IMPERIAL FORUM, Alleria Prime -- Continuing the stunning turn of events, Justicar Juliara, presiding magistrate over the case of the Empire v. Alexander Nighthawk, ordered that the former Imperial Regent had proven his innocence and that he should be set free immediately. The decision came shortly after the defending Advocate, Professor Rachael Illiander, invoked Article 15's immunity privileges for the Imperial Regent, arguing that a regent possesses the qualities of an Empeorr when a State of Regency is functioning.
The Former Regent, who was facing the possibility of execution, was largely believed to have an uphill battle. The Rakrya, the government of mages and spellcasters that deposed him and established the new reign of Emperor Julos, tried desperately to retain their lead in the court. Mistress Voluria, the presiding Inquisitor, had invoked the Emperor's power by demonstrating a Shard of Imperium - a stone of lapis lazuli infrequently used by representatives of the Emperor to force an outcome desirable to the state in court trials.
Justicar Juliara, however, rejected the authority of Emperor Julos, calling him "illegitimate". The Justicar indicated that the Articles of Imperium specifically outline a method of succession, known as the Rite of Succession, and that Emperor Julos did not follow this rite. Though the Emperor has invoked the Rite of Succession through his possession of an item presumed to be the Scepter of Aslan, one of the three sacred treasures of the realm, his emergence has been clouded by accusations of illegitimacy.
Nighthawk was ordered to leave the city limits of Alleria Prime, and "at [his] own peril" return before receiving the pardon of a "legitimate" and "one True Emperor". Political and legal analysts believe that Justicar Juliara has made it very clear that she believes Julos is not that candidate, and that another candidate, possibly Empress Audrey de Lylles, possesses that unique distinction.
More news shall be forthcoming as we learn more of the dramatic turn of events.
Former Regent Released!
Despite the recent difficulties, Alleria lives on! 
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