The LP Turnabout: A Documentary on Japanifornian Law with Phoenix Wright

[morsrattus]

What is Phoenix Wright?

Phoenix Wright is a visual novel-slash-simulation of anime justice. It is based on the Japanese court system, but due to amazing localization, it takes place in California. Except also Japan. The gameplay is largely in using evidence to prove or disprove statements in order to clear your clients from charges of horrible murder and discover the true culprits.

The characters are goofy, the plotlines interesting, and the events bizarre - spirit channeling is a mainstay of the series. It’s a really popular and really funny series. There are currently six games in the series translated officially and one that has received a fan translation, plus a side game that crosses over with Professor Layton. The original games were on the GBA but came to America when they were remade for the DS, and later the 3DS. They’ve also had some iOS remakes, there’s been a movie and an anime is in production.

The first three games deal with the titular Phoenix Wright, a young defense attorney who tends to take on really, really difficult cases and is not always the brightest of stars. The stories of the games are usually quite good.

Haven’t people tried this before?

They have indeed! And I’d like to thank Mega64, whose resources from the last go-round I am making use of - no sense in reproducing work as long as I credit him with it. A lot of the music links are his, as are most of the early dialogue portraits.

How’s this going to work?

I will be trying to include all the text I can, with sparse commentary of my own - the games stand on their own quite well. I’ve recorded the games well in advance, so I shouldn’t suffer from burnout, thankfully. I’m sure I’ll miss some details, so once I do, please feel free to say something. I would like to go through the entire series, including the Edgeworth and Apollo Justice games, and even the 3DS stuff, but that involves some technical magic I need to get done first.

Wait, wasn’t there a thread like this a day ago?

That was a bad thread with bad images that should never have been made. This is an all-new and improved thread, with good images and less sleep deprivation.

Ground Rules

1. No Spoilers. Period. No spoiler tags, no winks and nudges, no coy references. All these games have are their story, and I do not want to see anyone spoiled on those. People can get carried away with these discussions so I’ll say it again: NO FUCKIN’ SPOILERS.

2. Think about what you’re posting. The characters in these games are really charming and it’s easy to get very attached. I appreciate that and I have strong feelings on 'em too. I don’t mind people talking about stuff or even getting derailed - just, you know, make sure you’re not being a creep.

I don’t want to need any more than that, so hopefully I won’t!

Updates

The First Turnabout
Courtroom -1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Turnabout Sisters
Investigation (Day One) - 1 | 2 | 3
Trial (Day Two) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Investigation (Day Two) - 1 | 2
Trial (Day Three) - 1 | 2 | 3

Turnabout Samurai
Investigation (Day One) - 1 | 2 | 3
Trial (Day Two) - 1 | 2 | 3
Investigation (Day Two) - 1 | 2 | 3
Trial (Day Three) - 1 | 2 | 3
Investigation (Day Three) - 1 | 2
Trial (Day Four) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Turnabout Goodbyes
Investigation (Day One) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Trial (Day Two) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Investigation (Day Two) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Trial (Day Three) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4
Investigation (Day Three) - 1 | 2 | 3
Trial (Day Four) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Rise From the Ashes
Investigation (Day One) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Trial (Day Two) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Investigation (Day Two) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
Trial (Day Three) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Investigation (Day Three) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Trial (Day Four) - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

[morsrattus]

@HenryEx

Look at this neat as heck thing in a twitter video:

https://twitter.com/aqua_rondo/status/713529228667400198

@Waffleman_

Little bit of trivia: This part was originally where April May was to be first introduced, and Phoenix had quite the reaction to her. It’s still in the game’s files, in fact!

The animation was cut when April’s introduction was moved to the investigation stage, where Phoenix has no sprites.

Fan art from Aerdan!

[morsrattus]

Case 1 - the First Turnabout
Part 1

Here we have our title screen. At the moment, we’ve just got the one case, or episode, available to us.

Introduction Video

: I can’t get caught… Not like this!

And now, we cut to our plot, already in progress. Most future cases have an intro, though not all are going to reveal the killer.

