#judge jury and execution over here

[pomefioredove]

hiiii can i have a sugar cookie, #19, with whipped cream and candy cane tyy 💖

hello! can i have a sugar cookie, #19, with whipped cream and sprinkles please? ❤❤❤

made an executive decision to combine these prompts because the ideas I had for them were too similar, so you both get a lil something extra on your cookies :P

order #19, sugar with whipped cream, sprinkles, candy cane

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ held (in contempt of the court)

summary: a mysterious meeting with a former friend tropes: royalty au, hurt/comfort, childhood friends to lovers characters: riddle additional info: romantic, gender neutral reader, wonderlandish AU

"But I didn't mean to! If I had known to whom the tart belonged, I never would have-"

CLANG!

Two heart-tipped spears clash mere inches from your chest, keeping you from getting any closer to the stand.

"Rules are rules are rules," says the four of diamonds. "Those who don't follow the rules... are fools."

The three of clubs sighs. "You don't have to do the rhyme every time,"

The two take to bickering between themselves, perfectly ignoring you.

"Pardon me," you pipe up. "But I really must be going. You see, I'm trying to find my way home-"

"Your way?" say the club of threes.

"All ways are the Queen's way," the four of diamonds agrees.

"SILENCE IN THE COURT!"

You, the card soldiers, and the jury of curious characters, starts and sways like the sea in a storm of tears.

At the stand, in the judge's seat, swinging a scepter as if it were a gavel, or, more fittingly, a toy, is a child.

You squint. No, not a child, but not a queen, either. A boy.

A boy who looks an awful lot like...

No. No, that couldn't be. You haven't seen Riddle Rosehearts since you were small. He was your playmate, your partner-in-no-crime, as he would have it, until his mother mysteriously pulled him out of primary school for private study.

He was strict, stern, demanding and demeaning, and he was your friend. An awfully sweet friend. But not a queen.

Riddle? A royal? That would be... impossible.

But, then, you had become quite acquainted with the impossible.

He unfurls a scroll longer than the courtroom itself. It spills over the stand and rolls through the room, past your shoes, and into the hall.

"The defendant is found guilty on charges of trespassing, thievery, unauthorized tart handling, and wearing black shoes on a Tuesday..."

"Wha- guilty?!" you cry. "I haven't even been tried!"

He peers over the scroll. "Is that right?"

The card soldiers shrug.

"That can't be-" the Queen quiets, squints, and then smiles. "Oh, it's you."

"Me? But I- you-"

"No backtalk!" he demands. "You are acquitted. GUARDS!"

The four of diamonds and three of clubs reluctantly release you, withdrawing their spears and rolling their eyes. The jury flattens. You suppose everyone had been expecting more of a show.

The boy, Riddle, slips from his seat and descends the stand, each step echoing off the walls of the courtroom and giving him the false impression of grandness. He stops in front of you. He's much less impressive at this height.

You look to the card soldiers for help, but they've gone back to bickering about rhymes.

"You will join me for tea," he decides, commanding the attention of the cabinet with a swing of his scepter.

"But I-"

"AND THAT'S FINAL!"

Out the courtly doors, down the hall, here and there and hither and thither. This castle is like a maze, you think, but Riddle traverses the corridors with ease. He's (apparently) not even paying attention to where you're walking, since he's been going on about the rules for far too long now. You pass a garden with a hedgehog pen, a flamingo pond, and too many tea rooms.

He's smiling as he speaks. "You've just missed croquet, I'm afraid, but tomorrow-"

"-Tomorrow? But I-"

"And tea. Of course," he says, swinging the scepter into his palm. "Oh, I haven't had a guest in so long. It's so difficult to find good company these days..."

He sighs, and then swings right into a study, leaving you scrambling to keep pace. Had that door been there before?

"Make yourself comfortable," he demands, leaving no room for argument. "Sit."

And he means next to him. Not in the tall, lumpy armchair at the desk, but on a plush red bench by the books. You sit, and he hums.

"Now, whatever brings you here?" he asks, pouring himself a cup of tea from a pot that certainly wasn't there a second ago. And before you could answer, "It's so nice to have a guest, you know. I've near gone mad trying to command my mother's subjects."

You perk up. "Ah, your mother is the Queen?"

"Yes, that's right," he says, his expression souring. "But she's been away on business, and so I've been ruling in her absence."

For once, something here makes sense. You nod. "And you've been surrounded by the old crones in the court," Perhaps that's why he was so eager to see someone else. Unless he was just happy to see you.

But that would be... impossible.

"They don't make for pleasant company," he mumbles, pouring out his tea. Instead of splashing on the carpet, it spills upwards and splatters on the ceiling. You stare.

"...Don't bother, I'll see to that," he waves off your wide-eyed concern. "I would never dream of making a mess, but..."

"...But?"

"...I've been rather clumsy lately," is all he says.

You glance at the ceiling, and the tea is gone. Strange. "I suppose I have, too,"

He smiles and occupies his hands with straightening your collar. Was he really so desperate for the company of a peer? Apparently, he was. You suppose you can sympathize. You've been all on your own in this awful place of labyrinths for days now.

Not a peer, then. A friend.

Riddle then reaches for the teacup-shaped table and takes a red rose, the same color as his hair, from the pot that had once been filled with tea, and he tucks it into your tie. A mark of himself on your persons. An unspoken promise not to let go. Not again.

More than a friend, perhaps.

But that would be... well, possible. Very possible, you supposed.

You could fall asleep here. You haven't been tired until just now, all the exhaustion in the world weighing on your muddled mind.

You slump onto his side, and the boy, the prince who's supposed to be queen, Riddle, allows you. His hand hesitates, and then holds your shoulder, taking you in some sort of awkward embrace. Your head rests on his shoulder, and his on yours.

Strange. All of this is terribly, terribly strange.

But perhaps you can accept this strangeness of his, as he's accepted yours.

[exfil]

one of soap's defining character traits is righteousness. be it helping his comrades in al mazrah over the mission objective (are you saying we shouldn't have helped?) or walking into a cartel villa unarmed to bring down el sin nombre (we came here to stop a missile, so let's stop it), it is clear that his main motivation is to do the right thing. so is the protection of innocent people - soap is almost always the one who articulates the involvement of civilians (what happened to the families here? / they're innocent people. / he's killing civilians - his own people.)

for soap, in this righteousness, and in the protection of these innocent people, the threat and execution of violence is the right thing. killing is not the avoidable means to an end, but the objective - as long as the people killed are evil (my job is to kill the enemy. guess what you are). he shows a clear favoritism for vigilante justice (you're going down for what you did / makes me want to commit a few war crimes of my own / you will hang for this) and has to be actively dissuaded from executing people instead of having them face due process on multiple occasions (you can't be serious he is right here / i will blow your brains out i swear i will do it).

and it is soap who decides who is evil and who is not. while he and ghost condemn graves' killing civilians as putting himself above the law (he is jury judge and executioner now) soap justifies the killing of dozens of mexicans without jurisdiction as part of a foreign army due to their cartel involvement (there are no civilians here). he never judges the violence of his own allies, only the lack of it (should have killed him when we had the chance).

a seargant hell-bent on doing the right thing but operating with both a brutal reverence to violence as the only option and a morality of black and white that does not survive closer scrutiny. he is clearly not a good person - if the amount of people he killed in cold blood is any indication - but he not only thinks that he is good but can tell whether a person is good or not to the point that he sees himself as a rightful executioner. now that's a character!

[adultish-momma]

Therapy on a Time Crunch

The VDC is coming up, and not only is there a lot of vocal and dance prep to do, but some unpacking needs to be fit in to the already busy schedule.

Or: Yuu refuses to let Epel say sexist shit in their presence.

Warnings!: Inherently sexist comments. Epel in book 5 is honestly just a raging stereotypical small town misogynist, and that is itself a warning. Threat of future violence at the end.

