served.
In this groundbreaking case, the principal arguments will be
presented by counsel G. Hunt KC for the prosecution and J. Klein for the
defense, before Judge F. M. Rutherford and a jury of twelve. Jury selection by
counsel for the prosecution and the defense had taken place in the early
morning of the mock trial. By nine o’clock that morning, the jury and the
witnesses who were to be called to testify had all taken their seats in the
improvised courtroom. The buzz of the audience fell abruptly silent as the
designated judge entered to take his seat and begin the formal proceeding.
~
"All rise!"
There was a stir in the packed gallery as the audience stood to
show respect for the court’s authority before sitting down again. The judge sat,
shuffled briefly through his papers, and then, looking out at the assembled
audience, began to explain the underlying purpose of this mock trial. He
explained briefly that it was to test the feasibility of a real jury trial. This was
deemed an appropriate way to gather information from witnesses, given the
centuries-old historical background and the sensitivities connected to the
religious nature of the case. Moreover, in setting the parameters of the mock
trial, he emphasized that the rules were relaxed because this special proceeding
was aimed at gathering new information. In this proceeding, all witnesses
called may be questioned by counsel—whether on cross-examination or direct
examination—during their testimony. Finally, the judge made clear that a
posthumous trial is legally permissible because a deceased person, faced with
grave accusations of capital crimes, may defend himself to clear his name. This
protection of the reputation of the deceased—and consequently of his or her
family—is established in law as being in the public interest. After setting out
these preliminary matters of importance for the session, the judge directed the
bailiff to declare the court in session, with the understanding that all witnesses
for the prosecution and the defense were to testify under oath or affirmation.
To the surprise of nearly everyone in the hall, the clerk called the accused to
appear. Spectators and the camera crew watched as the accused knight
suddenly appeared. Flanked by two prison guards, he wore full battle armor,
his helmet under one arm. His appearance caused quite a stir among the
audience,