The screen will often shake to show fear, shock or other emotions - I won’t be including gifs most of the time for it, but it’s quite a neat little trick for storytelling.

: Whew, I’m glad I made it on time. Well, I have to say, Phoenix, I’m impressed!

: It says a lot about you… and your client as well.
: Um… thanks. Actually, it’s because I owe him a favor.

: You mean, you knew the defendant before the case?
: Yes. Actually, I kind of owe my current job to him. He’s one of the reasons I became an attorney.
: Well, that’s news to me!
: I want to help him out any way I can! I just… really want to help him. I owe him that much.
: (It’s over! My life, everything, it’s all over!)
: … Isn’t that your client screaming over there?
: Yeah… that’s him.
: (Death! Despair! Ohhhh! I’m gonna do it, I’m gonna die!!!)
: It sounds like he wants to die…
: Um, yeah. sigh

: Hey. Hey there, Larry.

: Gimme the death sentence! I ain’t afraid to die!
: What!? What’s wrong, Larry?
: Oh, it’s all over… I… I’m finished. Finished! I can’t live in a world without her! I can’t! Who… who took her away from me, Nick? Who did this!? Aww, Nick, ya gotta tell me! Who took my baby away!?
: (Hmm… The person responsible for your girlfriend’s death?)

: Here’s the story: My first case is a fairly simple one.

: The guy they arrested was the unlucky sap dating her:

: Our school had a saying: “When something smells, it’s usually the Butz.” In the 23 years I’ve known him, it’s usually been true. He has a knack for getting himself in trouble. One thing I can say though: it’s usually not his fault. He just has terrible luck. But I know better than anyone, that he’s a good guy at heart. That and I owe him one. Which is why I took the case… to clear his name. And that’s just what I’m going to do!

The Judge is a constant. He will judge every trial we ever do.

Our prosecutor this time around is Winston Payne. He’s…a prosecutor.

: Ahem.
: Mr. Wright? This is your first trial, is it not?
: Y-Yes, Your Honor. I’m, um, a little nervous.
: Your conduct during this trial will decide the fate of your client.
: Murder is a serious charge. For your client’s sake, I hope you can control your nerves.
: Thank… thank you, Your Honor.
: … Mr. Wright, given the circumstances… I think we should have a test to ascertain your readiness.
: Yes, Your Honor.

: The test will consist of a few simple questions. Answer them clearly and concisely.

When we’re given these choices, sometimes we’ll be penalized for the wrong answer. Not this time around, however. I’ll be showing wrong choices (or choices with no ‘right’ answer) with just the answer bars.

: The defendant is the person on trial! You’re his lawyer!
: Um, er, eh? Oh yeah, right! Eh heh heh.
: This is no laughing matter! You did pass the bar, didn’t you?
: Sorry, I couldn’t hear your answer. I’ll ask once more: Please state the name of the defendant in this case.

: The, um, defendant? That’s… er… Mia Fey?
: Wrong, Wright. Look, I have to leave. I have to go home. I’m… I’m expecting a delivery.
: Aw, c’mon Chief. There’s no need to be going so soon, is there?
: Wright! Listen: the defendant is the one on trial–your client!
: I mean, that’s about as basic as you can get!
: (I put my foot in it this time! I’ve got to relax!)
: Sorry, I couldn’t hear your answer. I’ll ask once more: Please state the name of the defendant in this case.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled trial.

: The defendant? Well, that’s Larry Butz, Your Honor.
: Correct. Just keep your wits about you and you’ll do fine. Next question: This is a murder trial. Tell me, what’s the victim’s name?
: (Whew, I know this one! Glad I read the case report cover to cover so many times.)

: Phoenix! Are you absolutely SURE you’re up to this? You don’t even know the victim’s name!?
: Oh, the victim! O-Of course I know the victim’s name! I, um, just forgot. … Temporarily.
: I think I feel a migraine coming on.
: Look, the defendant’s name is listed in the Court Record. Just touch the Court Record button to check it at anytime, okay?
: Remember to check it often. Do it for me, please. I’m begging you.

First, let’s see what’s on the Court Record.

