Monday morning,
The remainder of the weekend passed without incident. For Sunday, Clawhauser offered his room since it was large enough to hold everyone, which the study group accepted. Having recovered from the party antics, the study group could better tolerate the antics of law students. It also helped that the cheetah's room contained plenty of snacks, especially since Nick forced Ben to replace his sweets.
The study group hung around the back of the classroom as students entered and took their seats.
"Do you think the rest of the class took this seriously?" Judy said anxiously as her nose twitched.
"We should be concerned for ourselves. Bogo only cares about the class knowing the material." Nick said. "If we show that, it might not help the overall situation, but it could give us some leniency."
"Like extra credit?" Ben asked.
Nick shrugged his arms. "Who knows? Bogo didn't tell Judy what her grade on the report would count towards."
"It would be nice if it did, but I'll just be glad for whatever Bogo decides," Jack said.
"I know we settled this on Saturday," Fru Fru said. "But are you feeling better, Skye?"
The vixen nodded. "Yes, I know seeing Bogo will likely bring back those feelings, but I promise not to lose my composure."
"Good," The shrew said. "Let's hope everyone else can stay quiet."
As soon as they heard the faculty door open, the remaining students and the study group rushed to their seats. By the time Bogo turned his eyes to the classroom, the sounds were of books and papers shuffling. The Cape Buffalo resumed his walk to the wooden barrier. He took a moment to set his books before turning to the class with the seating chart in hooves. He wasted no time testing their knowledge.
"At an auction, Mammal A puts up a plot of land with seeds and fertilizers for use. Mammal B bids and is awarded both land and the materials for one hundred and ten dollars."
Nick immediately raised his paw.
Bogo looked at the seating chart before calling his name. "Mr. Wilde."
The fox stood. "Milord v. Brendan. Supreme Court of Hyacinthum Collis 1839. Farmer B, the plaintiff Milord, took possession of the land and initially declined the materials from Mammal A, the defendant Brendan. Later, Milford demanded the materials, but Brendan had already used them for his land."
"And then," The Cape Buffalo's eyes landed on the next student on the chart. "Mr. Savage?"
The striped rabbit stood. "The defendant objected to the plaintiff's suit on the grounds that this was an indivisible contract and that the plaintiff was not entitled to any single part of it without rescinding the entire contract. And to rescind the contract, the plaintiff would have to return the land."
"And what did the court rule?" The Cape Buffalo looked at the seating chart again. "Mr. Oryx."
Pronk stood while shuffling through the papers. "The court overruled the objective…I mean the objection…to…"
Bogo had no patience and looked at the seating chart to call on another student. "Mr. Delgato."
The lion calmly stood up. The feline's face had no expression. The professor and the rest of the students waited to hear his answer. Delgato took a deep breath. "I'm unprepared, sir."
It was then the students realized the look was that of resignation rather than of confidence. The lion looked ready to embrace the fall rather than risk further humiliation.
Bogo remained indifferent. "I see. And is there any special reason that you are unprepared?"
Delgato took a moment before answering. "Yes."
Bogo patiently waited to hear the reason, but the lion continued to remain silent. The rest of the class either wondered or were anxious to see what would happen next. When it became clear that the lion would not answer further, the Cape Buffalo quietly wrote something next to him before slamming the writing utensil. "Now, back to the fascinating case of the land and the materials." He put on his reading glasses and looked at the chart while Delgato took his seat. "Miss Hopps."
Judy was on her feet that instant, nearly hopping out of her chair. "That decision was also reversed because it was impossible to determine how the parties value the material or the land. A contract cannot be exclaimed in part and enforced in part."
"And the final determination," He looked at the seating chart. "Miss Frost."
A determined vixen got up. "The plaintiff eventually lost the case for pleading the wrong cause of action." Thoughts of wanting to lash out at the professor surfaced briefly, but Skye quickly shut those thoughts down.
"Very good." The Cape Buffalo moved onto the next case and the next student.
For the next twenty minutes, Bogo questioned random students from any of the thirty cases. Delgato was not the only one unprepared, but most students answered Bogo's questions to his satisfaction. The Cape Buffalo did not touch on everything, but the students knew he wanted to test their minds.
