Crim195-1

*See:* Case history

# Brief for the King, submitted by Pazon

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The King's Brief for the prosecution of Ardor for the crime of Murder and Theft of Ashen

On Dawn 9, 195, Ashen reported to the Sable Justicars a that he had been maliciously and unjustifiably slain by the foul Ardor the mage. After a spirited pursuit, the authorities were able to apprehend Ardor, and get him to tell his story. Conveniently, the interviews of Ardor and Ashen match relate the same tale, except for some minor details. The following report relates what they described.

Ashen was in an animal pen, engaged in fierce combat with a rabid farm animal. (Ashen says chicken, Ardor says rabbit). Ardor entered the pen and attacked the animal that Ashen was fighting, killing it. After this, Ashen accused Ardor of purposely attacking a monster that he was currently fighting. Ardor denied it, and then told Ashen that he was going to kill him. Ardor then attacked and murdered Ashen in cold blood. Next, Ardor looted Ashen's corpse of any equipment he needed, leaving the rest.

When the warrant was issued by Private Niven, Ardor boasted on the heritage channel that he was hiding and that Private Niven would be unable to serve him for his crime. Later, Private Pazon was able to apprehend Ardor in the mage guild. After being served, Ardor cooperated with the law, and confessed to both the Theft and Murder of Ashen.

In the interview, Ardor noted that he "was not justified" in the killing, yet that he would "do it again." He also showed no remorse for the killing.

The charges against Ardor are Murder and Theft of Ashen. He has confessed to both of these crimes.

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   Ashen's interview is on file under ArdorAshen(Ash)
   Ardor's interview is on file under ArdorAshen(Ardor)

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By stating that he was not justified in the killing, Ardor disclaims any insult to his honor. Ardor therefore cannot claim redemption of honor as represented in Rex v. Bandle as due reason for Ashen's killing. He also makes no move to do so. Rex v. Delenn does not apply, as the attack was made by the "kill thief," not as a retaliatory attack for "kill stealing." Thus, any activities which lead up to the fight do not show any evidence of a need for this horrible crime.

Ashen was not a willing participant in this fight: he mentioned that Ardor used powerful magic to slay him quickly, before he could flee. Thus, the possibility of the conflict being a duel between willing participants is also removed.

What remains is a clear-cut case of Murder and Theft. I hereby urge not only a strict sentence so that Ardor learns to respect the laws, but also some community service time, so that he might learn the art of helping others rather than picking fights with any he might meet.

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  Praise Bilanx.  May justice be served.

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Respectfully submitted,
Pvt. Pazon, Justicar of Bilanx

# Brief for the defendant, submitted by Ardor

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Hello My Name is Ardor A Good Mage.

I do not like killing peolpe but

i do what i think needed to be

done Ashen is Rued and need

to learn a lisen in matners

so i gave it to him.. maybe a was

wrong for doing so but as i

said i would do it again doen't that

make me a bad person i don't think so.

i have help mean people. and they have

helped me. why would i do it again if

a am sooo good. you may ask becuase it have

to do with my pride. i am very prideful.

and take no shit from no one.

Ardor The PrideFul Mage

# Decision of the King's Bench

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There has been no necessity to weigh the factual or legal issues in this case. All one need do is read Crim195-1d, the brief for the defendant submitted by the defendant.

That brief constitutes a complete and total lack of respect for the law and the legal system in its entirety. Such attempts to make a mockery of the law constitute a full admission of guilt. Such a brief is worse than refusing to respond to charges since it carries the added force of insult to the legal system.

**Holding:**

Ardor is hereby found guilty of murder.

**Sentence:**

Ardor is sentenced to death. Manner, time, and place will be determined at the convenience of the Justicars of Bilanx and the King's Executioner.

-Judge of Sable