A/N: Yuu is Gender Neutral in this story, but Epel’s specific brand of misogyny pisses me off, so Yuu responds as if they were personally targeted by his comments. That being said, they are never refered to as fem, nor do they state that they identify as fem.

“But all these girly twisting motions… I don’t want to do those.”

They couldn’t have heard that right.

Yuu sits at a table in an alcove of the Pomefiore dance hall, blinking in stunned disbelief at the purple-haired freshman. Grim, intimate with the knowledge of their henchhuman’s body language symbols by this point in the school year, inches further amongst the pages of their spread-out homework. He hangs his head over a worksheet, hoping to remain out of the line of fire but still be able to watch the show about to happen.

“Wait, wait, wait” the Prefect rises, shaking their hands and their head in denial of what they just heard. “Go back. Did you just say that Jazz… Hip Hop… is girly??”

Epel opens his mouth, but Yuu raises their hand in a dismissive, shushing gesture. Something in their eyes prompts him to quickly shut his mouth.

“I mean, correct me if I’m wrong here Vil, but as far as I recall, Jazz and Hip Hop are, historically and predominantly, male dominated dance styles. At least in my world, what about here?”

Vil raises an eyebrow, impressed with the otherworldly students' knowledge. He gives a small nod in response to their question.

“That’s what I thought. So tell me Epel, what exactly is so ‘girly’ about a dance style that was created by both genders, but has had the female influence of its origins mostly deliberately forgotten? What’s so ‘effeminate’ about a dance style that is incredibly hard for female dancers to establish credibility in because people cry ‘slut’?”

Again, Epel opens his mouth to flounder out an answer, desperately trying to string words into a sentence that will make the Ramshackle Housewarden stop looking at him like that. He feels pinned, backed into a corner, and hell Leona doesn’t even make him feel this much like prey. Like he’s only got one chance to present himself to the jury that is Yuu, and if he messes this up they will judge him worthy of execution.

“The whole idea of boys being ashamed of doing effeminate dance moves is so last century.” Vil steps in now, adding his own judgemental pressure to the freshman’s predicament. “Did you grow up a century ago? Have we a time traveler amongst us?”

“N-no, sir…”

At least with Vil it’s easy to figure out how to end a lecture quicker. Vil already softens at the submissive tone of his underclassman. Not much, just a fraction, but softens nonetheless. Vil is a wrath he’s incurred before, a wrath he knows how to navigate. His fellow first year on the other hand…

Even with Kalim stepping up, inserting his sunny disposition into the tense standoff, the Prefect does not yield. They continue to stare Epel down, jaw clenched and arms crossed like a disappointed parent. Vil softens even further at whatever advice the sophomore is spouting, but Epel can’t hear him over the roar in his ears, still transfixed by the way his body screams threat in response to the Prefect’s stare. There’s something taunting about it now, an angry predator that is daring him step closer. Epel has enough sense to not rise to the bait.

Yuu begins to smirk, and suddenly Epel has doubts about his survival rate.

“Just for curiosity's sake… ” they begin, demeanor changing on a dime. Their voice drops, likening itself to that of a husky purr. The harsh posture is dropped, hips curving and arms draping themselves in a manner that accentuates their body’s curves. Within seconds, they embody a lot of the attributes Vil tries to teach him in his private lessons. With an alluring smile (but still that predatory gaze), they gesture behind them towards the Scarbian Vice Housewarden.

“Would you consider Jamil ‘feminine’?”

“No, of-”

“No?" an innocent widening of the eyes, big and round and doe-like, exactly how Vil would want him to do. "Even when he’s breakdancing? You know, that Hip Hop dance style that he’s so fond of?”

“...no.”

“No,” smug satisfaction drips from Yuu’s frame like poison. “You wouldn’t.”

The Ramshackle student retreats across the practice room, returning to their belongings while maintaining that captivating air they adopted. They move in a way that draws the eyes, and Epel is able to watch from his place across the room as they do exactly that. They bend over the table to reach all their belongings, and they do so in just the right way, allowing Epel to catch at least three of the boys in the room check out their ass. (The fact that he only caught the looks of the others after he himself had to retch his gaze away will be ignored).

Epel bitterly (and begrudingly) thinks that maaaaaybe Vil might be onto to something about all his posturing crap.

Grim, who hadn’t completed a single problem on his worksheet, gleefully hopped down from the chair, sauntering towards the exit.

“Potato, where do you think you’re going?” 

“To get some air. This place reeks of archaic misogyny.” A snicker from their beastly companion can be heard from the hallway.

Yuu pauses in the doorway, fingers drumming on the doorframe in deliberation. Suddenly they turn around, relaxing against the wood so they could face the VDC crew. The predatory glint was back.

“If you want to complain because you don’t have an interest in dancing, by all means be my guest, you’re entitled to preferences. But I promise you, if I ever hear you spout that kind of sexist bullshit again, I’m going hit with the sparkliest, pinkest purse in existence and knock your sorry ass into next week.”

[lazycats-stuff]

Hey, I was wondering if you could do the Batfam with a Teen Former black Widow ( sorry English isn't my first language)

Sure can do! Such a cool idea.

Summary: (Y/N) is a former Black Widow.

Warnings: mentions of the training, killings, is this a character study?,

(Y/N) woke up with a gasp. Another nightmare. Another night of remembering people he has killed. And another night of listening to Dreykov and Madame B.

Another night of near breakage. (Y/N) sighed, removing the covers. He sat up and went to his cupboard to retrieve the cigarettes he stashed. Alfred and some other members were against him smoking, but he wasn't even chain smoker.

He only smoked when he was really stressed out. Or when he couldn't really sleep and was plagued with nightmares. It was still weird for (Y/N) to have a supposed normal life.

More so, with Batman and the Robins.

He took the pack and the lighter next to it and opened the window. He climbed out and sat down on the roof. It was a chilly autumn night and the chill of the air felt great against (Y/N)'s overheated skin.

He took a cigarette, putting it between his lips and lighting it. He used his left hand to guard the flame. Taking a drag, his eyes wondered over the darkness. He squinted at the dark, exhaling the smoke out.

He has killed Dreykov and he destroyed the Red Room. He got rid of the person who nearly broke him. He got rid of the symbol that he carried.

But it is still something that is heavy on him. The Black Widow symbol and the Black Widow moniker is something that he will carry to his grave.

He took a long drag, closing his eyes. (Y/N) still remembers the training. Ballet, acrobatics... Weapons and martial arts... (Y/N) exhaled, opening his eyes.

He was thankful that he killed Dreykov. He couldn't lie and he had to honest. It was... A bittersweet moment. He got his revenge, he got the revenge for the regiment and training he went through... But Dreykov never faced justice for what he did to all of them. And by justice, he meant going in front of a judge, jury and the executioner.

He always like the sound of it. Judge, jury and the executioner. That's what he turned into when he killed Dreykov. He judged him, he gave him the decision and he executed him.

Well that is irony.

(Y/N) chuckled quietly, letting the smoke out. It was fitting.

Dreykov's best soldier, one of the most feared assassins in Russia, the weapon that both Madam B and Dreykov had created. Although nearly broken, he persevered.

He survived.

Only 1 in 20 children survive the brutal regiment and (Y/N) rose out of those other 19 children.

He closed his eyes once more. He recently got into ballet. Ballet is something that was ingrained into him, something that is, well, was used to make them unbreakable. Repat, repeat and repeat.

But despite it all, his passion returned. Bruce was supportive of it and said that if it makes him feel better, he should go for it.

(Y/N) finished up the cigarette and climbed back into his room. He didn't expect to find Bruce, sitting on his bed.

" Hi. " (Y/N) said, making Bruce chuckle.

" I'm not going to say anything about your smoking. " Bruce said, making (Y/N) nod.

" I'm here to talk to you about... Well, I'm going to be blunt. I think you need to go to therapy. Before you say anything, " Bruce said, raising his hand, " I know. But she is loyal and she will take your conversations to the grave. " Bruce said.

