The Orthogonal Galaxy
Chapter 13

“Allrise…”

Paul rose in unison with the rest of the room,but he didn’t hear anything else from the court clerk until he took his seat asecond after everyone else had.

“You may be seated,” the judge announced as hetook his seat. “It looks like the juryis accounted for. Have you reached a decision,Mr. Foreman?”

“We have your Honor.”

This time, it was Warron who was more intent onthe outcome of the jury, mainly because of those white-collar laws. He was curious to know if the courts wouldimplement them to their fullest in this case. As for Joonter, he figured life in prison was another form of deathpenalty. At his age, could he possiblylive 20 or 30 years in prison and live to see parole?

The foreman stood and read the statement preparedby the jury. “In the case of PaolJoonter, your Honor, we recommend a penalty of life in prison for the murder ofRawson Becker with parole review in 20 years. Further, we recommend the death penalty for the murder of Shannyl Cox,as we consider her to have been an innocent bystander at the murder scene whowas completely absolved from any responsibility in the business proceedings ofMr. Joonter and Mr. Becker.”

“I understand,” reiterated Etherton, “that youare recommending one life in prison sentence and one death penaltysentence. Is that correct?”

“Yes, your Honor.”

“Will council please approach the bench?”

Paol was now very intent as sweat began to beadup on his face. His wife, just behindhim, was sobbing, but rubbed his back in an attempt to show her continuedsupport of her husband.

“Your Honor,” Warron was quick to launch thefirst words in his sidebar with the judge. “This is simply unprecedented. Two different sentences for effectively the same crime?”

“You heard the jury’s argument. They could perhaps understand a crime ofpassion, since you’ve shown the unscrupulous manner in which Becker handledsome of his business affairs. However,Ms. Cox was not involved in any decision that should’ve turned your client’sweapon against her. It was acold-blooded deed your client dealt her.”

“My client will appeal, I assure you… he isinnocent. However, this is his firstoffense. His record of ethical businessdealings speaks for itself. He hascontributed greatly to our society. Andhe could possibly do no harm when he is released from prison on parole. In other words, even if he had committed thecrime, I believe that all recognize that he is not a violent criminal. Why will we throw the book at him?”

“Your Honor,” The district attorney steppedin. “This jury, which was selected byyourself, and both counsels, has seen all of the evidence, they have spentample time deliberating. I believe theyhave made a conclusion consistent with the Congressional White-Collar Act of…”

“Henry,” interrupted Warron. “You know as well as I do that the White-CollarAct was intended against crimes of economic import. This case has nothing to do with that act,and yet, I’m afraid that the jury has been distracted by this law and has beenconfused on its interpretation.”

To this argument, the judge responded, “The actsays nothing about the type of crime involved.”

“An oversight by Congress that simply needs to beresolved sooner than later as this case apparently dictates. Gentlemen, we all know why Congress wasmotivated to pass that law. We must besensitive to their intent.”

“I interpret the law as I read it. The intent will have to be determined by ahigher court of law than this one. Inthe meantime, I have to agree with the jury, and with the prosecutor. The request of the jury will stand. In the meantime, I suggest you begin thepaperwork on the appeals of the United States v. Paol Joonter and on the Congressional White CollarAct.”

“May I ask, your Honor, what you will consider areasonable bail for the appeal? Thepaperwork has already been submitted, and the appellate court has accepted it.”

“Bail?” asked the judge in surprise. “TheCongressional White-Collar act states that any sentence handed down to anexecutive officer of a for-profit incorporated firm must stand as declared bythe judge without possibility of bail. Part of the reason for the act is that constituents affected adverselyeconomically by the actions of corporate officers are simply tired of seeingthese men convicted and let free while the vast numbers of white-collar appealssit on the benches of judges for years. Where is the justice of a wealthy criminal who is convicted ofeffectively robbing from his employees and investors and then is allowed toenjoy his wealth in the comforts of his own home for the rest of his life whileappeal after appeal is filed on his behalf?”

“Your Honor, I must protest,” began Warron. “Murdering these two people did not make Mr.Joonter any richer. He will not beenjoying much of anything while an incorrect judgment has been passed on him.”

“As for the judgment, my court has doneeverything in its power to render a correct verdict. I trust that my juries have done everythingin their power to make these decisions as just as possible. I would appreciate that you not suggestineptness on the part of my court.”

“Your Honor, I mean no disrespect, but we allknow that one juror had been corrupted.”

“And I handled that as judiciously as possible,”answered the judge, growing more irritated with the defense attorney with eachattempt to persuade the court to change its mind. “Even you agreed to the handling of thatjuror yourself, did you not?”

“I did, your Honor.”

“Then, if you have no further arguments, may Iproceed with this session?”

Enraged at this failure of the judicial system,Warron conceded defeat, “You may, your Honor.”

“Mr. Prosecutor, do you have anything further inthis case?”

“No, your Honor.”

“Then, I believe we are done here.” The judge dismissed the attorneys with a severelook.

After the lawyers returned to their seats,Etherton addressed the suspect directly. “Mr. Joonter, after discussion with the defense and prosecution in thiscase, I have decided to accept the jury’s recommended sentences. You are to serve one life sentence which issuperseded by the death penalty sentence. As I have explained to your council, I am disallowed, by law, to grantyou the possibility of parole during appeal, but I will grant you one weekbefore you are to report to the federal penitentiary to begin your sentence inorder to allow you to put any remaining personal affairs in order. You will be under house arrest during thatperiod of time, and will be accompanied by a federal agent at all hours of theday. Because your appeal has alreadybeen accepted, I would expect that the appellate court will initiate your casewithin three to six months. At thattime, the appellate judge will determine whether there is ample evidence togrant you bail at that time, or whether you will continue to serve yoursentence until the jury determines a new verdict and sentence. Do you understand these directions?”

Vacantly, Paol gazed into the eyes of the judgeand affirmed. “Yes, your Honor.”