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Post by Tony on Mar 2, 2008 1:56:47 GMT -5
"Order! The Prosecution's assistant shall refrain from brightening his eyes menacingly in the court!"
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Post by Jamie Lee on Mar 2, 2008 2:06:49 GMT -5
". . ." Metal growled again, more softly then he had moments before, then spitefully flashed his eyes even brighter at Wright for a split second before dimming them slightly... not back to their normal intensity, but...
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Post by Leedzie on Mar 2, 2008 3:33:41 GMT -5
The whisps of smoke were just dissappating as Wright glanced at the reprimanded robot. He wasn't exactly up to date on artificial intelligence as far as cultural interaction; all he knew was that in the eyes of the law, robots were not people, and the fact of the matter was that they were all gathered at this moment to interpret the law. Wright ran a hand backward through his spikey feathers, at least partially to make sure they weren't on fire again. Now's not the time to worry about upsetting artificial feelings, the phoenix reminded himself. I've got a job to do.With that in mind, Wright simply ignored Metal's outburst and went back to work. "Your honor, I have no further questions for Jonas Lans."
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Post by Tony on Mar 2, 2008 3:55:40 GMT -5
"Very well." A shot of the gavel rang out as the judge declared the next sentence. "This ends the Cross-Examination period of the Defendant."
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Post by Lans on Mar 2, 2008 22:46:28 GMT -5
Jonas gave a small nod and stepped down, resuming his seat next to Wright.
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Post by Tony on Mar 4, 2008 17:14:26 GMT -5
"Now then..." The Judge laid the gavel atop the surface of his stand, and clasped his hands together tightly as he leaned forward, eyes closed as he thought to himself. "... I actually expected an Objection from the Prosecution by this point. However..." He cleared his throat. "As it stands, the accused is being charged with many things. However, as both sides have shown the court, it isn't possible for the defendant to have realized what exactly this Omega, and this Shadow character, were up to. For all he knew, it was business as usual, and all he was doing was giving a ride to the destination. As Mr. Eggman states, his robot indeed attacked him... However. That's all I've been hearing today. It was either this robot, or this Shadow, who were attacking, and trespassing, and not once has Mr. Jonas come into question. He was an innocent bystander unaware of the events that were to transpire." "I see no further doubt in the trial at hand. The Court is prepared to deliver a verdict at this time." The Judge took his gavel by the handle, and raised it high above his head. "This Court finds the defendant Jonas Lans..."
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Garland
Former Player
King of the Ring
Impertinent fools. I, Garland, will knock you all down!
Posts: 535
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Post by Garland on Mar 6, 2008 23:31:50 GMT -5
... "Your Honor... You're a bit hasty, aren't you? Tsk, tsk... I would think someone with your experience would be able to retain basic facts of the case... Facts like that I..." Eggman threw a piercing gaze at Wright, smirking. "...Have another witness to call."
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Post by Tony on Mar 9, 2008 20:43:38 GMT -5
"A... Another witness?" "You mean to tell me that there is someone else who accompanied you at your own base that can attest to these allegations you have brought forth against the defendant?"
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Post by Leedzie on Mar 12, 2008 1:14:52 GMT -5
FACE VAULT.Just when it seemed like this case was in the bag. He'd forgotten about that "evidence" Eggman had mentioned.
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Post by Lans on Mar 12, 2008 11:41:52 GMT -5
Jonas just sighed, having that feeling that the universe was about to shove him a big one...
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Garland
Former Player
King of the Ring
Impertinent fools. I, Garland, will knock you all down!
Posts: 535
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Post by Garland on Mar 14, 2008 3:45:50 GMT -5
Eggman nodded. "This witness was there at the time of the very attempt on my life, and can corroborate my allegations against the defendant. The prosecution calls to the stand... Metal Sonic."
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Post by Leedzie on Mar 14, 2008 14:34:35 GMT -5
"Metal Sonic is a ROBOT -- and furthermore, it's another one of YOUR robots!! You can't call your own property to the witness stand!!"
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Post by Jamie Lee on Mar 14, 2008 21:19:24 GMT -5
Metal slammed his fist down onto the counter with a loud crack and gave the phoenix a rather fiery looking glare. "What difference does it make if I am a robot or organic?! I am a witness to the crime, and therefore just as qualified as any other person!"