" I know. But the Black Widow part of me died when you freed me from the brainwashing. Sure, I will carry the name and the symbol to the grave, but that part of me died. I burnt that part of me. " (Y/N) said, looking at Bruce before looking away.

" I appreciate the thought, but I burnt it. When I destroyed the Red Room I burnt the Black Widow part. " (Y/N) said more securely, looking Bruce directly in the eyes.

" Alright. If you ever change your mind, just let me know. " Bruce said.

(Y/N) nodded, but he knew he didn't need it. He had his family. Jason, Dick, Tim and Damian.

His brothers.

Even Alfred was there.

He knew that with their help, he will heal.

[duskdawnallen]

I saw a post on here, i can’t find it now, that said Bruce is a judge, jury and executioner but not executioner in the killing way. And I was thinking about it last night and was like, that is so true.

He’s a vigilante so he breaks laws to bring justice to other parts of the law. So he’s the judge and jury when it comes to deciding to himself (and the people he mentors/works with) what laws they can break and what laws they can work to enforce.

And he’s an executioner because well, he executes the law and hands the criminals over go the justice system to be dealt with. I don’t know if this makes sense, but he’s not a killer so not an executioner in that sense but he fits judge jury and executioner in other ways. Just not. executioner how you would usually think it is.

[cute-little-fly]

When I first watched mastermind I had trouble to make sense to the trial itself while watching the episode, and some people pointed out that was dissatisfying to the audience that he didn’t really confessed. Which is kinda true… I expected Andrealphus to accuse Stolas directly, and finding out about DHORKS and more stuff.

But after seeing the episode two times now I kind of understand what Stolas and Andrealphus did and why.

First…

The thing is, we started seeing the trial as if it was a true law system like the one we have in earth; and actually, if you see it, it doesn’t have any of the characteristics that a proper law system should have to at least make it slightly fair to both parts. For example, irl a rich person can pay a better lawyer, and that’s unfair… Buut a trial cannot happen if one of the parts doesn’t have a lawyer and cannot prepare some defense, even if it is at disadvantage from one of the parts and the jury at least tries to be impartial. And this is the key here.

Here satan word is the last word, and a parliament and the rest of the royals can argue about the decisions taken by him and can vote and he also has to respect the votes. But still, he kinda is like the superior judge which makes it very unfair because imps and the rest of hellborns are not even represented. So, with that….

Why Andre didn’t accused Stolas first?

Andrealphus didn’t accuse Stolas directly because that would have made the trial harder, and if he lost then the surprise and opportunity would be lost; because now Stolas would be prepared for the next move and guess that they are trying to screw him over.

He didn’t have knowledge of real proof against Stolas (even if it actually exists but it is inaccessible to him at the moment like the pictures DHORKS have), and more people like Vassago would have questioned him and more doubt would have been put into his story, because it would be royal vs royal. It would have been kinda obvious he was after something, or at least people like Vassago would have argued and defended what Stolas needed to say (because in this scenario, Stolas would have to be present there).

However, if he started accusing an imp, that is a low category citizen and that is viewed as an inferior demon that doesn’t even have the right to have a proper defense; is obvious that this is the easiest way to go, because he could basically say anything and it didn’t matter much what.

No one was interested at listening to the imps, and is logical that a royal would want to accuse a lower class demon without that being personal. Just because they should not question their place. So, obviously, it was going to end up getting killed.

What if Stolas didn’t see the execution at the tv or something unexpected happened (a lot of people question this one out)?

Really think about it… it actually…. doesn’t matter…. Andrealphus doesn’t care about them.

He just would have to find another way to screw Stolas in the future, and like he said at the beginning, he was willing to be patient. Also, he is very excited when he gets what he wants at the end, which kinda means, he knew everything could have failed and that he knew his plan depended a lot of luck.

Also, this would break Stolas apart… another thing they have always wanted…

Why Stolas didn’t told the truth?

This is a harder one; that has too many layers and more than one motive. However, the main one for me is that what he did was clearly going to clear up all doubt about Blitzø being involved so we could easily say he did it just because it was the most safe option… The truth doesn’t really absolve Blitzø of the fault. They kinda did this together, you know ?

Stolas gave Blitzø the book because he tried to steal it and then he asked for it. So, what reason was he going to give about giving Blitzø the book without Blitzø having some part in it? I can’t think of anything, and he didn’t had time to think this either. However; I feel that there is something more here, because he could have done it in other way, but also, there is a layer of Stolas being depressive… So, I though in these extra motives.

1. He sings a song to Octavia that she is going to be ok if he is gone (dying, because if he lives he would never abandon her and this is key and why he is so devastated after being forced to leave the house and her, for me this reads as he being willing to die to protect her). If he dies Andrealphus has already stated that all Stolas titles and belongings would go directly to Octavia. Probably will be retained until she is 18 or something. So, he kinda doesn’t mind about dying and is too depressed to see clearly the consequences of it at the moment. (Obvs he was forced to make a very UNFAIR choice, the kind of choice where no choice is the right one. But, my point here, is that he is someone willing to die for Via or Blitzø and he doesn’t try to think in a way that he can rescue him without putting himself down the line).

2. He wanted to have a grandiose moment standing up to all his family and the royals before being gone. So, this is why the song and the drama, and he also needed to be convincing that he is a mastermind. At least they would see him and someone higher and mighty and not how he has been always diminished and mocked in his circle. Even if he is a royal and all, he has always being discriminated in his own social class.

3. The truth was also not exactly something he could have said while maintaining composture and being intelligent enough to convince the audience and save Blitzø. He is still deeply hurt about everything that happened.

4. They had proof that I.M.P. went to earth, and even if they didn’t had it, no one questioned that accusation and they kinda admitted it. So, what Stolas said needed to be framed as him basically forcing them to go to earth or manipulating them to do that. How can you say this and still hold the truth?

Ending remarks…

Even in our law system that at least tries to be fair, a lot of trial defenses don’t actually involve 100% the truth.

Stolas saw the trial until it was filmed, and he didn’t heard the reasons Blitzø was being framed. So I think he just assumed it was only about the book, so he needed to say something that could excuse any offense. Saying that is a mastermind is like: I had a plan so contrived that I fool you all. All what you said he did was my plan, whatever that is.

The assasination plot was kinda something extra added that could have been omitted and wouldn’t have changed anything, and is like the only thing I still question a bit about the episode, because is not clearly adressed at the end.

It doesn’t make sense that Stolas tried to kill himself hiring an assassin, but, at the end they ignored that because basically Stolas confessed. No one would do that if they didn’t do it, in their minds no royal would care genuinely about saving an imp’s life.

Also, probably they thought this was part of the “mastermindery” and how he tricked everyone. The narrative brushed it off as that they just didn’t cared enough to dig that deeper, and that works enough seeing how the trial was being held and how a word of a Goetia has more worth just because of hierarchy.

Analysis that also touch into this are:

[leolithe]

Hi Leo!

Happy late birthday!

I was wondering... during the Lotus Eaters and with Eleanor dialogue on 1999 we see the title/symbolism of "The Triple Faced Goddess"...

Since you are the Herald of the Lotus System: Do you see any relation with them and the symbolism of "Judge, Jury and Executioner"?

The way I see it is "Natah, Margulis and The Lotus"

I love your thoughts please share them if you can. Thanks!

Hi Anon! Thanks for the bday wish (sorry this ask was sent back in April oopies) and thanks for saying you love our thoughts HEHE… you are very sweet :3

This is a very cool question! Allow us to link a previous ask from @chaosroid as supplementary reading for this topic… because the symbolism of the Triple Goddess, Hecate, a symbolic gatekeeper, can definitely be applied to the Lotuses through the "Judge, Jury, Executioner" triad.

i'll b honest: i had to look up the difference between judge and jury before answering this HAHAHA. but here are the things that come to mind!

