Disclaimer: No copyright infringement is intended in this work. This is a non-profit effort done out of affinity and respect for the comics and their characters.
This is a pre-Crisis story based upon Barbara Gordon as Batgirl. It will have about twelve chapters, each of which will be posted periodically over the next few months.
Enjoy!
*****************************************************************************
Chief deputy P.A. Milton Price sits quietly behind the prosecutor's table as all eyes within the crowded courtroom converge upon him. He appears momentarily oblivious to his surroundings as he casually leafs through a small pile of case notes. The defense has just completed its closing argument, thus turning the floor over to the state. Judge Adam Craig is about to prompt Price when the lawyer rises from his seat. A rising star in Gotham City legal circles, the former defense attorney is generally thought to be the heir apparent to retiring District Attorney Howard Dozier. Milt Price is well-known for his feisty tactics which often border on belligerence. His closing arguments are the stuff of legend, yet on this day the prosecutor's demeanor is atypically reserved.
"There is an old baseball story dating back to Leo Durocher and Willie Mays in 1951, the wisdom of which is occasionally rehashed in one form or another." the attorney begins. "A manager has a remarkably gifted young ballplayer who starts off slowly upon his arrival in the major leagues. The phenom begins pressing and his confidence wavers. The skipper pulls the awed young man aside. He says 'Son, I know you've grown up idolizing a lot of the guys that you're now being asked to play alongside or against. They may seem larger than life, but they're not. These guys each put their socks on the same way as you and I, one at a time.'"
Price is a skilled orator whose command of language and inflection make him quite compelling. "Ladies and gentleman," he addresses the jury, "I ask that you take a long, discerning look at the defendant. Allow your stares to penetrate her dark mask. Ignore the familiar symbol that adorns her chest. There is no glorious cape to differentiate her. Beneath the gaudy exterior, she is a fellow citizen of this city. She pays taxes, just as we all do. She breathes the same air, dines in the same restaurants and votes in the same elections. And, of course, she is subject to the very same laws as each and every other person in Gotham."
"We have all spent the past few days respectfully listening to the defense present its case." Mr. Price continues. "A parade of distinguished witnesses testified before this court. Nightwing. Supergirl. Black Canary. Several police officers and other distinguished citizens took the stand. Even our venerable police commissioner, James W. Gordon, spoke on the defendant's behalf."
"Essentially the defense devoted the bulk of its time and efforts lauding the character and achievements of the defendant." the prosecutor observes. "Over the years, Batgirl has shunned the public, preferring instead to operate in relative anonymity under the cover of shadows and darkness. In these proceedings, her super-heroic exploits have been brought fully to light. While she clearly had name recognition prior to this case, Gotham City has nonetheless been reintroduced to a heroine of staunch accomplishment."
"The state does not dispute any of the accolades accorded to this woman." Price insists. "We concede that Batgirl has an impressive resume. Yes, she once rescued Bruce Wayne from the clutches of Killer Moth. She's bagged a laundry list of criminals, a fair amount which I in fact have prosecuted. That's great. It was Batgirl who apprehended the notorious international assassin, code-named the 'Cormorant'. She probably should have received a medal for that one!"
"Alas, the purpose of this trial is not to judge the credentials of Batgirl as a crime fighter." he reminds the constituency. "Serious felony charges are the issue here. In her zealous quest for justice, the defendant crossed well beyond the proverbial line. There is no gray area, folks. The evidence is overwhelming and incontrovertible. Video and eyewitness testimony clearly corroborate the victim's assertion. Batgirl deliberately shoved a man off of a fifth-story rooftop, rendering him paralyzed."
The chief deputy PA strategically pauses for effect. He takes a sip of water to allow the gravity of his words to sink in. Throughout the trial, Milt Price has limited his usual histrionics for fear of alienating jury members. Now that all of the evidence has been presented, the preponderance of which favors him, counselor Price feels more free to indulge himself. He smugly criticizes the defense for its failure to refute the state's case.
"Batgirl would like us to believe that her sterling reputation excuses a one-time lapse into vigilante justice. As jury members, you are in the special position to prove her wrong. That is your obligation." Price argues. "You wouldn't let a bus driver get away with this crime. Ditto a doctor, secretary or lawyer. Even a police officer would be incarcerated under these circumstances. A super heroine should be no different."
"The defendant desperately clings to her Batgirl facade, for that is really all that she has to offer this court." the attorney opines. "She hides behind her mask, praying that a jury of her peers will not dare ..."
