Fwurg

[Veolian Commonwealth]

Adjournment

During the two weeks that the court is adjourned, representatives of other worlds, legal offices on other worlds, and knowledgable individuals are invited to send in written statements with arguments for or against either party in this case.

The plaintiffs are four Remunzian citizens, supported by the whole of Remunzia, that claim that the veolian laws that allow the owning of slaves are actually a form of cybernetic enhancement.

The defendants are all Veolian slave-owners, currently represented by several veolian nobles, among which the veolian senator lady Dewa Lanadi.

((OOC: Mercury has agreed to a 1 reward for everyone that posts!))

[Chriz]

((OOC: As I said on the Write-a-thon I intend to respond in this thread. However I will have to read up on the whole thread and formulate my own argumentation. Could you put the deadline on the end of this month? Maybe others still want to respond as well?))

[Ranatori Baltimorus]

Esteemed Judge Khōja Avasthar,

The Praetorian Empire does not support this mockery of Veolian culture. The Praetorian Empire has chosen not to send any delegations to give weight to this political stunt. There is enough media to follow the matter through the holonet, we have followed this case by the letter.

Slavery is not an artificial construct dependent upon the government it is an embedded custom that stems from the rich culture of the Veolian Commonwealth. It does not give slave owners an unfair advantage, it only reflects their status and personal power.

We regret the fact that the Silver Forests of Remunzia compares slavery with cybernetics. It is not the first time that cultural customs are compared with technological advancement. Although cultural customs can improve or slow down technological advancement we can agree that they have an effect on each other, however they are clearly not comparable. We are not discussing comparing Banthaweed and blasters either.

The fact that the Silver Forests of Remunzia have not tried to solve this situation politically on Unity only makes it more petty that Senator Salixa shows up in the Veolian Commonwealth herself to draw the attention of the media. Clearly the standpoint provided does not hold on its own if it requires such a circus.

Since the comparison with cybernetic enhancement does not hold in court this matter is a baseless attack on Veolian culture which can and should only result in the dismissal of this case.

Ranatori Baltimorus
On behalf of the Praetorian Empire

[Miranda Asillion]

Honourable High Judge Tarkasangata Vicārasīla and esteemed legal representatives from the Veolian Commonwealth and the Silver Forests of Remunzia,

As one of the Astrian Colonial Authority's foremost experts on the subject of cybernetics, I have been requested to inform this court of my opinion regarding this case by the Lord-Master of the Astrian Colonial Authority.

The argument of the Silver Forests of Remunzia holds a certain amount of truth. Having a slave is a form of artificial enhancement that cannot be passed down through reproduction. The way slavery is implemented in the Veolian Commonwealth it is a regulatory system, with its own structure, constraints and possibilities. As such it can be seen as a form of 'cybernetics'. At least that is how it appears from my personal, outside view.

However, the actual term 'cybernetics' actually encompasses a far greater set of concepts than the way it is commonly used in society today. In fact it can be reasoned the term can encompass society itself. As such I cannot fathom the term was used in such a broad definition. A more constrained definition would be a more logical approach. Considering the Veolian culture, it seems far more likely the definition pertains to the technology most widely used by Astrians and the Teprogrenaians. That being the replacement of biological body parts with technological body parts. This field of technology, medical care and science is more commonly referred to by experts as 'Advanced Prosthetics'. When used to enhance the abilities of the subject beyond their normal biological limitations, whether these are personal or applicable to the entire species, they are defined as 'Augmentative Prosthetics'.

From what I understand of the Veolian culture, it is these Augmentative Prosthetics that are viewed negatively by Veolians and it is the users of Augmentative Prosthetics that Veolian law requires to be sterilised. As an expert in Augmentative Prosthetics I can inform this court, with absolute certainty, that in no way, shape or form can slavery be considered a form of Augmentative Prosthetics.

It is my personal opinion the Veolian law is using erroneous, or at least unclear, terminology and thus I cannot, in good conscience, support either claim. I believe the court of law needs to decide how the law should be interpreted and would advise the terminology to be adjusted to more specific terms in the laws that use this terminology.

Doctor Miranda Asillion
Phd. in Medical Engineering from the Triad City University of Science on Stellaria

[Gerben]

((OOC: Will respond shortly, but may be later due to PC problems))

[Veolian Commonwealth]

The veolian court acknowledged the receival of the Praetorian and Astrian briefs, and determines that the recess will be extended until the end of the month.

((OOC: Thank you for sending in Amicus Briefs! This makes the roleplay much more interesting.

As requested, I have also extended to the end of the month!))