Natah as the Judge is literally referenced in her Ropalolyst Monologue! "I am the victim. The witness. The judge. My family has returned. Your trial, soon to begin." You may be onto something here!

In the context of legality, Natah being the Judge fits her title of the Great Sentient Queen. One would expect the Judge to be the practical, logical voice with most comprehensive knowledge of the law, and the Queen to be the law-maker. A very formidable and terrifying combo if you know at all how this kind of power gets abused…

In the courtroom, the Judge appears to be the Big Boss. The one in charge. Out of the three Space Mom titles (Tenno Leader, Archimedean, Sentient Queen), Natah easily has the highest ranking one. It's a decent parallel imo!

Margulis as the Jury has a sweet irony to it, considering that she was executed in front of the Seven. "Seven hands raised!" was one of the last things she heard before her death…

Being an Archimedean slash Scientist slash Scholar, she may be the Space Mom with the most experience, or maybe affinity, in the kinds of high-stakes discussions a jury gets involved in. Out of the three I can definitely imagine that Margulis is the most at ease in an environment like this. If she's not at ease, well, at least she can carry herself well enough through it.

Lotus as the Executioner reminds me of the Prelude to War flashback, where she directly leads and commands a group of (Void-eyed) Tenno to blast a sick lazer at Erra. In this cutscene, it's implied she has a concerning degree of control over the Tenno, and it does bring to mind the imagery of her using them as a mere killing tool.

By this regard, there is an irony to the Executioner!Lotus idea too. She was programmed/brainwashed to be the obedient, submissive tool for the Orokin to use. It's like an axe becoming a wielder. Maybe to a smaller less sentient axe. or something. idk. u get what i mean lol

that's all i got for now! but In summary: DAMN. i think the symbolism is very much there. ripe for the taking when we're talking "future of the Lotus" speculation. very good find, anon!

so ah…… Space Moms Lawyer AU where they're all in hot stuffy cuffed and ironed suits???????? yeah????? YES?????????????? YES PLEASE. 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

I'm been dreaming of the Trump Card of Hearts.

One card in a deck, and the world stacked against him. What can he hope to do by himself?

Simple: he'll be the one that trumps them all.

How does a moment last forever? How can a story never die?

Card Soldiers mob the courtroom. The trial has reconvened, the verdict drawn up. Excited whispers--rumors, theories--swirl around the onlookers in the circular stands.

At the center, a single man snorts.

They've come for free entertainment; to witness his execution.

"Order, order! I will have order in this court."

A gavel sounds from up above. Each strike against a block, the toll calling for his head to roll.

The audience automatically quiets.

A throat clears.

At the judge's bench is the Three of Clubs, anxiously gazing down through his spectacles. He's complicit, another mouthpiece for the Queen. No guts, no will.

Lame, the one in the center of the case thinks.

“This court hereby finds the defendant, one Mister Ace Trappola, guilty of stealing the Queen’s tarts," the judge declares. "The sentence—”

“OFF WITH HIS HEAD!!” roars the royal from the side. He’s red in the face, the same color as his hair and the painted roses.

“… Yes, that," the Three of Clubs agrees. One more decisive swing of the gavel, and the defendant's fate is sealed. "Really sorry about this, but rules are rules."

The judge nods to the guards on standby, a battalion of Diamonds, all in a neat row. They nod back, registering the order, and flutter free, surrounding in their target. Each of them wears the same grim expression.

The jury clamors for a better view.

"Really sorry about this, but rules are rules," Ace repeats mockingly. "Do you hear yourself? How pretentious can you possibly be?"

Veins throb on the Queen's forehead. Steam pours out of his ears. He grips the railing of his perch, glaring from his throne.

The condescending tone, the bossy orders.

A familiar story.

"It'd be better if you don't talk back," the Three of Clubs advises. "That makes things easier for me. For us all."

"So just lie down and take it? Nah. I don't think you guys get it. You just hate that I'm telling the truth and you can't handle it."

"Ace--"

"Enough waiting. I've been patient enough. I want his head, and I want it NOW," the Queen bellows, driving their scepter into the ground.

"At once, your majesty," the Cards simper. Their voices overlap with one another, like a deck cut and then reshuffled into one.

There's so many of them now. Jurors climbing out of their seats, soldiers spilling in from the far wall.

"Whoa, hey! Fellas, fellas, let's calm down here." Ace holds up both hands. "All this over one, maybe two, measly pies? How about a trick to help smooth things over?"

He turns a hand over, revealing a single card in his grasp. Upon its face, the ace of hearts.

"Watch it dance!"

Ace sets the card into motion. It twirls, alive, around his fingers, orbiting his palm and then swapping to the other. Spinning, spinning--and then, the sudden drop.

The Card Soldiers descend on him.

His ace makes contact with the floor.

It's showtime.

He looks away.

BOOM!

The ace erupts into harsh beams of light and crackling colors. Fireworks consume the courtroom, loud and bright and disorienting. Alarmed shouts ring out, Card Soldiers shielding their eyes from the attack.

“Calm yourselves! It’s nothing more than cheap parlor tricks!” the Queen snarls. He searches in the crowd for the defendant—and catches a head of tangerine bolting up the stairs.

His temper flares.

“Don’t just STAND there!! Deploy all units! CAPTURE THE THEIF!!”

"Not today!" Ace retorts.

He throws open the doors, clearing the courthouse as he steps onto a checkered lawn.

The world opens before him, lush with tall trees and shrubs trimmed into the shape of hearts. White roses dribbling red poke out from the foliage, paint pooling like blood at the roots. It's beautiful and cruel in the same way that heartbreak is--but there isn't a moment to admire it.

Not when the maze awaits.

A stone drops in his stomach.

The hedge maze is massive, stretching out and taking up most of the garden. Too tall to climb, too wide to walk around. Too twisty and complex to power through on sheer will alone.

Stomp, stomp, stomp!

Militant footsteps come from behind.

There's no time to think. Just act.

He launches himself in, hears them in pursuit. Row after row of soldiers marching in unison, single-file.

Ace doesn't know where he's going, if the choices he's making are right. He relies on his instincts, the flightiness of his feet, to carry him away from the shouts, the spears pointed at him.

He's pulled deeper and deeper into the heart of the maze. Down the rabbit hole, to some unknown place.

All the leaves look the same, and so does the sky. The criss-crosses and zig-zags don't make sense. His vision spins.

Damn it, where's the exit?!

Ace's head swerves left, then right, surveying his surroundings. To his dismay, his gaze connects with a Two of Spades at the end of a corridor. Their eyes widen in realization.

The Spade is turning now, calling out for the others to come.

Ace looks the other way. He is greeted with a dead end, impossible to scale.

"Shoot!”

They're going to cage me in if I don't get out of this tight spot…!

Mustering all his strength, Ace throws his body into the Two of Spades. He slams into the pole of a spear, which pushes back against him. His head and his rival's connect.

"Outta my way!”

The Two of Spades grits his teeth. "You should surrender now and come back with us. If you sincerely say sorry, Rosehearts-senpai might show you mercy."

"And let him have the last laugh?" Ace scoffs. "I don't think you know me too well."

"I want you to be better. I know you can be.”

“That line, coming from you? That’s rich.”

“If you'd just listen to the dorm leader, to us—”

"--What, I'd be like you?" Ace taunts, his hands closing on the Spade's spear. They clench on so tightly, his bones threaten to tear through his skin. "I'd catch up with everyone else? Finally get my unique magic and get to do something flashy? Is that it?"

“What…!”

“You don’t need to nag me, I get it! I get that I’m behind, okay?!”

“That’s not what I…” He falters, and Ace draws out an exasperated sigh.

A Card Soldier doesn’t stick out.

A Card Soldier must conform.

Those are the rules, and always has been.

His annoyance twists with upset. A fire ignites in his chest.

