Scarlet Witch : Time Runs Out (Secret Wars Saga)

Chapter 21: THE TRIAL OF WANDA MAXIMOFF Part 2

CHAPTER 21
THE TRIAL OF WANDA MAXIMOFF

PART 2

During the recess, the courtroom emptied into the bustling hallways. Outside, the scene was no less chaotic. Reporters scrambled to relay the latest updates, their microphones and cameras capturing every moment. A makeshift press area had been set up, with news anchors and journalists from various networks vying for attention.

WHIH Newsfront

"This is Christine Everhart reporting live from the courthouse where the world is still reeling from the shocking revelations by defense attorney Matt Murdock."

"Reporter 2: That's right, Christine. Those were some powerful opening statements. It almost felt like a powerful closing argument instead, emphasizing that despite the horrific crimes The Scarlet Witch stands accused of, there might be a larger context to consider."

Daily Bugle

J. Jonah Jameson: Let's not mince words here. Wanda Maximoff is a murderer and a monster. She is a menace to the entire world! Matt Murdock's sob story about her being a victim of circumstance doesn't change the fact that people are dead. And they did not die quickly. Cold-blooded murder. That's what we need to focus on.

Betty Brant: The strategy seems to be focusing on the psychological and emotional toll that The Scarlet Witch faced over the years. If he can prove that her actions were influenced by these extreme pressures, or things beyond our understanding, it might sway public opinion, if not the jury.

Jameson: Public opinion!? The law does not care what the public thinks, and as far as I know we are all on the same page. She should never see the light of day!

CNN

"The defense's argument that Wanda Maximoff has been a victim of larger, cosmic-level threats adds a layer of complexity to this case. Joining me now is legal analyst, Laura Richardson. Laura, what do you make of Matt Murdock's strategy?"

"Murdock is playing a very smart game. By humanizing this woman whom we have come to see as a monstrous witch with no regard for human life, and highlighting her tragic past right off the bat, he's trying to create doubt in the jury's mind about who she is, what her intent and mental state was during the crimes. It's a risky move, but if he can prove that Wanda was not fully in control or that she was coerced, it could significantly impact the verdict."

BBC News

"In an unprecedented trial, Wanda Maximoff's defense has positioned her as a tragic figure caught in extraordinary circumstances. Let's hear from some of the spectators who were personally inside the courtroom."

Spectator 1: I think it's compelling. For the first time, we are beginning to realize that this woman has gone through hell and back. The world never knew. It makes you wonder how much of what she did was really her choice. The world tends to see things in either black or white, and I think we will be challenged with that thought. I sat closest to where she was positioned. I saw her reactions. As a good judge of character I now see there might actually be truth to what was said.

Spectator 2: But we can't ignore the facts. People died. She has to be held accountable. The question is how much leniency, if any, she deserves. Do we really live in a world where we let mass murderers with the power of gods loose on society? What if it happens again!? She is too dangerous and unstable to be out in the world!

Fox News

"The Scarlet Witch's trial has barely begun and it is already gripping the nation and the world. Her defense attorney's argument that she was a pawn in a larger cosmic game has certainly added drama. But let's be real here, folks. The evidence against her is overwhelming. Can a tragic backstory really excuse such heinous crimes?"