"OBJECTION!!!" barks Jim Dover as he rises up behind the defense table. "Judge, we've been through this a thousand times!" he exaggerates for emphasis. "My client is well within her constitutional rights to safeguard her true identity. Mr. Price is poisoning the jury with this nonsense that the failure to remove her mask somehow implies guilt. I demand that ..."
"Silence counselor." commands Judge Craig. "While the defendant is indeed permitted to remain masked within this court, the prosecutor is entitled to conjecture as to her motives for so doing. Mr. Dover's objection is overruled. Mr. Price, you may continue with your closing with a word of warning. You persist in walking a rather fine line on this point. You would be wise not to cross it!"
Jim Dover stews silently as his counterpart again addresses the jury box. A highly accomplished defense lawyer, Dover anguishes as nail upon nail is driven into his high-profile client's legal coffin. He covertly glances out the corner of his eye at the brave super heroine seated beside him. His mood brightens slightly upon the sight of Batgirl, whose courtroom presence he finds truly astonishing. Through persistent adversity, the titian-haired crime fighter remains an inspiring picture of composure, confidence and dignity.
Thoughts cascade in the deep recesses of his mind as the attorney attempts to focus on the prosecutor's closing remarks. It had been nearly two years since Jim had even spoken with Barbara Gordon. Once deeply involved romantically, the couple experienced a mutual and bitter parting. The woman he had once considered for marriage had completely fallen off his personal and public radar screens until her well-publicized mugging two months ago. The politician had survived her ordeal due exclusively to the heroics of Batgirl.
Although Jim and Babs are again on speaking terms, their relationship remains distant and cool. Nonetheless, Congresswoman Gordon still holds him in the highest regard professionally. It was through Barbara's initiatives that Dover had been introduced to the mysterious darknight damsel, Batgirl. The heroine faced dire criminal charges resulting from the aftermath of the Gordon assault. To his surprise, Dover was very impressed by Batgirl and he agreed to take the case pro bono. "Relax dear," the attorney declared with striking bravado, "I promise I'll get you an acquittal!"
*****
Although Milton Price's closing lasts just twenty minutes, to Jim Dover it seems like an eternity. His promise of acquittal echoes tauntingly in his thoughts as the prosecutor concludes a thorough and convincing presentation. Dover concedes nothing via expression or body language, however. Following his client's example, the lawyer projects the image of a man confident that he has won exoneration for his defendant.
"Ladies and gentleman of the jury, it is now time for you to begin your deliberations." Judge Craig formally states. "It is nearly 3 PM, so you will have two hours this afternoon to review the evidence amongst yourselves. You will resume tomorrow at 9:00 AM if need be. I remind you all that you are not to discuss the case outside of the jury room ..."
Batgirl and her lawyer study the expressions of the twelve jurors as the judge concludes his instructions. Eyes shift from the bench to the expanse of the courtroom. Of the dozen citizens, only four choose to make eye contact with the costumed crusader. This is a marked contrast to the early stages of the trial, where all but one seemed almost compelled to glance repeatedly in her direction.
Jim casually whispers in the heroine's ear as the back row begins to file out of the jury box. Batgirl nods accordingly. Dover hasn't anything of importance to say; he merely wishes to send a subtle message to these last six jurors that the defense remains together and positive.
Once the jury fades from sight the courtroom bustles with energy. Droves of print and television media swarm the participants as they arduously squeeze through the masses. "Say nothing!" Jim insists as his client follows directly behind him. He aggressively maneuvers through the crowd until reaching the courthouse steps outside.
"No interviews or questions please!" the attorney declares. "I will give a brief statement however." He pauses momentarily to ensure sufficient quiet for a proper sound bite. "My client maintains her complete innocence of these serious charges. The very fact that she has even been brought to trial is the unfortunate result of purely circumstantial evidence. Batgirl does not consider herself above the law; rather she operates within the permissible boundaries of the law. We have every confidence that the jury will make this key distinction and acquit my client."
Jim and Batgirl ignore the anticipated flood of questions as they seek the refuge of their waiting limousine. To its intended audience, Dover's statement truly sounded genuine. Barbara knows this man too well, however. She has learned to gauge his true frame of mind, despite the public front. Jim is worried and the heroine trusts his instincts. Batgirl gazes absent-mindedly out the car window as they leave the crowd behind. "I'm already on the doorstep of the Gotham State pen," she privately frets, "and my jury just may see fit to show me inside!"
