The Master of Me

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

                "All stand in honor of Judge Jerry." The courtroom clerk announced and Sterling, Charlie, State representatives, the twelve members of the jury, and general public stood as the gray haired, heavy set, dark skinned, man wearing judicial robes walked up to the podium. When he sat, everyone else took a seat while the courtroom clerk continued, presenting the file to the judge, "This session of court, Winchester verses State taking place on Monday January twelfth, on behalf of unlawful discrimination, your honor."

                "Thank you. On behalf of the plaintiff, Mr. Winchester you are allowed to state your case to myself and the jury first." Judge Jerry told him. Sterling's lawyer, Charlie, stood up. "Thank you your honor. Today my client is speaking out for those who cannot do so themselves. He is a beacon of hope to a minority that has suffered many afflictions because the State refuses to recognize them as anything. I speak about Shifters...."

The State defendant representative jumped in, a Caucasian female, average height, average build, average looks, mid back length blonde hair, blue eyes, mid thirties, black suit stood up and spoke, "Objection your honor. How does being a shifter relate to Mr. Winchester? Why is it that he has chosen to pursue a matter that does not affect him?"

"Overruled. Defendant, I will hear both sides before we begin to call forth witnesses for questioning. Mr. Barnes, please continue." Judge Jerry ordered and Charlie continued.

                "Shifters are in a minority. They are neither recognized as humans or animals, defying them the rights of either. They are viewed as exotic pets or indentured servants. My client while clearly is not a shifter himself, feels that it is his civil duty to represent them and finally bring them the rights and justice these individuals have not been granted by the state. That is all for now, your honor. Thank you." Charlie finished and took his seat next to Sterling on their Plaintiff seating.

                The State representative took her turn and stood to face the Judge and the jury, "Why should it matter to Mr. Winchester if Shifters have human rights or animal rights? He is not a shifter. Why complicate the system that has worked for years concerning this minority? They are property. They can be bought and sold. Traded and owned. If they suddenly get human rights what will they be allowed to do? Go to school? Drive? Work for minimum wage? Receive government identification in the form of a social security number? If they receive the rights of animals does that mean they should no longer be allowed to commute in a bi-pedal manner as other humans do? What Mr. Winchester is demanding of the state is not a new request. Others have happened in the past and as stated then, the same goes for this case, they are neither human nor animal so there is no need for either status to be rendered. That is all for now, your honor. Thank you."

                The judge nodded his head to the State representative and looked to Sterling and Charlie, "Does the Plaintiff at this time wish to call forth witnesses to the stand to support his case?" Sterling stood up and spoke, "Yes, your honor. I would like to call three witnesses to the stand to give their statements and answer questions the Defendant may have. The first witness to take the stand will be Charles Barnes."

                Charlie strained the paisley blue tie and headed up to the witness stand. The courtroom clerk held out a Holy Bible and had him place his right hand upon it and spoke the words,

"Do you, Charles Barnes, solemnly swear or affirm that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help your God?"

"I do." Charlie affirmed and took a seat. The judge looked to Charlie and said, "Please give this courtroom your witness statement, Mr. Barnes then the defendant will be allowed to ask questions."