Hello, Baby

S1 | E17 : The Witness

A/N:

Maybe I did change my mind . . .
but there's gotta be a catch to it.

Seoul National University
Five years ago

Jennie had already been sucked into her second year of law school. She took Political Science, which, at her time, was the most popular pre-law course.

She had friends, sure. However, none of them appealed to her that much. People from her year thought of her as someone unreachable. Being the top of their class, Jennie had a different way of thinking.

One day, amidst classes, out of boredom, Jennie came to this sample trial that the first-years were conducting.

"Lalisa! Can you help me with this?"

Jennie's brows furrowed, finding that name familiar.

She averted her attention to a first-year running towards another first-year who goes by the name Lalisa. And she had . . . orange hair?

As far as Jennie was concerned, she had never known a single Asian who was a natural redhead. They let her dye her hair? she thought.

Lalisa Manoban — she was rumoured to be very . . . provocative. She also heard that Lalisa also took Political Science, explaining why she is eloquent.

"This should be interesting," Jennie told herself.

There, Lalisa's role was the accused. Jennie frowned at this, wanting to see Lalisa as a lawyer. Indeed, she was curious about what the younger female would be like in court. Jennie started to lean back on her chair, making herself comfortable.

The freshmen's professor huddled them to remind them of the instructions during their mock trial. The students eagerly nodded and got prepared, all except for Lalisa, who already seemed bored.

One of the first-years stood up, which Jennie immediately surmised was the bailiff* for this mock trial.

* The bailiff should receive specific instructions as to duties from trial counsel before and after each session of court. While the court is in session, the bailiff is under the supervision of the military judge and will assist the military judge and counsel in the conduct of an orderly trial.

The student bailiff, who goes by the name Park Jihyo, then spoke up. "Please rise. The Court of Seoul National University School of Law, Criminal Division, is now in session, the Honorable Judge Jung Jaehyun presiding."

Everyone stood up to honour Jaehyun as he entered the courtroom. He headed towards his seat up front and faced them, saying, "Everyone but the jury may be seated. Ms. Park Jihyo, please swear in the jury."

Jihyo nodded. She proceeded to the jury. "Please raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear or affirm that you will truly listen to this case and render a true verdict and a fair sentence to this defendant?" As soon as the jury answered that they did, Jihyo nodded and said, "Please be seated."

Jaehyun spoke up, silencing the whole room. "Members of the jury, your duty today will be to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty based only on facts and evidence provided in this case. The prosecution has the burden of proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This burden remains on the prosecution through the trial. The prosecution must prove that a crime was committed and that the defendant is the person who committed the crime. However, if you are not satisfied with the defendant's guilt to that extent, reasonable doubt exists, and the defendant must be found not guilty. Ms. Park Jihyo, what is today's case?"