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Post by Tony on Mar 14, 2008 23:40:38 GMT -5
The judge shook his head, and stared down at Metal Sonic. "I have to say that the Defense raises a good point. Sentient or not, you were built by the Prosecutor over there, and thus, could very well give a biased testimony. One of which we cannot trust in court, I am afraid. Unless the bench can provide undeniable proof that you will not be giving us false testimony, I cannot accept you as a witness, Mr. Metal."
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Garland
Former Player
King of the Ring
Impertinent fools. I, Garland, will knock you all down!
Posts: 535
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Post by Garland on Mar 15, 2008 0:37:41 GMT -5
"You were prepared to declare a verdict based on the testimony of a very biased witness, Your Honor... The accused himself! Tell me... Is your concern truly bias?" Eggman pointed directly at the judge. "Or are you, too, going to claim that Metal is merely property?"
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Post by Leedzie on Mar 15, 2008 14:38:29 GMT -5
"Your logic is as flawwed as your understanding of the law, Eggman!" Wright interjected with a forceful point of his feathered finger. "Jonas Lans is a living, independent being with a full range of natural emotions, not a mechanical mimicry with facsimile feelings!! Metal Sonic could easily be programmed with a specific story to tell -- for all we know, Eggman could have even uploaded false memories to the robot's hard drive -- simply to serve the prosecution's purpose!!" A mist of smoke began billowing from the trims of Wright's jacket as his emotions escalated. "The key word to artificial intelligence is artificial. Metal Sonic's memory banks could easily be tampered with, so there's no guarantee that its version of events is necessarily true. Furthermore, how would we even know that Metal's emotional range, if one exists at all, is complete, or even accurate? How could we know if it has a conscience, or if the concept of guilt is there? How could we be sure that Metal Sonic would feel guilty about lying in a court of law even if it IS there? There'd be no consequences dealt if it commited purgery, so there'd be no motivation for Metal to tell an unbiased story, just the story that best serves its creator -- who happens to be the prosecutor! Even if Metal Sonic WERE an acceptable witness, this is a gross conflict of interest!!" Wright's hands slammed down against the defense's table -- and incidentally left a few light scorch marks. "This court has already concluded via Omega that Eggman's robots are his PROPERTY, and property is used in a court of law for physical evidence, NOT testimony!!"
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Post by Jamie Lee on Mar 15, 2008 18:12:14 GMT -5
Metal was angry. At his side his talons curled and uncurled, and from him a low hissing sound escaped in a rhythmic pattern. Most notably, however, was the appearance of his eyes. Anyone familiar with the metallix knew that the intensity at which they glowed was a good indicator of his mood, and at that moment they were flickering, flashing between extremes of light so bright they shined like beacons, and so dark they nearly vanished against their black backdrop. It seemed he couldn't decide whether to explode with anger or merely sulk. As the phoenix continued to talk Metal wanted to yell at him again so badly. But he had already spoken out of place twice - and so he struggled to contain himself, continuing to make that odd little hissing sound. Many of the things Wright said pierced him. Things he couldn't deny, things he hadn't convinced himself of, recent drama and turmoil he had been forced to put up with. It made him angry, he didn't want to hear it, but... it was the truth, wasn't it? In the end he was just Eggman's property... He had the Eggman Empire insignia printed on him just like any of his other creations. Metal looked down at the floor and growled, clenching his talons so tightly together the titanium of his hand could be heard crunching. Property. That's all he was. Property. Eggman had told him he was a person, but... people could not be owned. Objects were owned, not people. So... so Eggman must have been wrong. He had to have! He always claimed he stayed loyal to and served Eggman because he chose to, but... but was that really true? Did he really choose to? Even if he did want to he couldn't leave... he'd be destroyed on sight! After all, robots were not alive... so why would anyone care... His cooling fan suddenly clicked on with a soft whirr, and the metallix realized suddenly just how hot his hard drive was starting to become. The hotter it got, the more his processor was strained, and the harder it became for him to think clearly. And he hadn't even gotten to thinking about how Eggman had tampered with the memories of his betrayal... Calm down, he told himself suddenly. Do not lose your temper again. Do not lose your temper again. His metal palms could be heard crunching even more with both anger and strained effort to contain it. He still felt the residual effects of his rage the last time he had allowed his temper to override his rationale, and he was still suffering the consequences it caused. The last thing he wanted was to get into even more trouble. Stay calm. Stay calm.Gradually his eyes began to stop flashing until they had gone dim.
