Magistrates

JJE1/1

Judge, Jury, and Executioner. That's what they were, in reality. The Magistrate flowed through the door to loom over the court. The trial had come to a close, the moment of Justice had arrived. Barrister Anoa had built a sound case and argued well. The jury would have to put him away. She nodded politely to the defense. Atticus “Custer” TikabowThey argued different points of law. The jury decided, and the counsels wiped their hands of it all and went back to their offices. The Magistrates had to mete out punishment. In cases without a jury, they heard the evidence, ruled, and carried out the punishment instantly. Punishment up to and including death. “Would the jury read the verdict?” the Magistrate ordered. The courtroom remained standing. The verdict was read, and the Magistrate pronounced,“My appreciation goes to the jury for your work in this case. You are released from your duties.” The Magistrate intoned the words as he did at the end of every jury trial. The Magistrate stood and walked out. He’d won, and she’d lost. She shook his hand as decorum dictated.

JJE 01/11

Grainger has a gift for her, a Magistrate’s Jacket. It belonged to Magistrate Felcario Renaldo Squitieri. He died in the line of duty.” “What greater testament to what we do than to have the tools of our trade carry on? These jackets let everyone know who we are. Perps who challenge us will find themselves on a slab in the morgue or breaking rocks somewhere. If you don’t make it, someone else will pick up the torch and keep going. What would the Federation be without the rule of law? “People shouldn’t have to take up arms to protect themselves, so we do it for them. The only ones who should be afraid when they see this jacket are the criminals.”

JJE 01/12

“Access Granted to Rivka Anoa: Magistrate Case Files.” She touched the icon, and a full library appeared. She was fascinated by the sheer amount of information that was available. Even in law school, she hadn’t had access to an entire universe’s legal proceedings, precedents, and laws. She reached out a finger to start browsing when an icon popped up, turned red, and started spinning. Her only choice was to select that one. That's how they were assigned.

Unofficial rules: Since the Shlongmeister won’t tell you the rules, here’s another one you need to know. After one of these, first back buys the first round, to be reimbursed by the last one back. The best story gets to pick first next time. Capital crimes buy shots. And there’re a few more. I’ll shoot you a list before I Gate out of here.”

Meeting: Meeting of five of the Magistrates. all except Rivka are werewolves. “They call me ‘Cheese Blintz,’” a short man told her, flashing a broad grin. He laughed at Rivka’s curious expression. “Chi Siblinz is my real name, but these Neanderthals can’t seem to get that right.” Jael plays with names. Bustamove.” He was the same size as Grainger, with blond hair and piercing blue eyes. A thin scar showed white around the top of his head. He caught Rivka staring at it. “What’s your real name? I am not calling you ‘Bustamove.’” “Buster Crabbe. My parents named me after some ancient movie star, or so I’ve been told. And the scar? Don’t mess with the trilobites. They’ll cut you.” Jael calls Grainger Leibchen, and he admits his real name ids “Lieblen Schlongheim.

Author's notes

Chap. 6 Keep in mind that everything a Magistrate does reflects on the legal system of the federation. Only the guilty can be punished. If punishment is directed, it must be carried out. A Magistrate can NEVER lose a fight to mete out Justice. If they don’t think they can beat a perp, then they have to call for backup, which gives the perp a chance at trial and getting off. Chap. 9 She starts to understand the Magistrate process better, which is akin to the judges of the old west who would show up to hear cases and then move on according to a schedule