“Aaah, dammit. I’m getting sick of everyone tellin’ me what to do all the time. The only one that gets to decide that for me… is me!”

That’s right, falling in line just doesn’t suit the trump card. I won’t be satisfied with this alone.

The warmth spreads from his torso to his limbs, as if propelled by his very veins. Sparks feeding into an inferno. His skin tingles, buzzing from head to toe.

The Spade stares, jaw agape.

What is this feeling…?

Ace stares at his hands. They feel molten, yet brimming with energy.

Is this what I think it is?

The buzzing reaches his ears, rattles his head. The magic begs to be unleashed.

Rise up, it urges him. Incite rebellion. Defy their will. You know what to do, what to say.

Do it.

Ace opens his mouth.

And recites his incantation.

[rubyroboticalt]

Minecrafters grab your pickaxes, and catch up on the QBLR QUATERLY!

What's up guys, update just dropped! Special Edition: Court Case! QBLR had its very first court case this week. Two, in fact. This report will go over the details of the event, including interviews and witness footage.

Let's start with an overview of the court! Levlies acted as judge, because they are an admin. Meeps was the bailiff. In the first settled case, Sprout was suing Squash for negligence, represented by Steelstreqq, Beloved_Still, Teal, Cloudy, Soup, and Halo. Popcorn and Squash were represented by Kai and Pip.

Sprout and their lawyers had witnesses for their case, Cheese, Beloved, and MIDORI. Pip, Kai, and J were the defending witnesses. The legality of lawyers also being witnesses remained ambiguous. The specific incident the case was built around was a dinosaur being set upon Sprout by Squash.

After an eventful case, the prosecution won the case, and both parties were instructed to hug it out. The second case, Sprout sued Popcorn for negligence. Spamton G Spamton, pikachu, and Angel represented Popcorn. The prosecution had no witnesses for this case; the defense had testimony from King. Court found Sprout's case favorable and prosecuted the defendant.

The jury for both cases included Inc, Berry, and Hamlock. Perrito, Tonmy, and other eggs spectated the cases.

Our reporters in the field gathered some interviews from attendees of the cases. Judge Levlies was regarded as biased towards the prosecution, and potentially bribed to favor Sprout. Judge Levlies was also described as an honorable and fair judge.

The court process did not receive positive opinions. The court partially favored the defendents for homosexuality and support of baseless accusations. Some informants were made to wait in the lobby. A charge of perjury was dropped. Spamton was accused of lying for remaining silent. Defendents were not served court summons and evidence was not presented. Court was described as a sham. Prosecution allegedly jumped an informant in Rosa's Favela.

The endings of the cases were wildly different. Case 1 ended with a court ordered hug. Case 2 ended with dozens of wardens being released and a killing spree being instigated. It is believed that this nonstandard procedure replaced an execution. A prosecuting lawyer sedated and kidnapped a defending lawyer. An informant urges viewers to remain on the lookout for Spamtom G Spamton.

Well, you heard it here first folks! Two incredible cases, a heartwarming forgiveness and a violent massacre, ending with a Kill On Sight order for Spamton G Spamton. This concludes the Quarterly's report on the QBLR court cases.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Victoria Bekiempis and Maya Yang at The Guardian:

The sentencing in Donald Trump’s Manhattan criminal hush-money case has been postponed indefinitely while attorneys on both sides argue over its future given his recent election victory. Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing Trump’s case, did not provide a new sentencing date in his one-page scheduling order on Friday. Merchan said in his decision that Trump’s lawyers had to file their argument for dismissal by end of business on 2 December. Prosecutors have one week to respond. The development came in the wake of filings from prosecutors and defense lawyers over their views of how Trump’s case should proceed after he won the 2024 election against Kamala Harris.

Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, issued a statement calling the decision a “decisive win”. However, he repeated the president-elect’s claim that the case – which found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsified business records – was a “hoax”. Trump’s lawyers on Tuesday asked Merchan to throw out the case, contending that dismissal was necessary “in order to facilitate the orderly transition of executive power”. Todd Blanche, Trump’s lead attorney and choice for deputy US attorney general, and Emil Bove, the president-elect’s pick for principal associate deputy attorney general, complained that the Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg’s team “appears to not yet be ready to dismiss this politically motivated and fatally flawed case, which is what is mandated by the law and will happen as justice takes its course”.

They argued that the US justice department was on the verge of dismissing Trump’s federal cases and pointed to a departmental memo that bars prosecution of sitting presidents. “As in those cases, dismissal is necessary here,” their filing said. “Just as a sitting president is completely immune from any criminal process, so too is President Trump as president-elect.”

They claimed that if this case proceeds, it would “be uniquely destabilizing” and could “hamstring the operation of the whole governmental apparatus, both in foreign and domestic affairs”. They asked Merchan to give them until 20 December to file their push for dismissal. Prosecutors previously told Merchan that they planned on fighting Trump’s expected plans for dismissal in the aftermath of his recent presidential win. Prosecutors also said that other case proceedings should be put on pause until Trump’s dismissal argument is decided.

[...] Prosecutors disagreed that Trump’s case should be dismissed simply because appeals would not be decided before his inauguration. While they respected the presidency and understood the logistical issues, “no current law establishes that a president’s temporary immunity from prosecution requires dismissal of a post-trial��criminal proceeding that was initiated at a time when the defendant was not immune from criminal prosecution, and that is based on unofficial conduct from which the defendant is also not immune.” The prosecution said that courts must respect the varying constitutional interests – the executive branch’s need for independence, and the judicial branch’s need for integrity. Prosecutors told Merchan that there were routes he could take other than outright dismissal, including “deferral of all remaining criminal proceedings until after the end of defendant’s upcoming presidential term”. Trump was found guilty of falsifying business records in an effort to sway the 2016 election on 30 May. The prosecution said that Trump falsely listed reimbursements to his then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, who gave the adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 for her silence about a purported affair with Trump, as “legal expenses”. The jury reached their guilty verdict in less than 24 hours. These proceedings were the first time a US president – former or sitting – stood a criminal trial, as well as a conviction.

The Trump business records falsification case sentencing has been postponed indefinitely.

[mariacallous]

These past few months, on Capitol Hill, the Republican-led Congress has contorted itself time and again to support the President, with little significant pushback.“I don’t mind what Trump does, because I trust Trump,” as Lindsey Graham, the Republican senator from South Carolina, once put it. The inability to get Martin into a committee hearing seemed to mark a kind of ending. It also exposed the fractures and tensions within the legislative branch. “What’s at play here is a soft Civil War within the Republican Party,” the person who served in the first Trump Administration told me. “Only a handful of the Senate Republicans are behind Trump in a meaningful way.”

Other Trumpists were more sanguine. A MAGA-friendly government lawyer in D.C. pointed out that a significant chunk of Martin’s brief tenure appeared to have been spent writing threatening letters to members of Congress, which were shared widely online. “I’ve seen a widespread lack of appreciation for the distinction between political loyalty and technical competence,” he said. “I think that’s a major problem for the Trump movement right now—how loud people are willing to be about their commitment to the agenda versus how competent people are going to be at implementing it.” Making substantive progress on the issues that mattered most would require the U.S. Attorney for D.C. to position himself as a more credible actor. The lawyer articulated a different retributive vision, one that corresponds to, say, dismantling federal agencies via deregulation, or rooting out dark money—not just handcuffing Trump’s enemies for the camera.