: Um… Mia Fey?
: W-W-What!? How can I be the victim!?
: Oh! Right! Sorry! I, er, it was the first name that popped into my head, and–
: The Court Record button! Remember to use it when you are in a pinch.
: Let me ask that one again: Let’s hear your answer. Who is the victim in this case?

: Oh, um. wasn’t it Ms. Block? Ms. Cinder Block?
: The person in question was a victim of murder, not ill-conceived naming, Mr. Wright.
: Wright? If you forget something, just touch the Court Record button to help you remember.
: A mistake in court could cost you the case.
: I’ll ask you again: Let’s hear your answer. Who is the victim in this case?

: Um… the victim’s name is Cindy Stone.
: Correct. Now, tell me, what was the cause of death?

: Oh, right! Wasn’t she, um, poisoned by er… poison?
: You’re asking me!?
: Um… Chief! Help me out!
: Check the court record. The Court Record button… remember?
: (Geez. Give a guy a break!)
: Let me ask again. She died because she was…?

: Right… she was strangeld, wasn’t she?
: Please tell me that was you talking to yourself.
: If you wish to hang yourself, Mr. Wright, you’re welcome to, but not inside my courtroom. I suppose there’s nothing to do but give you another try: She died because she was…?

: She was struck once, by a blunt object.
: Correct. You’ve answered all my questions. I see no reason why we shouldn’t proceed.
: You seem much more relaxed, Mr. Wright. Good for you.
: Thank you, Your Honor.
: (Because I don’t FEEL relaxed, that’s for sure.)
: Well, then…
: First, a question for the prosecution. Mr. Payne?
: Yes, Your Honor?
: As Mr. Wright just told us, the victim was struck with a blunt object. Would you explain to the court just what that “object” was?

: It was found lying on the floor, next to the victim.
: I see… the court accepts it into evidence.

: Wright… Be sure to pay attention to any evidence added during the trial. That evidence is the only ammunition you have in court. Touch the Court Record button to check the Court Record frequently.

: Mr. Payne, the prosecution may call its first witness.
: The prosecution calls the defendant, Mr. Butz, to the stand.
: Um, Chief, what do I do now?
: Pay attention. You don’t want to miss any information that might help your client’s case. You’ll get your chance to respond to the prosecution later, so be ready! Let’s just hope he doesnt’ say anything… unfortunate.
: (Uh oh, Larry gets excited easily… this could be bad.)

: Ahem. Mr. Butz. Is it not true that the victim had recently dumped you?

: We were great together! We were Romeo and Juliet, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony!

: I wasn’t dumped! She just wasn’t taking my phone calls. Or seeing me… Ever.
: WHAT’S IT TO YOU, ANYWAY?
: Mr. Butz, what you describe is generally what we mean by “dumped.” In fact, she had completely abandoned you… and was seeing other men! She had just returned from overseas with one of them the day before the murder!
: Whaddya mean, “one of them”!? Lies! All of it, lies! I don’t believe a word of it!

: According to this, she was in Paris until the day before she died.
: Hmm… Indeed, she appears to have returned the day before the murder.

: Dude… no way…
: The victim was a model, but did not have a large income. It appears that she had several “Sugar Daddies.”
: Daddies? Sugar?
: Yes. Older men, who gave her money and gifts. She took their money and used it to support her lifestyle.
: Duuude!
: We can clearly see what kind of woman this Ms. Stone was. Tell me, Mr. Butz, what do you think of her now?
: Wright… I don’t think you want him to answer that question.
: (Yeah… Larry has a way of running his mouth in all the wrong directions.)

: (Might be better not to get involved in this one…)
: Well, Mr. Butz?
: Dude, no way! That cheatin’ she-dog! I’m gonna die. I’m just gonna drop dead!

: Dude! Nick! Whaddya mean, “irrelevant”!?
: That cheatin’ she-dog!
: I’m gonna die. I’m just gonna drop dead!

