Expedited Trial System

The Expedited Trial System, a simplified explanation

By Arx Sylvanran, IL.D

BACKGROUND

In order to provide and promote swift and fair settlements in the law-neutral zone of The Hotel, the Expedited Trial System was created.

Court Proceedings are adversarial. Arguments from a Prosecutor and Defense Attorney are heard before a Tribunal composed of three Judges, who consider arguments and render judgement.

The Expedited Trial System aims to have trials move quickly through the docket. Trials will last for a maximum of three days, unless decisive evidence is produced before then.

All research and investigation is to be done before trial. Ideally, there would be no recesses greater than 20 minutes in any given proceeding.

STRUCTURE

The Trial runs in an orderly fashion as follows:

OPENING CHARGE BY THE JUDGES

The purpose for the trial is stated, as well as what the judges need to know in order to render a verdict. (Elements of the crime to be proved, for example).

OPENING STATEMENT BY THE PROSECUTION

OPENING STATEMENT BY THE DEFENSE

WITNESS STATEMENT

(Witness explains what happened in their own words)

CROSS EXAMINATION

(Party hostile to witness challenges statements, gets elaboration)

REDIRECT QUESTIONING

(Party calling witness rehabilitates testimony by asking questions restricted to topics brought up on cross)

RE-CROSS EXAMINATION

(Party hostile to witness attempts to stop rehabilitation of the witness by asking more questions limited to the scope to redirect questions)

(repeat as needed for each witness, starting with PROSECUTION and then DEFENSE Witnesses)

CLOSING STATEMENT BY THE PROSECUTION

CLOSING STATEMENT BY THE DEFENSE

TRIBUNAL DELIBERATION

VERDICT/SENTENCE PRONOUNCED

All verdicts are determined by a majority vote of judges. Abstentions are not allowed. There are no appeals. The decision of the court is final.

METAFICTIONAL CONCERNS

The Tribunal Members, Witnesses, and Counsel cannot share players. One player per position:

JUDGE

JUDGE

HEAD JUDGE

PROSECUTOR

DEFENSE

WITNESS(ES)

Pre-prepare as much evidence and statements as possible. You'll be facing real cross examination, so you'll need to be prepared.

The judge's charge will be posted in the case's forums thead so people can prepare for it.