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Garland
Former Player
King of the Ring
Impertinent fools. I, Garland, will knock you all down!
Posts: 535
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Post by Garland on Mar 16, 2008 1:03:06 GMT -5
Eggman slammed his fist on the desk in front of him, his brow visibly twitching. "You go too far, Wright! Metal is not an average robot! This 'piece of property' as you would call him has developed, of his own accord, a range of emotions and unpredictable responses that I had never programmed into him! Flesh and blood or titanium and circuitry, what does it matter if the person has self-growth? Can you prove that you, Mr. Wright, are not simply an organic machine, reacting to stimulus in such a way that you have been conditioned to since birth?" "Furthermore, forging memories? Ridiculous! Even with my level of intellect, forging a completely realistic video of the events would be extraordinarily tedious, if not impossible to do! I could perhaps forge a photograph, granted. But the average prosecutor, witness, or even defense attorney could do such a thing!" Eggman leaned forward, glaring directly at Wright. "Shall I accuse YOU of forging every piece of evidence you present?" "And in the end..." Eggman turned to the judge. "This judge didn't say this was because of a concern of tampering, nor of a concern with whether or not Metal was a person... But of a concern for bias!" Eggman pointed at the judge once again, his voice gaining volume. "Well, 'Your Honor'?! We're not making proposals for members of a jury! No courtroom worth its salt would reject a witness at the outset because of concerns of bias! That's what cross-examination is for! If you have other concerns, state them clearly. The reason you've already given simply doesn't hold water, and I'm sure any higher court in the United Federation would agree with me. Is your concern really one of simple bias? Or are you asserting that the witness I have called, in fact, has no free will?"
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Post by Tony on Mar 16, 2008 1:29:56 GMT -5
"............................................" "Both sides present good points to this particular argument. ... It makes the choice of our next course of action a rather difficult one... While you make a decent debate regarding whether most in this court system wouldn't reject a witness on the spot... That still doesn't change the fact that he's one of your robots. Reprogramming the "memory" of one of your creations is highly difficult, I'm sure, but the theory of giving it the ability to lie without so much as an afterthought is a highly credible one." The judge simply shook his head and gazed down at both of the separate benches. He was certainly deep in thought about as to what they were supposed to do now... It wasn't but for another minute before he spoke to them both again, but this time, his tone was serious. Much more than before. "... I'll give you both one chance, and one chance only. If either can convince me of the credibility of their argument, then one of two things will happen. Should Mr. Eggman gain my approval, Metal Sonic will be allowed to testify. Should Mr. Wright gain it instead, I'll be handing down a not guilty verdict for the defendant on the spot. -One chance-. For both of you..." "I should remind you both that the gavel in my hand will be swift in whichever judgement I decide to place."
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Garland
Former Player
King of the Ring
Impertinent fools. I, Garland, will knock you all down!
Posts: 535
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Post by Garland on May 10, 2008 6:48:31 GMT -5
"...hm?" Eggman looked up at the judge, the look on his face puzzled. "You want me to make an argument? That's strange... I don't think I need to make one. After all, why argue with words what I can prove... with a test?" Eggman glanced at Metal, for a moment, before turning back to the judge. "Your Honor, are you familiar with the concept of a Turing test? It is a test involving an artificial intelligence and two human participants. The artificial intelligence and one of the humans will communicate with the other human via some medium in which they cannot see eachother. By asking questions, the human is to determine which of the participants he is speaking with is a human... and which is a machine. If the interrogator is unable to distinguish between them, then, for all intents and purposes, we are communicating with a 'person'." "The course of action is obvious. I propose that Metal Sonic participate in a Turing test. The results of the test will determine whether or not Metal should be allowed to testify."