Once the Cape Buffalo was satisfied, he put the seating chart down and scanned the classroom. "Judging by your responses, it is evident that most of you learned something during the weekend."
Bogo could see the class deflate with relief, and he chose to grant them that moment of reprieve.
"I want to remind everyone that this was just as painful to me as it has been for you. In your future careers as lawyers, a judge or jury may not find this lack of preparation favorable in a real court case. I hope this will be the last time I do this. Now onto today's lesson," The Cape Buffalo picked up a piece of chalk and wrote down the principles the class would be discussing.
As Bogo continued with the lecture, Judy breathed a sigh of relief at the outcome. The professor would keep his word. The onus was on the class to be ready. But she accepted the inevitability of days such as this where students would be unprepared. The study group now had a contingency should Bogo ever give out a large assignment as a discipline tool again.
The time came for the end of Contracts, and Bogo dismissed everyone. The group walked together to their next class of the day, which was Criminal Law.
"That was fun!" Nick exclaimed, the others hearing his sarcasm.
"While I believe he won't do it again, the class may not honor that contract," Jack said.
"At least we have a contingency," Judy said, trying to be positive.
"The fact that it can happen again is already making me fume," Skye said.
"Let's just get to Criminal Law," Fru Fru said. "No need to dwell on this any longer."
"Oh, Nick. I want to remind you." Clawhuaser said.
"Yes, I remember Ben. Since you held up your end of the contract, here is your reward." He pulled out a Nickers bar and offered it to the cheetah.
"Thank you!" Ben snatched the bar out of his paw and wasted no time tearing the wrapper. The moment he bit into the candy, the sweet combination of chocolate, caramel, nuts, and nougat overwhelmed him. The cheetah hummed in delight as he savored the taste. "I miss this!" He took another bite and let out another satisfying hum.
"As the slogan says, Nickers satisfies!"
The rest of the group groaned as they proceeded to Criminal Law.
The conversation devolved into chatter about their next class. The group arrived in time and took their respective seats. The camel professor entered, and the volume lowered slightly but continued. Unlike Bogo, the camel professor was more laxed before and after class regarding classroom decorum.
"Good morning, class."
At the sound of his voice, the talking ceased with a few returning the greeting.
"Good morning Professor Humphrey."
The camel smiled as he faced the classroom. "Before I begin, I have a special announcement."
He could see some of the eyes in the audience become curious and focused on him.
"I am happy to announce that the Prison Assistance Program will begin accepting volunteers for visits to the City Prison next month."
He saw curiosity and interests rise, filling him with encouragement.
"For those who have not heard of the program, I will provide a summary. Working under a seasoned attorney, you will have the opportunity to represent clients before the Parole Board. Reasons could range from disciplinary hearings to parole hearings. However, if these categories make you feel uncomfortable, you also have the option of assisting in less serious matters relating to civil rights or confiscated property."
Judy's ears shot up as excitement flowed through her. Not since her family's contract negotiations did she have the opportunity to practice law. The rabbit paid close attention and wrote down the information.
The camel's demeanor then became serious. "I will stress again that this is strictly voluntary. The program will take time out of your day and your classes. Because you are first-year students, you will be limited to one case per semester regardless of success or failure. If you would like to hear more information, see me after class. The offer will be available until the end of the semester."
As soon as class ended, Judy hastily packed her belongings and was about to rush to speak with the camel. But she suddenly remembered her commitment to the study group. Would it be fair to them if she had to devote time away from Contracts? Could they still perform at a high level in Bogo's class without her assistance?
Those doubts were enough to make her pause and instead head for the exit to meet with her friends. Her excitement had not gone unnoticed.
"I take it that you want to volunteer for the program?" Nick asked as the group began walking to the cafeteria for lunch.
"Absolutely!" She exclaimed. "Not only is this a good chance to get some experience, but I will also be helping out my potential client! You should give it a try!"
"Carrots, you are aware of how this could affect all of us," Nick said.
"I know. I wanted to let you all know. If my participation is going to affect our performance in Contracts, I'm willing to decline."