This is a pre-Crisis story based upon Barbara Gordon as Batgirl. It will have about twelve chapters, each of which will be posted periodically over the next few months.
Enjoy!
*****************************************************************************
Chief deputy P.A. Milton Price sits quietly behind the prosecutor's table as all eyes within the crowded courtroom converge upon him. He appears momentarily oblivious to his surroundings as he casually leafs through a small pile of case notes. The defense has just completed its closing argument, thus turning the floor over to the state. Judge Adam Craig is about to prompt Price when the lawyer rises from his seat. A rising star in Gotham City legal circles, the former defense attorney is generally thought to be the heir apparent to retiring District Attorney Howard Dozier. Milt Price is well-known for his feisty tactics which often border on belligerence. His closing arguments are the stuff of legend, yet on this day the prosecutor's demeanor is atypically reserved.
"There is an old baseball story dating back to Leo Durocher and Willie Mays in 1951, the wisdom of which is occasionally rehashed in one form or another." the attorney begins. "A manager has a remarkably gifted young ballplayer who starts off slowly upon his arrival in the major leagues. The phenom begins pressing and his confidence wavers. The skipper pulls the awed young man aside. He says 'Son, I know you've grown up idolizing a lot of the guys that you're now being asked to play alongside or against. They may seem larger than life, but they're not. These guys each put their socks on the same way as you and I, one at a time.'"
Price is a skilled orator whose command of language and inflection make him quite compelling. "Ladies and gentleman," he addresses the jury, "I ask that you take a long, discerning look at the defendant. Allow your stares to penetrate her dark mask. Ignore the familiar symbol that adorns her chest. There is no glorious cape to differentiate her. Beneath the gaudy exterior, she is a fellow citizen of this city. She pays taxes, just as we all do. She breathes the same air, dines in the same restaurants and votes in the same elections. And, of course, she is subject to the very same laws as each and every other person in Gotham."
"We have all spent the past few days respectfully listening to the defense present its case." Mr. Price continues. "A parade of distinguished witnesses testified before this court. Nightwing. Supergirl. Black Canary. Several police officers and other distinguished citizens took the stand. Even our venerable police commissioner, James W. Gordon, spoke on the defendant's behalf."
"Essentially the defense devoted the bulk of its time and efforts lauding the character and achievements of the defendant." the prosecutor observes. "Over the years, Batgirl has shunned the public, preferring instead to operate in relative anonymity under the cover of shadows and darkness. In these proceedings, her super-heroic exploits have been brought fully to light. While she clearly had name recognition prior to this case, Gotham City has nonetheless been reintroduced to a heroine of staunch accomplishment."
"The state does not dispute any of the accolades accorded to this woman." Price insists. "We concede that Batgirl has an impressive resume. Yes, she once rescued Bruce Wayne from the clutches of Killer Moth. She's bagged a laundry list of criminals, a fair amount which I in fact have prosecuted. That's great. It was Batgirl who apprehended the notorious international assassin, code-named the 'Cormorant'. She probably should have received a medal for that one!"
"Alas, the purpose of this trial is not to judge the credentials of Batgirl as a crime fighter." he reminds the constituency. "Serious felony charges are the issue here. In her zealous quest for justice, the defendant crossed well beyond the proverbial line. There is no gray area, folks. The evidence is overwhelming and incontrovertible. Video and eyewitness testimony clearly corroborate the victim's assertion. Batgirl deliberately shoved a man off of a fifth-story rooftop, rendering him paralyzed."
The chief deputy PA strategically pauses for effect. He takes a sip of water to allow the gravity of his words to sink in. Throughout the trial, Milt Price has limited his usual histrionics for fear of alienating jury members. Now that all of the evidence has been presented, the preponderance of which favors him, counselor Price feels more free to indulge himself. He smugly criticizes the defense for its failure to refute the state's case.
"Batgirl would like us to believe that her sterling reputation excuses a one-time lapse into vigilante justice. As jury members, you are in the special position to prove her wrong. That is your obligation." Price argues. "You wouldn't let a bus driver get away with this crime. Ditto a doctor, secretary or lawyer. Even a police officer would be incarcerated under these circumstances. A super heroine should be no different."
"The defendant desperately clings to her Batgirl facade, for that is really all that she has to offer this court." the attorney opines. "She hides behind her mask, praying that a jury of her peers will not dare ..."
