Reminder that all legal aspects are either generalizations or taken with creative liberties for the Zootopia universe unless specified in author's notes
Nick, Skye, and Randall began preparing for the disciplinary hearing at the end of the week. The three agreed to spend the first day focusing on the facts and then set aside a time near the end to plan for the rest of the week. The foxes began by asking Randall for further details regarding the stabbing incident with Sanchez.
"That happened over a political discussion."
Nick became deadpanned. "I can see why it quickly turned sour."
"The discussion was about prison conditions," The badger corrected. "But I do see your point."
But his answer didn't erase all of Skye's questions. "Still. Why would a prisoner be stabbed over that?"
Randal shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know."
Nick's ears flagged in alarm, and he raised an eyebrow. "But they told us that you and Sanchez were involved in the incident."
"I was. But I was trying to calm things down."
"Then should you have seen the mammal who stabbed Sanchez?"
Badger remained silent and had hesitation written all over his face.
"Randall," Skye said. "Is there something we should know?"
He took a deep breath and stood up. The badger paced around before returning to the table but remained standing. "Look, don't take this the wrong way. I'm trying not to squeal here. You are aware of what prisoners do to those that snitch."
"But if we're going to prove to the board that you didn't stab Sanchez, we need proof."
Randall took his seat. "But you don't necessarily need the name of the mammal who did it. You just need to prove that I didn't do it."
Nick remained suspicious but let it go for now. He would have the chance in the coming days to find out. "We need witnesses and surveillance footage then."
"I wouldn't put too much hope in the surveillance footage. The cameras are sporadic around here, and the quality is questionable."
Even Skye started to become irritated by Randall's answers. "Assuming you are right about that, interviewing everyone would take too much time. Do you know anyone willing to give a statement?"
The badger nodded. "Yeah, I know a few inmates. They owe me favors and are dying to make things even. Our best chance is Sanchez, but there is a problem."
"What is it?"
"He's afraid to tell the truth, but I know a way to get to him." Randall's eyes fell on Nick.
The red fox understood the implication and put his paws up. "Hey! Just because he and I can understand each other, it doesn't guarantee his help. What if word gets out that he snitched? We're screwed if something happens to him."
"But we have to try that lead."
Nick sighed in resignation, knowing he could get the details from the coyote with the right persuasion. "It will have to be on the next visit. When they brought in Sanchez earlier, he refused to talk to anyone. I doubt he will for the rest of today."
"As long as you get to speak to him before the hearing. Regarding the inmates," Randall took a sheet of paper and a pen and wrote down the names. He then slid it to the foxes. "Let them know that Randall sent you."
Skye nodded and placed the list of names in her briefcase. "We'll do that on our next visit. But first, we need to make sure you didn't hurt your chances before the hearing."
"Don't worry. I know my rights. I never waived them and kept my mouth shut when I needed to. Sadly, many of the prisoners tend to forget that they still have rights."
His answer surprised Nick. "You seem to know a lot about the law. Where did you learn?"
The badger made a circling motion with his finger. "In here for four years now. I figure I use the time or waste it. That's one of the reasons why I'm at odds with the administration. I keep changing on them, and change means irritation. It's no secret that I organize the prisoners to make more demands. Better books, classes, improve the inmate newspaper."
Skye raised an eyebrow. "They think you're a troublemaker for trying to push reforms?"
"I prefer the term agitator. See, I have the success from my efforts, and that's what upsets them."
"I must admit," Nick said. "You seem calm with everything swirling around here."
"I'm committed. Anyways, I found something that could help us." The badger grabbed one of the books and checked the index. After running down the list, he found what he was looking for and turned to the pages. The badger skimmed to be sure before turning the book around for the foxes to see. "Barker v. Overhill. I think it's applicable."
The foxes took a look and read the case and the summary.
"Hmm," Skye said. "You may be right. Ever consider law school after getting out?"
"I'm flattered." Randall chuckled before becoming sincere. "You know. The three of us have a good thing going here. Now, I know you're not supposed to get in over your heads, but I like to try a few things at that hearing."
Hearing the proposal caused Nick's instincts to flare, and he began to feel uncomfortable. "I'm not sure. We could if we were your actual lawyers, but as law students, we can't make that commitment."
