As Brett Smithson entered the council chamber for the first time, she noticed that all the were-representatives were already inside; each taking a seat. While Brett recognized Tachibana, Lance, Leon and Andrew; she was unfamiliar with the were-otter sitting next to Andrew. Also unfamiliar to her was the were-dog and werewolf rep as well as the were-horse. Seeing the mare walk to her seat; her hooves making clopping sounds on the marble flooring, the only sound that could be heard other than hushed whispers. With the were-rat and the rest of the were reps taking a seat, Tachibana stands on the dais and holds her paws into the air.
“This council is now in session,” Tachibana letting her white robe fall to the floor; “disrobe and embrace your fursona.”
All with the exception of Andrew remove their robes; Andrew being a wer-mer just unties his robe, allowing everyone to see he is in his stage two form.
“We are gathered today to sit in judgement over Julie Stovall,” Tachibana speaking; “all present know she is facing two counts of statue 1A violation. We will see video surveillance footage of Julie accosting Eric Anderson at the school’s bus stop as well as her assault of him and Frieda Knight during freshman lunch. You will also hear firsthand testimony from both Eric Anderson and Frieda Knight in regards to both incidents.” Tachibana staring at her fellow council members acting as jury continues, “if required; we will call upon the teachers, Principal Andrews and Sheriff Copper himself to provide additional testimony. Are there any questions?”
Brett Smithson steps forward; “I have one.” Staring at Tachibana, “the assault charges against my client were already thrown out in a court of law. What you are implying is having her retried on the evidence that would have been use against her.”
“Julie Stovall,” Tachibana calmly answered; “got off on technicality. One you managed to argue successfully. This session has not been convened to retry Julie on those charges. However the evidence that was gathered for her assault charges does go paw in paw with her second statue 1A violation.”
“I would like to remind the council that while my client did make several attempts,” Brett Smithson argues; “Eric Anderson, her intended victim is a happy were-panther after volunteering to become one. How can you accuse my client of Statue 1A when by a technicality, such a crime never happened?”
Tachibana smiles, “you are correct. However this is a were-law. Not a law on the books in a regular court of law is. So I will remind the council by reciting it so there is no confusion as to what it states.” Tachibana pauses while unfurling a scroll, “Statue 1A is a crime in which a were does without consent and/or with malice of forethought, force to attempt to change a normal against their will to the attacking were’s species. Regardless if they are successful of not, the penalty upon conviction is minimum mandatory fifty year sentence.” Tachibana putting down the scroll and giving every-were a chance to digest what was just said adds; “for each charge convicted of.”
“Then with the evidence already gathered, Brett screaming; “you have already declared my client guilty. All we are here to do is waste time having me fight to get her the minimum sentence which is a hundred years!”
“There is the presumption of innocent,” Tachibana states; “unlike the Salem witch trials of old, we do not run a trial where the accused is guilty until proven innocent.”
“Well you make sound like it is,” Brett barking back; “what about extenuating circumstances, state of mind, character witnesses?”
“It is your job to provide all that,” Tachibana responds; “not the councils. So feel free to provide any evidence you can that may blunt what is already gathered.”
“Yet I’m not allowed to cross examine the witnesses currently waiting outside,” Brett snarling; “how am I supposed to defend Julie when I’m not allowed to ask questions in an attempt to cast doubt the varsity of their testimony?”
“Do you want to demand to shout at the video screen as it plays the surveillance footage,” Leon Talbot raising his paw to speak.
There was a loud guffaw coming from many of the council members as they picked up on the joke Leon just made. Both Brett Smithson and Tachibana however did not find the comment amusing.
"If the testimony given by Eric Anderson and Frieda Knight differ than what is shown from the surveillance footage,” Tachibana answers; “then you will have a chance to question them. Until then, know that you are here as a courtesy. In past statue 1A trials, the accused has had to stand where you are in chains guarded by those of the Luna brotherhood as their victim gave testimony against them.”
“How magnanimous of you,” Brett answering; “I’m sure the Stovall’s would be pleased that their daughter is not yet in chains.”
“Julie Stovall is still under guard,” Lance Knight raising a paw; “however it is to ensure she does not try to attack Eric and Frieda who are here.” Lance looking at Brett, “and may I remind you how you witnessed your client trying to approach the two as I was escorting them into the building! Do not think for one second that will not be taken into account when rendering a verdict. As well as her second attempt to confront Eric and Frieda.”
Tachibana holding her paws up in the air requesting silence as she once again speaks.
“I know most of you are irritable what with the emergency morning sessions,” Tachibana speaking; “but the sooner this matter is resolved the better for all were’s concerned. Now that has been made clear; let’s begin examining the documents and footage as provided by district attorney Jack Johnson, Sheriif Douglas Cooper and Moon Lake High.”