Ming Dynasty and New Rome and Infinite Magic Machine

Chapter 1612 Fact Check

Although Shangluo's preparations were not very thorough, considering that the other side also didn't have much time to prepare, the competition was considered fair.

The crux of this debate lies in the legal issue—one party wants to submit an application to have it accepted by the court, while the other party wants to prevent the court from accepting it.

Let me start by saying that the court is usually inclined to accept the case during this process.

"So, the courts aren't entirely neutral?"

"The principle of 'presumption of innocence' is a fundamental tenet of Roman law. When you file a lawsuit, the burden of proof rests with the opposing party. However, during the factual argument, the burden of proof shifts to you. Let's consider this one round. What we need to do today is simple: prove that some issues in this matter are irreconcilable, that the opposing party's arguments are untenable, and that they require proof. Furthermore, the evidence or claims we present must be substantial enough to have a significant impact on the facts—once these are achieved, the case can proceed to a fact-finding hearing. In other words, there are four key points:"
First, the plaintiff must have a stake in the case. Unless represented by an agent, you cannot bring a lawsuit concerning matters unrelated to you.
Second, there must be a clearly identified defendant; you can't sue someone over air.

Third, there must be grounds for litigation; one cannot fabricate a lawsuit.

Fourth, this matter has been determined to be handled by the court.

"What are our key points?"

[Actually, it's the third point. The first two are easy to explain: the plaintiff is you, Han Xingzhi's agent, and the defendant is clearly Amun-Zeus. As for the fourth point, Helios has already made his judgment. So the key lies in the third: we need to determine the 'cause of action' in the lawsuit, that is, clarify where the conflict lies. Then, in the formal trial, the focus of the conflict identified here will become the key to the fact-finding.]

"So, legal review is actually about finding a topic to discuss, right?"

Yes, we need to find a clear issue—an issue that doesn't need to be agreed upon by both parties, but rather confirmed by the court. Because if both parties' agreement is required, then issues unfavorable to the defendant will never proceed to the next stage. That's why I said before that the burden of proof lies with the opposing party. If the opposing party believes that the issue you raised is not in dispute, then they must persuade the court to dismiss it.

“Ah, very good, very good, this is in line with my thinking. I think we can give His Excellency Hermanubis a little challenge—I think it is possible.”

The trial was to be held at the Palace of the Muses. Not because, in principle, the location of the defendant had to be accommodated, but because Cybernia was now the last city of the Roman Empire. Cases concerning the spirit world could only be tried here; there was no other place.

The high priest from the oracle, Chroisus, also arrived. He took his seat last, before Shanluo and Hermanubis.

“Alright, both sides are here.” He glanced down. “Then, let’s begin.”

No formalities are required here, nor is it necessary to stand up. The one seated below is the Roman King, the partner of the sun goddess Apollonia, essentially her superior. Hermanubis, on the other hand, is an underling of Amun-Zeus, another of her superiors, and is an ancient god.

The Old Gods were not demigods; their power cannot be assessed in the present. Some Old Gods were very powerful, while Hermanubis, completely suppressed by Amun-Zeus, possessed rather weak divine power, comparable to that of an ordinary magician. However, his divine essence remained, making him a transcendent being.

Of these people, Chloess was of the lowest rank, but this time he was representing the law to judge, representing the sun god Helios.

Thus, this meeting became the venue for the representatives of the three suns to confront each other in court.

"Well then, let me introduce myself first." The old man took off his glasses. "I am Chroixus, from the Oracle of Delphi, invited by the sun god Helios to judge this case. The plaintiffs are His Majesty the King of Rome and His Majesty the sun goddess Apollonia, both of whom are present. The defendants are the sun god Amun-Zeus and his agent—the dog god Hermanubis."

"Tsk tsk tsk, the immortals are lined up like hemp." Someone exclaimed below.

"Silence!" the judge banged his gavel. "Who is speaking now?"

“It’s me.” Victoria stood up.

"It's Her Majesty Victoria! Come up to the stage!" This was the third person he couldn't afford to offend today, and the old man was at a loss as to how to proceed with the trial. But as long as he followed the procedures, he figured he wouldn't make any mistakes. "No need. It was you who was entrusted, not me. We're here to listen to the proceedings."

"And who is the person next to you? They look unfamiliar."

"What, this case isn't being tried in public?"

"No, I sensed that he wasn't Roman."

"Could you please put on your glasses? This is a panda."

"Huh?" The old man put on his glasses and saw a panda sitting next to Victoria, carrying a paper bag and taking out cookies to eat.

"How can there be wild animals running around in the streets?!"

"How rude of me," Longlong's sister looked up. "I'm sitting here, do you have any complaints?"

"Pandas can talk?!"

"The kobold can talk, so why are you holding a grudge against me?"

“I protest,” Hermanubis raised his hand. “I am not a kobold; my species is, strictly speaking, a werewolf.”

"The protest is invalid. She is not the plaintiff; she is merely an observer. I have not yet determined whether she is qualified to be present in this hearing."

"Waaaaah~~" Longlong's little sister covered her eyes, "You're being racist. We spirit beasts, waaaah... Why can't I listen here? There's a lion over there! Why don't you talk to him!"

In a corner of the gallery, a white lion crouched. Without a doubt, that was Helios himself incarnate. Phaethon sat beside him, as obedient as a Phaethon sitting next to his father.

The old man suddenly lowered his head and almost bumped his head on the table.

Not only were there countless immortals above, but the audience was also filled with immortals. Only he, the judge, was a mortal.

"Um, Miss Panda, strictly speaking, only Romans are allowed to listen in here."

"And who is this person next to me?" Longlong's sister pointed to the side, which was Zhu Ling's seat.

"Excuse me, this gentleman is not Roman either. I can sense that you are not Roman either."

“I am from Aurora,” Zhu Ling answered directly.

"Oh, that's alright, you can be treated the same as a Roman here."

(End of this chapter)