"Hold on," Skye said. "Hear him out. Maybe his suggestions might not be too outrageous."
"But I wouldn't want to hurt this program."
"I wouldn't call it hurting the program," Randall said. "It's more of reforming the procedures. What we do at the hearing could change the ones in the future."
Nick remained unconvinced and stood up. "I'm going to talk to Mr. Alces."
Skye went to protest, but Randall halted her. "He wants to discuss this with your boss, let him. Your friend has concerns he wants to address."
Nick saw the lion guard the moment he opened the door. The fox tapped on the wall next to the large feline, getting his attention. "Can you bring Mr. Alces, please? I need to speak to him."
The lion silently nodded and reached for his radio. Nick waited until the guard looked back at him and nodded, acknowledging that the moose granted his request.
Satisfied, Nick returned to the room. "Mr. Alces is on his way."
The badger nodded. "Alright, let's get back to work. We have a lot to do in so little time."
Meanwhile, in a separate room,
"So this will be your first parole hearing?" Judy asked.
Giovanni nodded. "I'll be honest. I may have gotten excited at hearing the possibility of getting out of here sooner. But I know that the chances are low on the first try."
"You seem awfully calm," Jack said. "I would have expected some attempt to fight the charges."
The gopher shrugged his shoulders. "What's to fight? I know my crime, and I accept the consequences."
The buck shook his head. "The fact that you are accepting the consequences. How come?"
Giovanni chuckled. "Would you believe that it's boredom?"
Judy tilted her head. "Really?"
"Really. I'm not getting the usual rush, and I don't have the means to keep up." He sighed heavily. "I'm getting too old for this anyways."
Judy became overjoyed when hearing of his intentions to change. "That's great to hear! Do you have any plans if you do get out?"
The gopher raised his paws. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. First, we need to make sure that I do get out."
Judy took a deep breath and calmed. "Right, sorry." She started searching through the papers. "Have you done anything before our arrival?"
"I stayed on good behavior and prepared my statement and possible answers to the questions at the hearing. I was hoping I could get the chance to practice today and see if any changes are needed."
Jack nodded. "We can do that. We'll cover everything else on the next visit."
"Excellent."
The rabbits organized the table into a mock parole hearing: Judy and Jack at one end and Giovanni at the other. The rabbits also had their cell phones recording the practice session.
Judy had her carrot pen in paw, ready to write. "Are you ready, Giovanni?"
"I'm ready."
Jack began the mock hearing. "This is a parole hearing for Giovanni Meyer. The first possibility for the defendant. Mr. Meyers, do you have any statements to be added to the record."
The gopher nodded and pulled out a sheet of paper from his pocket. "I, Giovanni Meyers, admit to my crime and accept the punishment. The sentence was correct because I repeated the crime. In my time here, I had time to think about things and realized how wrong I was. I feel sorry for my actions and have put in the work to make myself a better mammal. I hope that my good behavior will be enough for you to decide to let me go on parole. Thank you."
Judy nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Meyers. We will now ask you a series of questions that will help determine your eligibility. Please answer concisely and truthfully."
The gopher acknowledged her statement and was ready to answer.
The doe led the questioning. "Why are you in prison?"
"Armed Robbery."
Judy scribbled down his answer. "What led you to this crime?"
"Desperation at first and later necessary."
"Did you commit the crime because you were homeless?"
The gopher shook his head. "I was crashing with a friend while hoping to make enough to stand on my own."
"What was going through your mind when committing the crime?"
"I needed to be quick because it could go wrong at any moment. I couldn't let my guard down until I escaped."
Jack took over with the questioning. "Do you think the sentence received fits the crime?"
Giovanni nodded without hesitation. "Absolutely. I'm surprised the judge didn't give me a harsher sentence given my history."
The buck wrote down his answer. "Do you feel remorse for your actions?"
The gopher let out a deep sigh. "At first, no. I was happy to find any money. I didn't start feeling for anyone until later on when I realized who I was beginning to target."
Jack tapped his pen on the notepad. "If you could speak to your victims and their family members, what would you say?"
Giovanni swallowed, taking a moment to gather his words. "That I'm sorry. I was desperate, but that doesn't excuse my actions. I could have taken the time to find other options instead."
Judy led the next set of questions. "Did you learn anything about yourself during your incarceration?"