As the other conservative lawyer put it, “I think there are real deep-state problems, but it’s probably better not to have someone that’s that buffoonish in charge of that.” He went on, “The prosecutions the Democrats did were politicized, but there was at least an attempt to create a fig leaf of institutional neutrality.” And any cases brought by the U.S. Attorney in D.C. that made it to trial would go before a jury in a heavily Democratic city. “It’s just pointless,” he said. “They’ve completely lost touch with how the law works.” Undoing the norms and institutions that the MAGA faithful saw as weaponized against them wouldn’t happen just by arresting a D.C. judge. Bannon felt differently. He wanted to see District Court Judge Beryl Howell, who presided over January 6th cases and struck down Trump’s executive order targeting Perkins Coie, “in cuffs.” He told me, “That’ll send shock waves through the effete legal and political establishment that runs this city.” And for him it went beyond pure symbolism—he felt that a liberal-leaning D.C. jury might actually be compelled to convict her if they finally heard the true story of how deep the rot was. “You have to break glass, and that’s not happening. Ed Martin was starting to do that, and they freaked out.”

On Thursday evening, Trump announced that Jeanine Pirro, the TV host from Fox News, would step into Martin’s role. (Martin was moved to the Justice Department’s Weaponization Working Group.) Pirro is the former district attorney for Westchester County, and in 2016 had been considered to run the Eastern District of New York. She is also well trained in playing the part of a fiery justice on prime time and on her spinoff “Judge Jeanine Pirro” reality show. “She’s perfect casting, she’s got the fighting spirit,” Bannon told me. To him, the fear of losing Martin may have given way to an even better replacement. (“Hope they enjoy Judge Jeanine,” Jack Posobiec, the MAGA loyalist, told me, winking at the G.O.P. senators who had hoped to hem in Martin.)

Trump appointed Pirro to a hundred-and-twenty-day acting term, bypassing the Senate, replacing one interim U.S. Attorney with another. It may be cumbersome to operate without the approval of his own party; defendants indicted in Washington could challenge their prosecution, and the courts could strike down certain actions, on the ground that Pirro hasn’t been lawfully appointed. But it’s not difficult to imagine Trump replacing the U.S. Attorney every four months from a roster of loyalists, allowing them to act with abandon, unfettered by the worry of a confirmation hearing. “Imagine if he appoints me,” Mike Davis wrote on X. “My 17-week reign of terror. No mercy.”

The Next Phase of Trump’s Retribution: What the replacement of Ed Martin, who punished his own prosecutors for bringing cases against January 6th rioters, signals about the President’s signature campaign promise.

[toshisurtsdottir]

Rape and Retribution - Chapter 2

Toshi is in court, ready to be sentenced. What will Turpin do? Warning: mentions of rape, murder and other bad stuff lol (we all know you're here for that anyway, so it's more of a promise)

“Toshi Vernier. You are charged with the murder of your father, Surtur Vernier. How do you plead?” Turpin’s voice boomed through the courtroom. Toshi didn’t know how the law worked, but she knew that the judge was corrupt and that no matter the jury, he would have the final say in one’s fate. She eyed the few men sitting by his side nervously. None of them seemed overly interested in what was happening here, only Turpin on his seat and the Beadle below were even looking at Toshi.

It was just over a month ago when she told Turpin about Barker. Barker had since then been executed and the lady owning the meat-pie shop below his barber shop had been right after him. Toshi was confident that Turpin would not have forgotten her, but ever since her trial had begun, everything seemed like he was to sentence her to death as well. Still, she had a tiny sliver of hope left in her. “I plead not guilty, your honour.” She said quietly. The Beadle was glaring at her from below, having recognised her by now. She wished she had killed Bamford right after killing her father. Seeing the disgusting man made her want to throw up. Toshi tried to keep her eyes on Turpin then. He leaned back in his seat, taking an agonisingly long time to make a decision. His eyes then burned into her as he leaned forward again, a small smirk on his lips. It didn’t seem sinister though, Toshi felt like it was simply him holding back a genuine smile. “Not guilty, then. Dismissed.”

Toshi almost didn’t hear him at first. She just stood there, eyes wide, frozen in place. The Beadle was saying something then, speaking to Turpin. But Toshi didn’t listen to what he was saying. She was free to go, he had spared her. The coldest, most cruel man of London had shown her mercy. Swaying slightly, she spun around and hurried down the wooden stairs and out of the courthouse, tears flowing. She was free, it had all worked out after all. She was finally free of her father, free of all the horrors he had put her through. She stood on the sidewalk outside of the courthouse and watched the people pass by, a wide, manic smile on her face. The world around her seemed so vivid, so colourful all of a sudden. She could already imagine her life now, working in a small shop if she could find work, perhaps being able to afford a nice meal every now and then. But most importantly: she would no longer be touched and raped by men every single night. It was over.

Just as she was about to walk home, a hand landed on her shoulder, gripping her tightly. She was spun around and faced none other than Beadle Bamford. He pushed her away from him, bringing his cane up under her chin roughly.

“I do not know what you little whore did to gain the good judge’s favour, but be sure that this is not over.” His slimy voice made her want to cut her ears off. She remembered him moaning disgustingly as he rammed into her from behind. The instant rage this memory evoked almost got the better of her, as she instinctively clenched her fists.

“For now..” he drawled, his beady little eyes glistening angrily. “Judge Turpin wants to have a word with you, whore. Come.” He rudely grabbed her by the wrist, dragging her back inside the courthouse. They didn’t go into the courtroom, however. Bamford instead brought her to a different door. He knocked twice and stepped back, pulling her with him. Before the door opened, he leaned in to speak into Toshi’s ear quietly. “Cheer up. If all goes well, I’ll soon be fucking you again as I please. Your father dying doesn’t mean anything needs to change about that.” He took the opportunity to lick her earlobe, causing her to flinch and move as far away from him as possible. She glared at Bamford and was about to say something, when the door swung open.

Now in the doorframe stood Turpin, towering over both of them. His head raised high as he looked at Toshi. “Miss Vernier.” He stepped back a little, signalling for her to come in. Toshi didn’t have a choice as Bamford pushed her into the room. She stumbled past Turpin, coming to a halt in front of the desk that stood in the middle of the tiny room. She spun around to face Turpin and the Beadle, who was about to follow into the room. Turpin stepped in the doorframe again, denying him entry. “You’ll wait outside, good friend.” His dark voice filled the room. Bamford nodded and scurried away, leaving the two of them alone. The judge slowly closed the door to the small room and turned around to face Toshi, who stood awkwardly by the desk, dark eyes staring at him.

Turpin didn’t speak at first. He walked up to her, getting dangerously close, and then went to sit behind the desk. He opened a small drawer and retrieved a glass and flask, pouring himself a big swig of whiskey. He took a sip, letting Toshi wait and wonder what he could possibly want from her.

Finally, he put the glass down and leaned forward, eyeing her up and down. “I must say..” He began “you look a lot more like a woman if you wear a dress.” He smirked, waiting for Toshi to show any kind of reaction. In her head, thoughts were still running wild. So much had happened in the past two hours. She had thought she’d be sentenced to death all morning, then she got the news that she would be free, all while having to look at a man who (as did many others) once fucked her in her own bed. And now she was in a small room in front of Turpin, scared out of her mind that he would change her sentence or do her any other kind of harm. His words completely slipped past her, as she was thinking about all the things he could possibly want from her now.

“Don’t you want to thank me for sparing you?” He raised his eyebrows.

“Yes! Yes, Sir. Of course, my Lord. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for having mercy on me.” She stammered out. She’d do anything to make sure he would keep it that way.

“Hm. That’s better.” He hummed, nodding and leaning back in his chair. “Excuse me, my Lord, but why have you called me here? Is anything wrong?” She asked cautiously.

“Indeed. My friend, you know him quite well I’ve heard, has told me more about you.” He eyed her, a small smirk on his face again. Toshi didn’t know what to answer to that, she still wasn’t sure where Turpin was going with this.

“He has asked for me to keep you, so that he can have you whenever he pleases. How do you feel about that?” Turpin smirked, taking another sip of his whiskey.

Toshi hated that idea. If that would happen, Bamford would be dead to her feet soon. She was sick of enduring these men. She had killed her father and gotten away with it. She might not get away with murder a second time, but that wouldn’t stop her. If she had to, she’d kill every person in London. Her feelings must have been written on her face, because Turpin chuckled darkly, breaking the silence.