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Post by Leedzie on May 10, 2008 13:32:32 GMT -5
"Actually, the law will determine that," Wright retorted in slight undertone. The phoenix briefly adjusted his tie, as if to prepare himself to take the plunge ahead. He only had one shot to slam the door on Eggman's proposal. I can do it so long as I keep my head on straight."Your honor," the attorney began, "I don't know if Metal Sonic is 'alive' or not. I don't know whether or not a robot is a person. I don't even know whether or not Metal should be referred to as 'he', as a robot doesn't actually have a gender. I don't know if artificial intelligence can become as deep and complex as natural intelligence. I don't know whether or not a robot is capable of feeling emotion. I could go on and on about the things I don't know concerning this matter. "All I do know is the law -- that's why I became a law yer. According to the laws currently on the books, which is what this court is supposed to enforce, robots are not recogized as people. They are not considered living, independent, or rational. As such, robots legally do not have rights; they're simply ranked as the property of the one that created them, or if a sale is involved, the property of the one that bought them. According to the law itself, Metal Sonic is little more than an incredibly lifelike toaster." Wright paused for a moment, casting a sideways glance at his rotund opponent behind the opposite table. "I know your robot is special to you, Eggman, but the law simply does not view Metal in the same light that you do. Court rulings are based on what the law is, not what it should be. If you object to the laws currently on the books, then I suggest you write to congress to contest them." The phoenix's eyes returned to the Judge. "Your honor, according to the current laws of this country, Metal Sonic cannot legally give testimony because he cannot legally be considered a witness."
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Post by Tony on May 14, 2008 13:13:26 GMT -5
".........." Gavel.[/b] "There's no misinterpretation of those facts, Mr. Eggman. What Mr. Wright says is true to the letter." He nodded. "You've certainly studied your law well, Mr. Wright!" With another nod, the judge gave one last look at the Prosecution... "I'm afraid that unless you can tell us something that bypasses what the law has to say, then I cannot accept your request regarding Metal Sonic as a witness."
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Garland
Former Player
King of the Ring
Impertinent fools. I, Garland, will knock you all down!
Posts: 535
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Post by Garland on Jun 22, 2008 2:55:20 GMT -5
Eggman gritted his teeth, glaring at Wright. "So that's how it is, is it? My, my... you little whelp. I take no pride in doing this, but you leave me no choice." Eggman straightened his posture, his face suddenly becoming blank as a stone. His glasses shone with bright light, somehow producing a more obscuring effect than before. His tone was calm and steady, save for a bitter tone, almost quiet. "Know this, phoenix. I've always had the upper hand here. I wanted to be... gracious. I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to leave here with dignity. But you wouldn't allow that, would you? Now you've revealed the depths of your compassion, law boy. And I am forced to do something... distasteful." Slamming his desk with his fist, the calm was broken in an instant. "It is with great displeasure that I hereby submit Metal Sonic as evidence!"
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Post by Leedzie on Jun 23, 2008 22:03:31 GMT -5
" EVIDENCE?!" the phoenix echoed in shock, spitting several flames from his feathers and whipping around to eye the egg-shaped prosecutor. "What is the meaning of--" Wright stopped mid-sentence as he realized Eggman's strategy. Oh no. If Metal Sonic gets accepted as evidence, then any given piece of him can be examined for information -- including his hard drive! The attourney's mind raced, struggling to come up with a law or procedure or even a loophole to get his opponent's motion thrown out. "Y-Your honor, if Metal was to be submitted into evidence, the prosecution SHOULD have made note of that during pre-trial discovery!! This puts the defense at an extremely unfair disadvantage!"
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Post by Tony on Jun 23, 2008 22:25:15 GMT -5
"..." The judge could only give them both a blank stare. After a moment or so, the old man furrowed his brow, and shook his head. "I want to say 'Objection Sustained'! ..." "... But I can't help but wonder why you would submit one of your robots as evidence. Weren't you just moments ago claiming that he should be submitted as a witness? I can't help but be perplexed, Prosecution. Is there any way that you can prove a correlation between the robot and the events that transpired on the day in question..." "... without relying on its own word of mouth?"
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Garland
Former Player
King of the Ring
Impertinent fools. I, Garland, will knock you all down!