"Yes, I had time to reflect and discover what I can do."
"And why should this panel grant you parole?"
"I've accepted the consequences of my action and have used my time to change myself for the better. The records and witnesses will back me up."
"What guarantees do we get that you will not reoffend?"
"I can only give you my word that I will not, and let the actions from my time spent here speak for themselves. All I ask is for you to trust me."
Jack took his turn with the questions. "Where do you plan to live?"
"I have family members who agreed to let me live with them until I can get back on my feet. I've volunteered at a community center near where they are living."
The buck rounded off the questions. "Do you have anything else to add?"
"No."
With his answer, the three ended the mock hearing. Judy turned off the recording, and the two rabbits sifted through their notes.
"How did I do?" Giovanni asked.
Judy nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. There are improvements to be made. For a start, we need to work on shortening your answers when possible. We'll be listening to the recording to review your responses. After that, Jack and I will prepare you on how to respond to questions not covered during practice."
The gopher smiled and nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
"Now you mentioned a packet," Jack said. "Is it with you?"
"It's in my cell under the mattress. I'm keeping it safe just in case."
The buck stood up. "I'll go ask to retrieve the packet." He headed for the door and opened it to see the sheep guard standing outside. "Excuse me?"
The sheep turned his head to where he could see Jack with one eye.
"I need to speak with Mr. Alces."
The sheep nodded and radioed for the moose while Jack decided to wait outside, standing opposite of the guard.
The moose appeared minutes later and approached Jack. "You asked for me?"
"Yes, our client has a packet stored in his cell. It has information regarding his parole hearing. He didn't want to lose it before being assigned to us. Can one of us grab it?"
Clement nodded. "I'll bring your client with me to his cell and retrieve the packet. For safety reasons, you two stay here."
"Understandable." Jack opened the door, and he and Clement entered the room.
Judy was the first to respond. "Mr. Alces!"
"Miss Hopps." Clement then looked to Giovanni. "I'm here to bring you to your cell and retrieve what you need for the hearing."
"Thank you." The gopher stood and approached the moose. "It will not take long."
Clement turned to the rabbits. "Stay here until we return."
The two mammals promptly left the room.
Jack sat back down next to Judy as the two organized their material and voiced their opinions on the matter.
Judy felt optimistic. "I think we have a chance to get a favorable outcome."
"Yeah," Jack said skeptically. "But I'm worried about the panel's opinion on Giovanni's history. It may be our job to get him out earlier, but it's their job to make sure he doesn't get out too early or skimp on his sentence."
"We'll have to do our best to cover everything. I wish we had more time to get statements from those who had contact with Giovanni. But if he did his work, it would make our job easier."
"The panel better be aware of how much time they gave us to prepare. We can always plead to have the hearing date postponed."
"We'll see. It's only our first day."
The conversation devolved into mindless chatter about their client and the hearing for some time until they heard the door open. The rabbits turned to see Giovanni entering the room and holding a manila packet. Clement stood outside with the sheep guard.
"Thank you, Mr. Alces." The gopher said.
The moose nodded in acknowledgment and closed the door, leaving the gopher and the rabbits alone in the room again.
Giovanni shuffled to his seat and set the packet down. "This is everything I've collected for the parole board since I was first made aware of eligibility."
Judy accepted the packet and started opening it. "Thanks, Giovanni. We promise to keep this safe." She pulled out all the documents inside and spread them between her and Jack.
"Alright," Jack said. "Let's start looking these papers over and see how much they can help."
Back with the foxes and the badger, a knocking interrupted the discussion. The mammals turned to see the door open and see Clement standing in the doorway.
"Mr. Wilde, you asked for me?"
Nick stood up. "Yes, can I speak to you alone?"
The moose nodded and moved out of the doorway.
Just as the tod stepped out, he got the lion CO's attention. "Watch her."
Skye scrunched her face in a glower. "Nick! That's insulting!"
Randall waved a dismissive paw. "Don't be mad at him. He's only looking out for you."
The lion silently nodded and closed the door before standing in front of the window.
There was a moment of silence between Skye and Randall before the badger broke it. "You're not afraid to be alone with a mammal convicted of assault."
Skye shook her head. "I might be representing more dangerous mammals in the future. Besides, I know you won't ruin your chances at the hearing."