Nick cut her off before she could continue. "Hey, don't let that stop you. I'm actually considering participating in it myself."
"Really?"
"Okay, part of it is I can build my resume."
"I think the program is a rather great idea," Skye said. "I'm itching to apply the knowledge from the classroom."
"I'm good," Ben said. "My focus is on Property Law, so while this would be nice to have, I doubt this will help me in the long run."
"I have to decline too." Fru Fru said. "There are mammals who tried to ruin my Daddy imprisoned in there. Personal and Business."
The rest of the study group cringed and let out a collective "Ooh…"
"Yeah, that's a good enough reason," Jack said.
"Besides, I'm going to the business side, mainly fashion."
Jack nodded before pausing for a few moments. "You know what? Why not? There are enough of us to spread the work. We also can see how the group can function when one or more members become occupied."
"Professor Humphrey's office hours are after lunch, so the four of us can head there then," Nick said.
The group agreed and proceeded to the cafeteria for some well-deserved food. Afterwards, Ben took charge of carrying Fru Fru while the foxes and the rabbits visited Professor Humphrey's office. The four arrived to see the door opened and glanced inside to see the camel working.
Judy led the charge entering first and asking the question. "Professor?"
Humphrey looked up from his desk and saw students entering. "Yes?"
The grey rabbit motioned to herself and then her friends. "The four of us are interested in volunteering for the school's prison assistance program."
A smile appeared on the camel's face. "Wonderful! More students! Please, make yourself comfortable! Give me a moment."
The four students nodded as the rabbits sat in the two chairs while the foxes stood behind them. They waited as the camel moved his current work aside to bring out information on the program.
The professor first passed out four forms. "Before I can divulge the details, I need you all to sign these liability forms. The prisoners can be dangerous, and I wanted in writing that you accept the risk in volunteering."
The four nodded and proceeded to take out their writing utensils. The professor continued to explain as they signed.
"To increase the student's safety, two law students will be representing one client along with a prison guard. If there is an odd number, the seasoned attorney will accompany that lone student. Now, in spite of the dangers, the program has helped a lot of…lost souls, and nothing untoward has happened to the volunteers for many years. But it's good to be prepared."
They finished signing the forms and pushed them back to the camel.
The professor placed them in a folder and brought out a sheet of paper. "Alright, here are the details." The camel revealed the contents for the four to see. "These are the prisoners who have volunteered to have law students represent them at their hearings. The ones with the asterisk are prisoners with special requests."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Special requests?"
"Requests such as predators only, prey only, certain species only, etc."
Skye was shocked to hear the details. "That's wrong."
"That's their privilege," Was all the camel could say. "Which also includes the right to approve or not approve of you."
Hearing the possibility of not being approved worried Judy. "What happens if we can't be assigned?"
"You'll have to wait until the next rounds. Your forms will still be valid until the completion of the hearing, but speaking of any of the clients by name will result in your removal."
"We understand," Nick said.
"Because you are law students and can only come at certain times, I expect you to maximize your visits. At a minimum, it will take half a day. A full day maximum. Expect to consume more of your time as the date of the hearing gets closer."
"We're aware of that, Professor," Nick said. "The four of us are friends and have planned to cover the work in our classes."
Satisfied with the answer, the camel changed his tone. "I must warn you. Do not get too ambitious. The prisoners do not need any favors. All you will be doing is securing their constitutional rights, and they know that. The behavior could get you removed from representing them."
"We promise, Professor," Judy said.
The other three nodded in affirmation.
Seeing the four were committed and had planned accordingly, Humphrey proceeded with the prisoner selection. "Okay, if there are no more questions or comments, read the list and tell me who you would like to represent!"
The four nodded and began retrieving information on their respective client, with their professor explaining any further details.
Based off of Harvard's Legal Assistance Project with a few liberties taken for the story.
Thanks to the folks over at ZAA for helping me with a ideas in this chapter.
Yes, Nickers is a term for horse whine. Imagine Nick's jaw drop when I first discovered the term.
Hyacinthum Collis = Blue Hill = Great Blue Hill in Massachusetts. Decided to go with a Latin translation instead of coming up with a pun.