Posts: 535
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Post by Garland on Jun 23, 2008 22:59:43 GMT -5
A smirk appeared on the doctor's face. "Of course I can, Your Honor. If you would recall, I did say there was photographic evidence, didn't I? I can prove that Metal Sonic was there on the day of the event, and that, in fact, he participated in the battles!" Eggman glanced at Wright, a frown appearing. "And yes, the defense has a point... if you ignore the circumstances of this case. Metal was not previously submitted as evidence. This much is true. However, these are indeed unusual circumstances, and I'm sure Your Honor would agree that ordinary procedures will not necessarily apply here. Since I cannot have predicted that Metal would be rejected as a witness, it would have been unreasonable for me to have submitted him as evidence instead. The defense, quite frankly, is reaching!" Eggman pointed directly at Wright. "This attorney doesn't want the court to see the truth! He's intentionally attempting to prevent this from going through, because he knows this is the piece that will make the whole puzzle obvious!" Eggman slammed the wall behind him with his fist. "The prosecution makes the following claims! One! Metal Sonic holds the key to this entire trial! The only ones who have reason to fear this 'key' are the ones who the truth will harm! Two! The prosecution can prove that Metal Sonic was in fact involved directly with the circumstances this trial revolves around! Refusal to examine this crucial part of the puzzle would be nothing less than negligence on the part of this court! Three! Because of the unusual circumstances surrounding this event, it would be impossible to have submitted this so-called 'evidence' because the prosecution held that he was instead a witness! The law books may say that evidence must be submitted prior to a trial, but they say nothing about a 'witness' being transferred to 'evidence' during the trial!" "We must prove the truth beyond a shadow of a doubt. Therefore, I will now prove that Metal Sonic is central to this case, and must be examined!"
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Post by Leedzie on Jun 23, 2008 23:17:28 GMT -5
Fire abruptly exploded from the phoenix's body as an infuriated glare met Eggman's pointing finger. "HEY!!! If you want to fight to get your damn evidence admitted, go ahead, but DO NOT QUESTION MY ETHICS TO DO IT!! My job as a defense attorney is to see to it that my client's rights are protected, whether we win the case or not!" Wright's flaming hand slammed down onto his table, nearly igniting it in the process. "DO NOT accuse me of trying to obstruct justice merely because I'm trying to ensure that Jonas Lans is not railroaded by your zealous witch-hunt!!"
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Post by Tony on Jun 23, 2008 23:20:10 GMT -5
"Um... The Defense shall, um... refrain from... inciting the apocalypse in the courtroom..."
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Garland
Former Player
King of the Ring
Impertinent fools. I, Garland, will knock you all down!
Posts: 535
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Post by Garland on Jun 24, 2008 0:11:20 GMT -5
"If you really believe that, Wright, then I'm sure you'll not object to the events that are to follow! Behold!" The doctor presented his first photograph. Security camera data, it seemed, from a wall-mounted camera. In the photograph was Shadow the Hedgehog, holding a battle-worn Jonas Lans above his head, while Eggman and Metal waited nearby. They stood near the rubble of a trashed Egg Viper. "Here is the defendant after the battle which transpired when he hijacked one of my machines. You will note that Metal Sonic is clearly visible in this picture. I should also note that the hedgehog who has failed to appear seemed ready to kill the defendant, had I not stepped in." Eggman presented another photograph, this time displaying Eggman's mecha locked in combat with an Egg Viper, a blue streak headed toward the Viper. The timestamp was a few minutes earlier than the previous photograph. "This photograph directly precedes the previous. This one is a little difficult to make out... however, I am a mechanical genius, and would settle for nothing less than the highest image quality I could afford! So I had a few other 'versions' of this picture printed out..." Eggman displayed another photograph, showing the same instant from another angle, clearly showing that the blue streak was, in fact, Metal Sonic, and one more, zoomed in on the cockpit of the Egg Viper, showing a, while slightly blurry, recognizably accurate figure of Jonas. "I have more photographs in evidence, as you both should well know, but I feel these were the most pertinent. What more could you need? This shows clearly that Metal was not only there when the events transpired, but was directly involved in the fights with Jonas Lans!" Eggman crossed his arms. "Unless there are any further objections, I assume I will be allowed to present my... 'evidence', Your Honor?"
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Post by Tony on Jun 24, 2008 15:32:47 GMT -5
"Hmm... Well..." "... I'm afraid that this, Mr. Wright, clonclusively proves Metal Sonic's involvement in the incident." The judge gave a nod to the courtroom. "The court acknowledges Metal Sonic as, um... evidence."
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