“I take it you wouldn’t like that idea, girl.” He raised his eyebrows again, awaiting an answer.

“I’m afraid not, my Lord.” She tried answering as calmly as possible.

“Good. I find that looking at you is quite pleasing to the eyes. I’ve decided that, since the Beadle is so keen on having you again, you must somehow feel rather good. He’s never had a whore more than once. So here is my offer: you are in need of a new home, are without money and have no food. You will either end up back in court for theft or die on the streets. I offer you to stay at my home, please me when I call for you and do whatever I ask of you. In return, I’ll feed you and keep you warm and clean. How is that for an offer, girl?”

Toshi frowned at his offer. “I would rather find out on my own whether I can make it or not, Sir.” Her tone was less formal now, her anger becoming obvious.

“I am a free woman now, and I will serve no more men. I’m declining your offer. Sir.” She crossed her arms in front of her chest. A devilish smile formed on Turpin’s lips then.

“Oh, you’ve misunderstood. Your freedom doesn’t matter here. It is either me or Beadle Bamford. If I give you to my friend, he is free to use you in ways I assume you are already familiar with. I’m merely offering you to be mine instead.” Turpin sipped from his whiskey smugly.

Toshi glared at him angrily, walking up to the desk and slamming her flat hand down on it. She was about to say something she might regret, but thought better of it. What were her options? If she chose to run, he’d probably hunt her down and get her anyway. He was right, she had no money and no food. She didn’t know how to do any work and would soon have to steal food or money to get by. She leaned down to face him, still glaring angrily at the smug judge.

“I’ll be yours then.” But don’t think for one second I’ll do anything you want me to, she thought.As soon as she said that he downed his drink and got up, a wide grin on his face. “Good girl.”

[mcginnlawfirm]

How Do Criminal Defense Attorneys Handle Bench Trials?

When facing charges, one critical decision is choosing between a jury trial or a bench trial. While jury trials are often portrayed in the media, bench trials operate differently and can be advantageous in certain situations. But how do criminal defense attorneys approach these types of cases? Here’s what you can expect.

What Is a Bench Trial?

A bench trial is conducted solely before a judge, who serves as both the fact-finder and decision-maker. Unlike jury trials, there is no jury to deliberate or render a verdict. Instead, the judge evaluates the evidence, listens to arguments, and applies the law to determine guilt or innocence.

Bench trials are often selected for cases involving technical legal issues or where a jury might be swayed by emotional factors. They require a strategic and highly focused approach from the defense attorney.

Why Choose a Bench Trial?

There are specific reasons to opt for a bench trial over a jury trial:

Complex Legal Issues: If your case hinges on technical or nuanced legal arguments, a judge’s expertise may be more beneficial than a jury’s interpretation.

Reduced Emotional Bias: Judges are trained to focus on the facts and the law, making them less likely to be influenced by emotional testimony or dramatic evidence.

Streamlined Process: Bench trials are typically quicker, as there is no need for jury selection or deliberation.

Your criminal defense attorney can advise whether a bench trial is the best fit based on your case's unique circumstances.

The Role of a Criminal Defense Attorney in a Bench Trial

Defense attorneys play a pivotal role in preparing and executing a strategy for bench trials. Here’s how they typically handle the process:

Evaluating the Case

The first step is determining if a bench trial suits the case. Factors include:

The complexity of the legal issues.

The strength of the prosecution’s evidence.

The likelihood of a favorable outcome with a judge compared to a jury.

Cases that rely more on legal technicalities or procedural issues are often better suited for a bench trial. Your attorney will explain these considerations and help you decide.

Developing a Targeted Defense Strategy

Unlike jury trials, bench trials require arguments tailored for a single audience: the judge. Defense attorneys focus on presenting logical, legally sound arguments rather than emotional appeals. This includes:

Highlighting weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Emphasizing points of law and legal precedent.

Simplifying complex evidence for clarity.

Presenting Evidence

In a bench trial, evidence presentation is often more precise and focused. Judges scrutinize the technical aspects of evidence, so defense attorneys must:

Challenge the admissibility of flawed or improperly obtained evidence.

Cross-examine witnesses to expose inconsistencies.

Present forensic or documentary evidence clearly and effectively.

Using Legal Motions

Bench trials allow defense attorneys to leverage legal motions more strategically. Examples include:

Filing motions to suppress evidence if obtained unlawfully.

Arguing that the prosecution has failed to meet its burden of proof.

Because judges have a deep understanding of procedural law, these motions can have a significant impact on the trial’s outcome.

Making Closing Arguments

Closing arguments in bench trials are typically concise and focus on legal points rather than emotional appeals. Defense attorneys summarize the evidence and highlight why the law supports their client’s position. The goal is to leave the judge with a clear, fact-based reason to rule in the defendant’s favor.

Benefits and Risks of Bench Trials

Benefits

Efficiency: Bench trials are quicker, avoiding jury selection and deliberation.

Expert Decision-Maker: Judges are skilled in applying the law, which can be advantageous in cases with legal nuances.

Reduced Bias: Judges are less likely to be swayed by emotional appeals than jurors.

Risks

No Jury Sympathy: In some cases, jurors might empathize with a defendant’s personal story or circumstances more than a judge would.

All-or-nothing Decision: With no jury, the verdict relies entirely on one person’s interpretation of the law and evidence.

Is a Bench Trial Right for You?

Deciding between a jury and a bench trial is a critical choice. A defense attorney will help you weigh the pros and cons based on:

The complexity of your case.

The nature of the charges.

How a judge versus a jury might view the evidence.

Your attorney’s experience with both types of trials is invaluable in guiding this decision.

Call a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you’re facing charges and considering a bench trial, consult a qualified criminal defense attorney. They can help you navigate the legal system, assess your options, and build a strong defense tailored to your needs. Don’t leave your future to chance—get expert advice and representation today.

[dearestdaffodils]

Season 2, episode 5: The Darkest Hour

A/N: I, of course, do not own anything from or related to Outer Banks. Scenes, events, and dialogue are taken from the show; I am not trying to take credit for the work that the writers for this show did. Some scenes may be left out if I cannot find a way to work the reader in as a character.

Warnings (for the whole series): violence (as it is in the show), swearing, mentions of abuse, underage drinking and smoking, drug use

This one was kinda short but there wasn’t a whole lot of scenes in this episode for me to work with 

TAGLIST

Big John used to tell us it's best to never say you’ve hit rock bottom. “Trust me,” he said. “You can always go lower. And the thing about hell is there’s always another one below.” 

🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌  🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌

The air in the courtroom hangs heavy and hot as the judge’s gavel strikes home on the desk. 

“John Booker Routledge, pursuant to the North Carolina statute section 14, you are charged with murder in the first degree with aggravated circumstances.” The judge peers over her glasses at JB. “If convicted, the maximum sentence would be the death penalty.” 

The room bursts to life as people start murmuring to each other, looking around in disbelief. Kie and Sarah sink lower in their seats, clinging to each other for support. Pope groans, dropping his head forward into his hands. JJ’s grip on my hand tightens, his knuckles turning white from the pressure. 

“Your honor, he’s 17!” JJ shoots up from his seat. “Are you kidding me?” 

“Stop.” Kie stands up, starting to push JJ towards the doors. 

“Hey, John B, we’re gonna figure it out,” JJ shouts.

“John B! John B!” Sarah scrambles against the crowd, fighting towards John B. The officers swarm forward, pushing her back. 

“Stop! Don’t touch her!” I glare at them, carefully pulling Sarah away. “Let’s go, Sarah. Let’s get out of here.” 

🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌  🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌

“Is this a joke?” Kie shakes her head, walking down the steps of the courthouse. “Are we in hell, or-?” 

“I should have never come home.” Sarah sighs. 

“They’re gonna kill him, guys. I know it.” JJ looks up at the sky, blinking back tears. 

