transfer my power to my trusted Arbiter, Grant Norse, here and now so that my nation will not find itself leaderless in this time of crisis."

"You may do so."

The cloaked Kiravian, amused that he was mistaken for his Emperor, asks, "Closing statements anyone?"

"Perhaps a question," Lee said as he finished signing over the power to his Arbitor, "Chief Justice, I know you are not a man of military management, but do you perhaps know the fate of the Londii occupation of my country, will it end as soon as I begin my sentance or after it is over, or a some other time?"

"As far as I know, the nation of Mondoth demanded our immediate withdrawal - we were happy to oblige," another justice replied. "The Londinian occupation is over."

"Thank you for your mercy and cooperation, Chief Justice." said the new Grand Arbiter, Grant Norse.