Damn, I recarneted As A Judge in Fantasy World

Chapter 111: Civil Case [1]

"We will now begin the trial regarding the inheritance and division of property of the Kuroso Brick Factory," I announced.

This time, it was a civil case, not a criminal one. The owner of a brick factory had died, and his two sons were fighting over who should receive the larger share of his estate.

Inheritance trials were quite rare in the Empire and in Deliat. If the court intervened, the matter was usually resolved quickly. The reason for this phenomenon was simple.

"Because the mediation is done in a way that benefits the side that did more lobbying."

What a world where giving bribes is natural!

Naturally, the new code contained harsh penalties for bribery. Internal departments and external agencies were also set to monitor the courts in the future.

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But since that future hadn't arrived yet, all kinds of gifts were still pouring in.

Before entering the courtroom, I didn't know what the case was about, so how did I know?

The tedious imperial legal procedures didn't apply here. Deliat only adhered to the code of laws I created.

I had established a basis for examining all aspects of the incident. That's why the gift offensive was even more intense.

It was well known that I would be the judge.

Naturally, all gifts were either returned or sent to the national treasury. I rejected them all because they would later send me valuables and such anonymously.

Why would someone send a bribe from an unknown sender?

'I guess it means, "Look at the item first, and if you want it, contact me."'

The plaintiff and the defendant were sitting side by side, though some distance apart.

I glared at them sharply, and the atmosphere became as cold as ice. With the highest authority in Deliat watching, who wouldn't be scared?

"Before we begin the trial, I have something to say. Plaintiff, defendant," I called out.

"Yes?"

"Yes."

They both responded in surprise, having been called out so suddenly. I maintained a solemn expression and continued speaking.

"How much lobbying do you think will overturn the trial results?"

"... "

"Bribery charges will be punished separately from this lawsuit. So please, do not deliver valuables to the court. Are those who claim to be morally perfect this petty?"

The nobles claimed they were born different from commoners—mentally and morally superior beings. That was the definition of nobility in this world. I was pointing out exactly that hypocrisy.

The nobles sitting in the audience all blushed. Some turned their heads away, while others just left the courtroom.

Along with embarrassment and shame, there must have been resentment toward me.

'What can I do? It's all true.'

People who think they're better than everyone else bribe others to get a bigger inheritance? It's so frustrating.

I quickly flipped through the papers. Most of the information was already familiar to me, as I had reviewed it all yesterday. But there were a few additions from this morning.

'Did the defendant commit theft to reduce the size of the inheritance?'

The second son was accused of stealing part of his father's inheritance. Of course, there was no evidence yet; it was just an allegation raised by the eldest son.

It would be nice if responsibility were clearly stated. Then it would be easy to make a judgment.

'But an inheritance? I'm weak in civil law.'

Civil law is a procedure for resolving disputes between individuals according to the law. Whatever the outcome, there was bound to be dissatisfaction.

In this case, the party that received the smaller share of the inheritance would blame me. If everyone, including those two, could make a decision that was acceptable, then that would be fine.

'But that's not something I can control.'

I just look at the evidence and facts and make a judgment. I looked to my right and began going through the trial proceedings.

"Plaintiff, please present your defense."

"Yes! Mr. Lucier Vandro, the original owner of the brick factory, wanted to pass the factory on to his eldest son, Jansen Vandro."

But as soon as he started talking, the defendant's lawyer suddenly stood up from his seat.

"I object!"

No, I never thought I'd hear that line in real life, not just in a movie or drama. I was a little taken aback, but I nodded anyway.

"Go ahead."

"Mr. Lucier Bandro wanted to pass the factory on to his second son, Mr. Asen Bandro. In the first place, the plaintiff has never worked a single day in the brick factory!"

"What are you talking about? Mr. Jansen Bandro was a dutiful son. How could that be possible in Deliat, where primogeniture was common?" The plaintiff's lawyer refuted the claim with a faint smile.

Originally, whether it's a mystery or a trial, emotions shouldn't dictate actions. If you play something like Mafia, you'll end up completely broke.

Still, that person's attitude felt really uncomfortable, as if they were already arrogant, as if they had already won. Of course, he was very polite when he spoke to me.

'That makes him even more irritating. Ah, let's calm down. I shouldn't bring personal feelings into a trial.'

I straightened my mind with superhuman self-control.

Meanwhile, the war of words between the lawyers continued. There was nothing more to hear anyway because they were just busy criticizing and belittling each other.

Land! Land!

"Calm down."

Only when I banged the gavel and spoke did the bickering stop. I looked straight back at the defense attorney.

"I will not accept your objection. We have not even reached the stage of accepting evidence yet. We have only just begun our defense. Plaintiff's attorney."

"Yes!"

"Please continue your argument."

"All right."

The unlucky-looking lawyer continued his argument. Of course, the defendant was also given the opportunity.

Actually, the content was nothing special. The first and second sons argued over who had done more work.

This situation arose because the president died suddenly and left no will. In that case, we have no choice but to rely on testimonies.

Soon after, employees of the brick factory appeared as witnesses. But conflicting stories erupted at the same time.

"Mr. Jansen practically lived in the factory."

"What are you talking about? Mr. Asen is the true successor. He has always been with the boss."

My head throbbed. I couldn't find anything particularly revealing in the system either. If this were a criminal trial, half the people here would be lying.

'But these aren't bad people. They just have different positions and are making opposing claims.'

If this were a case where good and evil could be distinguished, a clear judgment could be made even in a complicated civil case.

I just need to catch the bad guys for their criminal activities. But now, there was only suspicion of the second son's theft. There was no evidence.

If that's the case, then the answer comes down to one thing.

'Isn't it just a matter of finding the real craftsmen?'

What would be the most important job in a brick factory? Of course, making excellent products. I got up from my seat and took off my cumbersome robe.

Then, bewildered reactions erupted here and there.

"Oh, no? Your Honor?"

"If you suddenly do this… ... ."

A judge taking off his robes during a trial?

They had never seen anything like this before. I looked at the audience with indifferent eyes and said,

"I don't think we'll be able to come to a conclusion just by talking amongst ourselves here."

"Then how do you intend to decide?"

"We have to prove it. Who is the real… ... ."

"You mean the successor?"

"No. The craftsman. As far as I know, Mr. Ryker Bandro has been making bricks for a long time. It is written in the documents submitted here. He must be very proud."

"Yes."

"Then it's simple. Try making it yourself. In front of me."

For a moment, the expressions on the plaintiff's and defendant's faces changed. I suddenly realized the true identity of the craftsman.

As the plaintiff and defendant exchanged uneasy glances, the tension in the courtroom grew palpable.

The murmurs from the audience only added to the charged atmosphere. They hadn't expected this turn of events—neither had I, honestly, but sometimes the simplest solution was the best one.

The sole bench of the Delaware Supreme Court appeared in its entirety.

Of course, I was the only one, but I couldn't ignore its majesty.

Because the court has never directly stepped forward to verify anything.

Besides, the audience members who came out unexpectedly were probably dumbfounded.

'How is it? The true taste of an acting court.'

I put up a line at the entrance to the brick factory and isolated the people.

Because it might get in the way while you're working.

They won't interfere and will only watch the movements of those two brothers.

"Okay, then, come this way one by one. Court Knights!"

"Yes! Governor… … No, Your Honor."

"Take the defendant to the other side of the factory. Our voices must not be heard."

"All right."

The courtroom officers, who seemed somewhat nervous, moved the defendant.

It was inevitable.

It would also be awkward for them to operate outside the court.

Finally, I looked at the manuscript and got to the main point.