Chapter Four: The Pre-Trial
"You may sit." Judge Castrall said. Everybody took a seat.
"Docket number 783. State versus Brucklehurst. The charges are as follows: five counts of murder, four counts of using the unforgivable curses, two counts of theft, and one count of attempted murder. How does the defendant plead?" The bailiff asked. Mandy stood up.
"Not guilty, your honor." She said. Judge Castrall nodded.
"I understand that the defendant has refused representation. Is that correct?" Mandy nodded.
"Yes your honor." She replied.
"Now I understand that this is a slightly unusual case because of the evidence. Is that right?" The judge asked Mrs. Dubshire. She nodded.
"That is correct, your honor." She replied.
"Let's see what you have, then." He replied.
"State calls forth Leroy Jethro Gibbs to the stand."
"What is the meaning of this?" The judge asked.
"Your honor, I mean to show that this man and his team know what they are doing, but in order to do so I have to establish their expertise." Sherri responded.
"Proceed." The judge replied. Gibbs stood up and walked up to the stand and sat down.
"Mr. Gibbs, how long have you been an investigator for the Naval Criminal Investigation Services?" She asked.
"I've been an investigator for NCIS since before it was NCIS." Gibbs said simply.
"So it's safe to say that you've had a tremendous amount of experience, correct?" She said. Gibbs nodded.
"Yes it's safe to say that." Gibbs replied.
"I have no questions remaining." Mrs. Dubshire said.
"I accept that Mr. Gibbs is an investigating expert." Mrs. Brucklehurst said.
"You may stand down." The judge said. Gibbs nodded and stood up and took his original seat. The process want very similarly for the rest of the team until it was Harry's turn to take the stand.