Duties

"I believe I've heard enough to pass a verdict."

(No!)

The Judge prepared to raise his gavel. "I pronounce the defendant-"

"HOLD IT!" Gregory slapped his hand down on the bench with far more force than he needed to. "W-what about the third person involved in this case?"

The Judge paused. "What third-"

"OBJECTION!" Contrary to his opponent, the prosecutor was the portrait of calm. "The defense is merely babbling now. Stop wasting time and declare a verdict!"

"…no." Firmly, the Judge shook his head. "It is the duty of the court to hear what he has to say."