Randall smiled, and the two resumed their work.
Outside, Clement brought Nick to a hallway intersection and stopped near the corner of theirs.
"This is as private as it's going to get. What's your question?"
Nick got straight to the point. "It's about Badgerson. He's getting ambitious over his hearing. Suggesting we do things beyond the scope of the case."
The moose sighed. "I had a feeling this might happen. Do you want to change clients?"
Nick tilted his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Clement blanched at the response. "Did Humphrey not tell you?"
The fox shook his head, starting to feel concerned.
Clement flinched slightly and bared his teeth before regaining his composure. "I want to wring that camel's neck." The moose closed his eyes, pinched his nose, and took a deep breath. "At the time, I'm sure he didn't want to scare you and did warn you about some of the prisoners. But he should have been more specific."
Nick's worries escalated at the implications. "Bagderson was convicted of aggravated assault. Are you telling me that he's going to get violent?"
The moose scoffed. "I wish, but no. I'm only telling you this because it happened once before."
The tod leaned in, ready to listen.
"A ZCLU attorney previously represented Badgerson, but the badger fired him two weeks ago."
"Why?"
"I spoke with the attorney. While he can't divulge the specifics because of confidentiality, I believe that what Badgerson is trying to do with you, he did the same with the attorney. I can only assume the attorney refused to indulge, and Badgerson fired him."
The information alarmed Nick and confirmed his suspicions about the badger. "Great."
"As I said, I can arrange for you and Skye to represent a different client. But that would require consent from both of you."
Nick took a deep breath and put his paws to his side. "I'll have to think about it."
"I understand. Let me know if Badgerson continues this behavior. You and all the other students are my responsibility, so I will step in if necessary."
"Thank you, sir. I'd like to return now."
Clement obliged and escorted Nick back to their assigned room. After leaving the fox, the lion guard stepped to the side as Nick approached the door. He calmed himself down and put on his trademark smirk before opening the door.
Skye and Randall turned to see a grinning Nick enter and close the door behind him.
"Did everything go well?" Skye asked.
Nick's grin turned into a smile, revealing his teeth. "Everything is just fine. Shall we get to work?"
His friend nodded and pulled a chair out for her friend, unaware of the secret he now held.
It was early afternoon when it came for the law students to leave. The mammals wrapped up their discussion with their clients and planned for the next visit before the guards escorted the group back to the train.
Mr. Alces stood before the group to make some remarks and announcements as they waited. "I hope everyone had a pleasant time with their clients." He could see them nod. "Excellent. I want to remind everyone that your case is not to be discussed with anyone else until its conclusion," The moose narrowed his eyes. "Including each other. The penalty will be the immediate removal from the program and further consequences pending the severity. I will be at the prison every day until the conclusion of the group's cases. Just ask for me when you arrive."
At that moment, the train arrived, and the group entered. The mammals took their respective seats and devolved into mindless chatter as they rode back to campus. Judy, Nick, Jack, and Skye sat close to each other.
Nick elbowed Judy, who was sitting next to him. "I'm sorry, Carrots. I know how eager you are to tell us about your client."
The snide remark earned him a punch. "Shut up! I know better!"
"Kidding aside," Jack interjected. "I know we can't discuss the details, but I believe telling each other our visiting days is alright."
"Good idea," Skye agreed. "Let's start by asking who's going back the next day and go from there. None of us knows how much we'll get done with our client."
"True," Nick said. "Then Skye and I will be going back."
"Jack and I too." Judy concurred.
"That settles it. We'll let Ben and Fru know when we return."
Skye stretched in her seat and got comfortable. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm going to get some shut-eye. Need I remind you that we need to catch up on the schoolwork from missing the day."
Upon hearing that they still had homework to do, Nick and the rabbits found ways to enjoy the brief respite before confronting the looming responsibilities. But the tod spent the train ride preparing to reveal what Mr. Alces told him earlier. No matter her reaction and consequences, Skye needed to know before the end of the day.
A poke in his ribs derailed his train of thought. "Earth to Nick?" Judy said. "Are you thinking about your client?"
The fox quickly recovered and put on his smirk. "That's confidential, Fluff." He then gave a wink.
Judy rolled her eyes. "Har. Har."