[High Lord Yllia]

To the Honourable High Judge Tarkasangata Vicārasīla and esteemed legal representatives from the Veolian Commonwealth and the Silver Forests of Remunzia,

On behalf of the Sundarian Council I have been asked to offer, to your Honours, our view in casu of Remuzian claim against the Veolian Slave Owners.
We feel that the Remuzian argument, while it certainly is compelling to consider the position of slaves, doesn't hold. Mainly because a slave, without regard for their origin, is still born and not created. We would therefore argue that they are in no way compareble to any form of articifical construct or cybernetic implant.

We would also ask the court to consider that, while the position of slaves could be improved, the slaves in the Commonwealth are also not regarded as artificial constructs, nor do they only do similar work. In fact quite the opposite is true. As the Veolian custom, slaves are considered to be a legal representative of their owner, or may be considered the same person. As such, slaves are wellcared for and offered education, position and prestige.
And precisely these benefits, which are similar to the Sundarian custom of patronage, may even result in free citizens of the Commonwealth or other worlds making the choice to become a slave. Especially if that increasing their own quality of life and offers them a way out of a dificult existence.

We would ask the court, and the respresentatives of the plaintiffs, to considers these benefits of the Veolian custom as well.

On behalf of the Sundarian Government,
Sincerely yours,

High Lord Yllia

[Veolian Commonwealth]

Press moment before the Court reconvenes

After receiving all letters, the court has announced that it will reconvene on the matter in one week. High Judge Tarkasangata Vicārasīla has made it known that, in his words, "It is best that both parties peruse the time before the reconvention of the court to offer their view of the received letters in popular media, such that they need not pursue this goal after the court has reconvened."

Reading the intent of the high judge's phrasing, a throng of journalists has once again assembled near the courthouse to broadcast the reactions of all involved directly into cantina's, homes and businesses all over the Union.

((OOC: Feel free to have your delegation speak a few words in the Union media if you want to.))

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

The Remunzian delegation rejoined the trial, wading through the throng of journalists but without acknowledging them or answering any questions this time. Notably absent from the delegation was Illora-Veleanor. The only reaction the press managed to get out of them was one of senator Salixa's birds flying upside down in front of one of the camera's for a moment before following its owner... or rather its hostess inside.

[Veolian Commonwealth]

The Veolian delegation rejoins the trial as well. Again, the delegation consists of a member from each great house (with the exception of House Iaat).

The first of the delgation is House Saret, represented by Lady Saret Larākia, a niece of the emperor. Following her the archduchess Nehket Sajjana, archduchess of Aveire, and lady Shebi Lajāna, the mother of Jedi Master Shebi Ajava. Closing the delegation are lord Khaw Sēnāpaat, commander of the Khaw defensive frigate group walking next to lady Dewa Lanadi, the financial mind behind Cassandra Holdings and a candidate for the office of chancellor.

Before entering the veolian lawyer, Pratinidhi Niriba, says a few words to the assembled press. He looks at the camera's and reporters for a moment before speaking: "In all honesty I have little to say. I am happy to hear that at least someone found what they were looking for here on Mirda." After addressing the press he rejoins the veolian delegation that already moved inside.

With both parties to the trial present, the court will continue shortly.

[Danar Sylvia]

When asked of a response by the media, Danar Sylvia took the time to address the journalists:

"The ability to choose has always been a right to people. But what really makes us people different is that we are concious of our ability to choose. We can choose to become a slave and while doing so, be fully aware of the choice. However, with this gift of being aware of our choices also comes that we might regret our decision and change our mind.

Should we have to live with our choices if we change our minds? Or should we be able to make new decisions based on new insights and change our lives?

We of the Teprogrenaian Consensus believe that a person should not be a victim of his own choices for the rest of his live, but that he should have the option to change his life."

[Veolian Commonwealth]

Continuation of Court

After everyone filed back into the court room, a court official entered the Court room through a side door.

This man addresses the noisy rooms with a loud voice:

"Case 76899. The Remunzian mate-seekers versus the Veolian Slave Owners. Please rise for his honour Tarkasangata Vicārasīla presiding, in lady Khaw Rohana's stead."


Only moments after everyone able to do so rose from their seats, the judge enters the court room through a side door and installs himself at the bench. Because he wears the judge's garb, he looks exactly the same as he did during the first court hearing.

With a clear voice that has last some of its volume due to old age, he states:

"I hereby open the second hearing on the twentyninth of May of the year 2016.

Please be seated."

[Veolian Commonwealth]

Immediately after everyone sits down, the veolian lawyer springs back to his feet.

"Your honour, I hereby file a motion to dismiss on the grounds that the plaintiffs have lost standing in the court."

He turns a little so that the audience, and with it the assembled press, can get a good image of him talking to the Judge while the plaintiffs are also in view.

"Seeing how lady Illora-Veleanor has withdrawn from this case, the party of the plaintiffs consists solely of commoners. The fact that they are supported by a foreign government notwithstanding.