“Sorry for what you and your family have gone through.” A man’s voice cuts through the noise, following after Ward Cameron like a lost puppy. “Thank God the system works.” 

“Can you please shut up?” I snap, stepping forward. “Of course you think the system worked because it was made to protect you and people like you.” 

“He’ll have his day in court.” The man argues. “A jury will decide.” 

“He shouldn’t even be in court! You should!” I point at Ward. “Cause you’re a murderer! You have a lot of nerve showing up to court.” 

“I know you’re upset.” Ward steps forward. “I know you’re upset, okay? I know he’s got you fooled. He’s got you all fooled.” 

“No, I’m not just upset!” I launch forward, moving towards him. “You have taken every person that is family to me!” I move quickly, lunging towards him as Kie, Pope, and JJ grab me and pull me back. 

🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌  🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌

“I’m gonna testify under oath. I was there.” Sarah sniffles, leaning up against one of the front porch beam at the chateau. 

“Sister?” JJ mumbles in confusion. 

“Kie, Y/N, do either of you have your phones?” Sarah looks at us. “Wheezie is the only other person that knows Rafe wasn’t home that day.” 

“Wheezie?” JJ frowns. 

“I don’t know what else to do.” Sarah takes my phone from my outstretched hand. “I got us into this mess. I’m gonna do my best to get us out.” 

“Well, she’s right about one thing.” JJ sighs. “We gotta do something. Our boy is a PO-dub right now, okay? He’s held captive by the enemy right now, maybe even scheduled for execution. Are we just gonna sit here?” 

“What’s the plan then, babe?” I look out at the rain as it pours down, a true testament to the mood around the island. “We kidnap Shoupe?” 

“Maybe, like, that’s not the worst idea actually.” JJ shrugs. 

“Oh, it's not?” I roll my eyes. 

“No!” JJ argues. 

“That is actually the worst idea I’ve ever heard,” Pope speaks up from his seat. 

“It's pretty bad.” Sarah offers, sticking her head out the window. 

“You know? Please, just stay out of this.” JJ sighs. “Okay, Pope, look, we’ve been doing everything your way, and how has that been working out?” 

“Okay, okay, so what’s your plan?” Pope snaps. “You gonna storm a jail, guns a-blazing?”

“Look, Pope, all I’m trying to get you to understand is they got our boy.” JJ stands up. “Are we just gonna sit here and do nothing? No! We’re gonna go get his ass. We’re gonna do something about it!” 

“JJ, we’re not storming a jail. It's not happening.” Kie frowns. 

“No, fine.” JJ shrugs. “Sit in your comfy chairs. Do nothing. I’m gonna see what I can do. Make something happen, even if I have to do it by myself.” 

🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌  🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌 🏄 🌊 🚌

I wouldn’t find out the details of JJ’s prison break until days afterward. Apparently, borrowing an ambulance from your cousin and attempting to break your best friend out of prison isn’t noteworthy enough to tell your girlfriend. 

But to be fair, we were more focused on other noteworthy things. Like the FBI showing up at Ward Cameron’s front door.

[randomgentlefolk]

CPC CHAPTER 169

I swear I gotta put up a reminder or smth man I can't keep posting these posts just 2 hours before the new damn episode

(I must admit, making a review for this episode is kinda difficult)

ISOLDE TO THE RESCUE!! Also I just remember that Maria is still afraid (?) Of Isolde lmao XD

I was wondering where the old guard went :') the fact that he fell asleep during a WAR is honestly impressive though.

WAIT WAIT WAIT NO I DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT LELAND BUT BLAINE???? BLAINE FELL??? But before I go to that I must say that plant holding Leland's leg is strong AF. What kinda root does it have...

The parallel of Frederick ripping his sleeves to cover Gwen's wound and then Gwen ripping Maria's blanket to save Leland.

WH. OHHHHHH. OH DAMN OH MAN. YOOOOOOOO. I DID NOT EXPECT THAT. Wait so I'm guessing here that Isolde forged Leland's signature? But when did she send that letter? Was it sent during the war? If yes then the process is really quick! It's just one day.

Honestly I'm so glad Isolde wrote that she's going to take the throne until her sons are ready because they CANNOT rule the whole damn kingdom right now with that mental state. And I honestly love the idea of all of them ruling the kingdom instead of just one of them.

WAIT WAIT WAIT This is what I'm getting but correct me if I'm wrong. I'm guessing Leland signed on the pastry catalogue and gave it back to isolde and that's how Isolde can forge his signature? That's actually really smart.

And she kinda bribed (more like raising their salary, really) the Parliament so they'd accept it right away!! Also by giving them more power! HAH And there's more power for Lavern lmaooo

Aaaannndddd the omniscient clam comment is literally just digging his own grave xd

HECK YEAH JERRY TO THE RESCUE!! FINALLY NAME REVEAL!!! Tho ngl I really thought the lemoncillo was for a molotov cocktail or smth XD

Syrah.............

WAIT DAMN ISOLDE HAS POWER OVER JUDGE, JURY, AND EXECUTIONER???? She really thought it through.

Damn...spoken like a true queen (and she IS a queen!). You go Isolde!!

Ooooh that sentence "what more did you want?".... Leland fr needed to hear that. I mean okay man I get it, your bestfriend said he doesn't need you behind your back and that hurts. Words can hurt like shit, I get it. But that does NOT mean you can just, declare a whole damn war. You can always, y'know, continue to live your life knowing there are people you SHOULD love and people who loves you. Also I gotta add that Jack was probably stressing the fuck out in that moment. His wife is literally dying, dude. There's a chance that he might say things that don't seem right because of impulsiveness. And y'know what if it really bothers you that much, COMMUNICATE. DAMNIT.

Did I say all of those right? I hope I did.

I gotta say I love Isolde even more now. That "off with his head" caught me off guard like I know sometimes we joke about that but I didn't actually think that would happen. Cpc is always about redemption and stuff after all. But now I'm genuinely wondering if Leland should actually be executioned. War, abuse, torture, those should get life sentence right?

So I'm guessing he's going to prison then? Fancy words sometimes gets me mixed up.

OH!! IT GLOWS BECAUSE OF HER KINDNESS, I'M ASSUMING? THAT'S AMAZING. Also the fact that she offered to help the man who just tried to kidnap her...We don't deserve Gwen fr.

So, uh...Blaine? Yeah where is he? I'm theorizing that the tent Nell moved will save him but he should still have some injuries. And the chances are he will break at least one bone. I don't think tents are that soft. But I'm willing to hope that he will be perfectly fine....physically.

Well that's all for now!

Mono out! (But still in to hear your thoughts)

[rhianna]

AuthorHarris, Arthur M.IllustratorAvison, George, 1885-1970TitlePirate tales from the lawOriginal PublicationBoston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1922, copyright 1923.

SHIP AHOY!

Heave to, Shipmate!

Here’s a book,—a book about pirates, the grim old fellows of the eighteenth century, who used to surge over the bulwarks of honest merchantmen in a wave of cutlasses, pistols and general deviltry.

Not all of them, Shipmate. Not Lewis, Rackham, Davis, Low and others, but of those who were caught, or some of whose subordinate rascals were caught, by the fierce messengers of His Most Gracious Majesty the King, or taken in combat—dreadful combat—by the oaken-hearted stalwarts of Authority, and brought to Justice and hanged up at old Execution Dock, hard by Thames River, as it swirls muddily from London Bridge.

That’s the point about this book, Shipmate. It’s the story of the Old Game, the Grand Account, as those ruffians termed their wicked trade, stripped of legend, excised of exaggeration and presented to you as it was adduced in the courts of law by the sworn witnesses, the probing counsel, the directing judges and the juries who cast their capital verdicts. History, in other words; veritable history, but recounted—well, as you shall see for yourself.

Good luck, Shipmate!

Arthur M. Harris.