Not taking any chances of prematurely telling Skye, Nick played along. But in between the conversations, the tod continued to wonder when he should reveal the information to the vixen. He would prefer to tell her alone to avoid breaking Mr. Alces' rule. That left telling her before they went to sleep. The fox mentally sighed. It would not be easy, but he had no choice.
10:00 PM, Dorm,
Nick stood in the halls and waited for Skye to return from her shower. He hoped to catch the vixen as she entered her room, giving the two foxes the best chance at privacy. Nick had plenty of time between their return and until now to prepare his case. He chuckled at irony upon reflection. His thoughts were interrupted when he caught the vixen's scent and looked up to see said mammal rounding the corner.
When he saw the mammal reach for the door, Nick made his move. "Skye!"
She turned to see her friend approaching. "Nick? What are you still doing up?"
He stopped next to her. "Mind if we talk alone in your room? It's about Badgerson."
Hearing about the badger dispelled most of Skye's questions. "Sure, let me change into some clothes, and I'll let you in."
Nick nodded and waited outside. A few moments later, the tod heard the door open and saw her head poke out.
"You can come in now."
The tod entered and Skye, now dressed in a light blue nightgown, closed the door behind them.
"What is it?"
Nick took a deep breath. "There's no easy way to say this. But we need to be careful around Badgerson."
Skye tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean? If you're talking about him acting out, that's not going to happen with the guards around. Besides, it would ruin his chance at the disciplinary board."
Nick shook his head. "When I went to talk with Mr. Alces about him, he told me that Badgerson had another attorney for the hearing."
The information surprised the vixen. "What? Did he get fired? Quit?"
"The former."
His answer raised more questions than answers for the vixen. "Did Mr. Alces give a reason?"
"The lawyer told Alces that it was because of Badgerson's suggestions. Obviously because of attorney-client privilege, he couldn't tell him the details."
Skye remained silent and sat down on her bed.
Nick knew this was his chance to press forward. "I know this is difficult to digest, and you might hate me for telling you. Believe me. I feel the same. I wanted to stay quiet, but we could get in a lot of trouble with the school and the prison. And I can't, in good conscience, let Badgerson take advantage of us because of our species stereotype."
The room became quiet after Nick finished. He had ripped the band-aid off and now waited for either the gut-punch or lukewarm reception. He could see how conflicted the arctic vixen looked, but he couldn't say more without risking a more negative response.
Meanwhile, emotions raged within Skye. How could her friend drop a bombshell and taint their work? Sure, they could still give Badgerson a fair representation, but it was now impossible to be impartial. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to be angry at Nick.
The previous conflicts between Judy and Jack and later Nick and Ben came to her mind. Did she need to add one between her and Nick to the list so soon? Would theirs cause everyone else to doubt the stability of the group? Was it even worth raising the issue?
Finally, the vixen let out a deep sigh and gripped her knees. "I should be mad at you. I would have asked Mr. Alces to take you off the case if it was your word alone." She looked at Nick with a soft look. "But I'm glad you told me. Admittedly, I was getting too excited about the program. I guess we can ask Alces for our alternative."
Happy for the positive outcome, Nick sat beside her. "Not necessarily."
Skye became curious. "What do you mean?"
"He hasn't committed any crime yet, and we only have suspicions. Besides, changing clients would not be a good idea. Badgerson knows the law well, so if we drop him, he'll suspect something or worse."
The vixen nodded in understanding. "You're right. What do we do?"
"We follow through until the hearing's conclusion. In the meantime, we need to pay more attention to Badgerson."
"Yes, he thinks he can play on our stereotype. Well then, let's give him the full experience." The vixen chuckled. "Our first real-world experience, and it's the one every lawyer fears."
Nick laughed too as he got up. "Let's hope we don't commit malpractice in the process. Goodnight, Skye."
"Night, Nick. Thanks again for telling me."
The tod gave a two-finger salute and exited the vixen's room.
Skye fell back onto the bed with her limbs spread out. The day had been a rollercoaster for her, and it wasn't going to relent anytime soon. The vixen took a deep breath and collected her thoughts. For now, she and Nick would deal with the situation one day at a time. They were assisting attorneys first and foremost. Skye let out another yawn before falling asleep, letting the emotional toll finally claim her.
Much thanks to the folks at ZAA for their assistance
