Sylvia Redbright (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
brightwitch) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
undergrounds2016-09-27 09:56 pm
brightwitch) wrote in undergrounds2016-09-27 09:56 pm
Entry tags:
Night's Pardon (25th September)
Once in a while, the Night Council review their list of wanted criminals and convicts and decide, whether for political reasons or to save on paperwork, that this list could do with trimming. That time has come around again, and it just happens to coincide with the purge of ex-Circle Midnight witches from the city. Those who suspect no mere coincidence would be right: this was Sylvia's idea. She's aware that there are a minority of witches who sympathise with the plight of Circle Midnight even after they pledged their allegiance to the Islington Nest. And because it is important for leaders to show mercy as well as strength, this is her show of mercy. Even if no Midnight witches are acquitted, she can still say that the offer was made.
And so here it is: the Chamber of Justice, a large circular courtroom in the Night Council headquarters. It looks much like any regular courtroom except that the five Night Council members sit in place of a judge, and there is no jury, only a select audience to watch the pardons being granted. There is no guarantee that any plea will be accepted, only that it will be heard. One by one, the condemned party and their sponsor are invited to come to the stand in order to make their case.
"Step forward." Sylvia waits for both parties to stand before addressing the sponsor. "Please make your statement on behalf of the condemned."
The sponsor is allowed to make an opening statement outlining their case, which must last no longer than five minutes. After that, the Night Council may question either the sponsor or the condemned until they are satisfied that they can reach a decision. The verdict must be unanimous in order for the pardon to be granted.
And so here it is: the Chamber of Justice, a large circular courtroom in the Night Council headquarters. It looks much like any regular courtroom except that the five Night Council members sit in place of a judge, and there is no jury, only a select audience to watch the pardons being granted. There is no guarantee that any plea will be accepted, only that it will be heard. One by one, the condemned party and their sponsor are invited to come to the stand in order to make their case.
"Step forward." Sylvia waits for both parties to stand before addressing the sponsor. "Please make your statement on behalf of the condemned."
The sponsor is allowed to make an opening statement outlining their case, which must last no longer than five minutes. After that, the Night Council may question either the sponsor or the condemned until they are satisfied that they can reach a decision. The verdict must be unanimous in order for the pardon to be granted.