"OBJECTION!!!" barks Jim Dover as he rises up behind the defense table. "Judge, we've been through this a thousand times!" he exaggerates for emphasis. "My client is well within her constitutional rights to safeguard her true identity. Mr. Price is poisoning the jury with this nonsense that the failure to remove her mask somehow implies guilt. I demand that ..."
"Silence counselor." commands Judge Craig. "While the defendant is indeed permitted to remain masked within this court, the prosecutor is entitled to conjecture as to her motives for so doing. Mr. Dover's objection is overruled. Mr. Price, you may continue with your closing with a word of warning. You persist in walking a rather fine line on this point. You would be wise not to cross it!"
Jim Dover stews silently as his counterpart again addresses the jury box. A highly accomplished defense lawyer, Dover anguishes as nail upon nail is driven into his high-profile client's legal coffin. He covertly glances out the corner of his eye at the brave super heroine seated beside him. His mood brightens slightly upon the sight of Batgirl, whose courtroom presence he finds truly astonishing. Through persistent adversity, the titian-haired crime fighter remains an inspiring picture of composure, confidence and dignity.
Thoughts cascade in the deep recesses of his mind as the attorney attempts to focus on the prosecutor's closing remarks. It had been nearly two years since Jim had even spoken with Barbara Gordon. Once deeply involved romantically, the couple experienced a mutual and bitter parting. The woman he had once considered for marriage had completely fallen off his personal and public radar screens until her well-publicized mugging two months ago. The politician had survived her ordeal due exclusively to the heroics of Batgirl.
Although Jim and Babs are again on speaking terms, their relationship remains distant and cool. Nonetheless, Congresswoman Gordon still holds him in the highest regard professionally. It was through Barbara's initiatives that Dover had been introduced to the mysterious darknight damsel, Batgirl. The heroine faced dire criminal charges resulting from the aftermath of the Gordon assault. To his surprise, Dover was very impressed by Batgirl and he agreed to take the case pro bono. "Relax dear," the attorney declared with striking bravado, "I promise I'll get you an acquittal!"
*****
Although Milton Price's closing lasts just twenty minutes, to Jim Dover it seems like an eternity. His promise of acquittal echoes tauntingly in his thoughts as the prosecutor concludes a thorough and convincing presentation. Dover concedes nothing via expression or body language, however. Following his client's example, the lawyer projects the image of a man confident that he has won exoneration for his defendant.
"Ladies and gentleman of the jury, it is now time for you to begin your deliberations." Judge Craig formally states. "It is nearly 3 PM, so you will have two hours this afternoon to review the evidence amongst yourselves. You will resume tomorrow at 9:00 AM if need be. I remind you all that you are not to discuss the case outside of the jury room ..."
Batgirl and her lawyer study the expressions of the twelve jurors as the judge concludes his instructions. Eyes shift from the bench to the expanse of the courtroom. Of the dozen citizens, only four choose to make eye contact with the costumed crusader. This is a marked contrast to the early stages of the trial, where all but one seemed almost compelled to glance repeatedly in her direction.
Jim casually whispers in the heroine's ear as the back row begins to file out of the jury box. Batgirl nods accordingly. Dover hasn't anything of importance to say; he merely wishes to send a subtle message to these last six jurors that the defense remains together and positive.
Once the jury fades from sight the courtroom bustles with energy. Droves of print and television media swarm the participants as they arduously squeeze through the masses. "Say nothing!" Jim insists as his client follows directly behind him. He aggressively maneuvers through the crowd until reaching the courthouse steps outside.
"No interviews or questions please!" the attorney declares. "I will give a brief statement however." He pauses momentarily to ensure sufficient quiet for a proper sound bite. "My client maintains her complete innocence of these serious charges. The very fact that she has even been brought to trial is the unfortunate result of purely circumstantial evidence. Batgirl does not consider herself above the law; rather she operates within the permissible boundaries of the law. We have every confidence that the jury will make this key distinction and acquit my client."
Jim and Batgirl ignore the anticipated flood of questions as they seek the refuge of their waiting limousine. To its intended audience, Dover's statement truly sounded genuine. Barbara knows this man too well, however. She has learned to gauge his true frame of mind, despite the public front. Jim is worried and the heroine trusts his instincts. Batgirl gazes absent-mindedly out the car window as they leave the crowd behind. "I'm already on the doorstep of the Gotham State pen," she privately frets, "and my jury just may see fit to show me inside!"