Advocate Claims Regent is Inviolable

[Kaelon]

IMPERIAL FORUM, Alleria -- In a stunning turn of events at the Trial of the Empire v. Nighthawk, the Advocate representing Former Imperial Regent Alexander Nighthawk, Professor Rachael Illiander, cited Article 15 of the Articles of Imperium, and claimed that any actions that the former regent undertook while in office were "not subject to responsibility." Article 21 of the Articles of Imperium maintains that a State of Regency ensures that the Imperial Regent shall enjoy all powers of the office of Emperor, including the inviolability clause mentioned in Article 15. Advocate Illiander re-iterated her statement when she concluded that the Imperial Regent, like the Emperor, should "know no limit on power".

Justicar Juliara, presiding over the landmark case against former Imperial Regent Alexander Nighthawk, who was deposed by an uprising of mages shortly after he attacked them with a magical spell, quickly called the court back to order and seemed to consider the Advocate's words carefully.

The legal community is sharply divided on what Advocate Illiander's findings may do to the trial. "It is remarkable that it took the defense this long to raise Article 15, in reference to Article 21," mentioned Professor Lynara von Fowler of the University of Alleria's College of Law. "Nonetheless, it is excellent timing and holds the best grounds upon which to liberate Lord Nighthawk from what would be almost certain doom at the hands of a very punitive legal system."

"Article 21 does not apply," argued Professor Dafydd Beqr, who predicted that the prosecution would make a similar argument, "for if only the Emperor has the power to appoint an Imperial Regent, then an Imperial Regent cannot surely appoint another Imperial Regent, can he? It does not seem an organic proposition per the Articles of Imperium."

In a case that may spiral into the hands of the Tribunal of Justice for final review, it bears mentioning that the fate facing Alexander Nighthawk is uncertain. Analysts have indicated that should he be declared guilty of all charges, he could face execution for the attempted murder of the mages. Should he only be found guilty for certain political charges, such as disruption of the political process, he may face only a lengthy imprisonment followed by hard labor. The gamble played by Professor Illiander will, nonetheless, be reviewed by scholars and legal analysts for decades to come, and may very well be the defining characteristic of this trial.

More information shall come as it is made available.

[Ki' Ti-Ai]

Comment overheard from the Lord General of the Sons of Arkdün:

Among my people it is a custom that the one to challenge for the Right of First Share, and dominance over their accepted leader should fight in a one on one duel with the one challenged, in a submission match, winner takes all.

You softskins hem and haw, forever speaking, but taking no direct action, and too many of you get involved in what should be a question between those concerned. If this so called First Guardian desires to rule, then he should defeat the Regent in single combat. If he challenges the Regent's choice of the Lylles woman to lead, then he should face her, if she accepts the position.

For a people who pride themselves on being warriors and military might and prowness, why do you insist on being lead by those who are your inferiors?

[Angelo Gatsbury]

My Saurid friend, you are wrong. Obviously your primal instincts cloud your logic and judgement.

The empire is not ruled by superiority in combat, nor by right of might. It is ruled by the Annarian Code, and the Sacred three.

These are the foundations of our empire, and keep us from the brink of Chaos. When all is said and done, and Julos is but a scar in Alleria's past, it will have been our commitment to stay true to our belief's, and the sacred three, that will see us through these dark days.

[Mekare Taryn]

...oof. Where have I been?

Oh, that's right.....stuck on the Isle.

[Phoenix]

The Herald would like to report some late breaking news. This morning awaiting the arrival of our reports was a copy of a hand written letter. We have since had this letter checked for authinticty and it is indeed the hand writing of Lord Rothchild and the Tribunal of Justice. In the letter it is stated that Lord Rothchild names Lord Nighthawk as his successor should anything happen to him. It is signed with the Imperial seal and also beside it are the signatures of each of the current members of the Tribuanal of Justice signing off on the decree.

With this letter our politcal anylist have said that Lord Nighthawk would most likely walk since it is rare that the Tribunal ever over turns its own decrees.

[Elanara Al'lende]

LOL Mekare... Gee, whatsamattah with your mod? Heh.

This just in: the Feeble Pox is STILL killing thousands, and no one gives a chesley's arse about it. *snickers*

[Antikas Karios]

If the writing of this letter was never roleplayed, how can it exist?