I therefore move to dismiss this case immediately, since commoners have no legal right to bring suit against nobles!"

He ends his explanation with a smug smile as he looks at the plaintiffs.

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

The lawyer of the Remunzian delegation interjected loudly, jumping up and forward and almost tripping over the impractical gown that the Remunzian senator sitting next to him was wearing. He gave her a look of "keep your skirts to yourself" before clarifying his objection.

"The Remunzian delegation holds that the social status of our plaintiffs has not been established by the court and that a simple lack of registration within the Veolian geneological archives is not enough to proof to prove commoner status, given that they are from another world. Since the defence is claiming that the plaintiffs have commoner status, it should be their effort to prove their claim.

Notwithstanding that, the plaintiffs hold that due to the backing of their sovereign government, they may nevertheless be considered as being the Remunzian equivalent of nobility, for as far as their culture and world understands it.

And notwithstanding that, we challenge the assertion that the suit is solely targeted against nobles, as it would in theory affect any commoner who does, did, or will in the future, own a slave as well."

There was a bit of desperation, but the Remunzian delegation at least nodded in support of the arguments.

[Veolian Commonwealth]

The judge takes a moment to take in the sudden rush activity.

He looks at both lawyers with a neutral expression as he thinks over the motion and the counterarguments.

Then, he turns to the Remunzian lawyer.

"The burden of proof to show that one is of noble blood rests solely on the one claiming noble blood. There is no such thing as an assumption of nobility until proven otherwise.", he corrects the lawyer on the details of social status. "Besides, the social status of the plaintiffs has most certainly been established by this court. When this class action suit was brought against the Veolian slave owners, the plaintiffs have clearly set forth the noble status of lady Illora-Veleanor, and of none of the other plaintiffs."

He thinks some more before continuing.

"This suit targets veolian slave owners. These individuals are, for purposes of taxation, all registered with the imperial tax office. While you are right that this suit would indeed target any commoner who currently owns slaves, there are no such commoners registered at the moment. And suit can not be brought against of someone for their hypothetical conduct. Furthermore, this is the high court, and any such case between commoners are to be handled by the county courts."

The judge pauses a moment to let these two things sink in.

"You claim that the plaintiffs may be considered as being the Remunzian equivalent of nobility for as far as their culture and world understands it. I agree that the support of a sovereign government is a relevant factor in one's social status. Seeing how cultures can differ greatly, I see merit in this argument. I suggest you cite precedents for this claim, illustrating that those backed by the Remunzian government are considered nobility."

He looks at the Remunzian lawyer with a sharp eye, seemingly expecting that the lawyer can cite several earlier cases or situations on the spot.

[Senator Salixa of the Silver Forests of Remunzia]

The lawyer seemed to be in a bit of trouble now, but he wasn't going to give up without at least -trying- to salvage this.

"For example, representatives of the Remunzian Government are granted some level of immunity to prosecution. On Remunzia itself, they cannot be held personally responsible for policy they make, but can instead defer this to the highest officials of the ministries they fall under. And when representing the state in other nations, they can be granted diplomatic immunity from prosecution for any crimes whatsoever, depending on the agreement with the host nation." he explained

"As another example, representatives often have a right to money and holidays because of their function, which is not naturally granted to those not working for the government.

And finally, a representative such as a minister or mayor may be sent to preside over official events, such as the opening of a new animal shelter for example."

It was grasping at straws of course, but he could hardly just say he didn't have anything.

[Veolian Commonwealth]

The judge carefully listens to the first example by the lawyer. But as the grasping of straws becomes more and more clear, the expression of the judge turns into a frown.

"I have heard enough", he concludes.

He takes a moment to think before speaking.

"I have heard the motion to dismiss and the counterarguments.

It is clear to me that the withdrawal of lady Illora-Veleanor, the sole noble in the plaintiff's party, the plaintiffs are of common blood only. Because of this, they have no standing in the High Court of Jala Khaira, nor any other high court in the Veolian Commonwealth."

The noise in the court swelled markedly after the implicit dismissal, but the Judge silenced everyone by continuing.

"Due to the unique nature of this case I will add that dismissal of this case is supported by the galactic community of the Union, as evidenced from the Amicus briefs filed in favour defendants. Furthermore, the expert opinion filed by Doctor Miranda Asillion has been much appreciated in clarifying the matter. It is my advice that the laws on cybernetics are reviewed and clarified."

"I hereby dismiss the case of the Remunzian mate-seekers versus the Veolian Slave Owners. Court is dismissed."

With that, the judge rises and leaves the court room.

Immediately thereafter, the noise of whispering, talking and walking swelled again as the audience and press started to mingle.