: Let’s continue with the trial, shall we?
: I believe the accused’s motive is clear to everyone.
: Yes, quite.
: (Oh boy. This is so not looking good.)
: Next question! You went to the victim’s apartment on the day of the murder, did you not?
: Gulp!
: Well, did you, or did you not?
: Heh? Heh heh. Well, maybe I did, and maybe I didn’t!
: (Uh oh. He went.)

: (I know! I’ll send him a signal…)

: Er… Yeah! Yeah! I was there! I went!

: Order!
: Well, Mr. Butz?
: Dude, chill! She wasn’t home, man… So, like, I didn’t see her.

: Your Honor, the defendant is lying.
: Lying?

: (I’ll send him a signal…)

: Um, well, see, it’s like this: I don’t remember.
: You do “don’t remember”? Well then, we’ll just have to remind you!
: (I’ve got a bad feeling about this…)

The two paths converge here.

: The prosecution would like to call a witness who can prove Mr. Butz is lying.
: Well, that simplifies matters. Who is your witness?
: The man who found the victim’s body. Just before making the gruesome discovery…

: Order! Order in the court!
: Mr. Payne, the prosecution may call its witness.
: Yes, Your Honor.
: (This is bad…)
: On the day of the murder, my witness was selling newspapers at the victim’s building. Please bring Mr. Frank Sahwit to the stand!

Next time: The witness.

@California Food and Agricultural Code 26991

It is unlawful for any person to immerse or soak the carcass of any slaughtered rabbit in water for a period longer than necessary to eliminate the natural animal heat in the carcass and in no event for a period longer than 2 1/2 hours.

[morsrattus]

Case 1 - the First Turnabout
Part 2

We left off with a witness being called…

: Mr. Sahwit, you sell newspaper subscriptions, is this correct?
: Oh, oh yes! Newspapers, yes!
: Mr. Sahwit, you may proceed with your testimony.
: Please tell the court what you saw on the day of the murder.

These are all split up this way because each statement is handled individually in cross-examination.

: Hmm…

: (I can’t defend you against a testimony like that!)
: Incidentally, why wasn’t the phone in the victim’s apartment working?
: Your Honor, at the time of the murder, there was a blackout in the building.
: Aren’t phones supposed to work during a blackout?
: Yes, Your Honor… However, some cordless phones do not function normally.

: Your Honor…

: Now, Mr. Wright…
: Yes! Er… yes, Your Honor?
: You may begin your cross-examination.
: C-Cross-examination, Your Honor?

: Alright, Wright, this is it. The real deal.
: Uh… what exactly am I supposed to do?
: Why, you expose the lies in the testimony the witness just gave!
: Lies! What?! He was lying!?
: Your client is innocent, right? Then that witness must have lied in his testimony! Or is your client really… guilty?
: !!! How do I prove he’s not?
: You hold the key! It’s in the evidence! Compare the witness’s testimony to the evidence at hand. There’s bound to be a contradiction in there! First, find contradictions between the Court Record and the witness’s testimony. Then, once you’v found the contradicting evidence… present it and rub it in the witness’s face!
: Um… okay.
: Touch the Court Record button and point out contradictions in the testimony!

This is the format for cross-examination. Each statement can be Pressed, allowing us to get more information, and we can present evidence if we believe it contradicts a statement. Those exclamation marks up there are, essentially, our health bar - mistakes will remove them, and when we run out, we lose and our client is found guilty. Pressing is not actually required for this case, but we’ll do it anyway.

: Isn’t a man leaving an apartment a common sight? I find it odd you would take notice of him…
: Er… heh. I don’t know. He just seemed strange to me, that’s all. Like he was mad, and yet frightened at the same time. Just like… a criminal fleeing the scene of a crime!

: Of course. What the witness means is that the man he saw looked suspicious. So, what happened next?

: Half-open… you say?
: Yes, yes, the door was open halfway. Yes. I watched for a moment, but no one came to close the door. “That’s odd, in a big city like this,” I thought…
: I see. And what happened next?

: What gave you the idea to do that?
: Well, the door was half-open, you see. Isn’t it only human to want to… peek? We climb mountains because they are there! It’s the same thing.
: Truer words have never been spoken! Anyone would look inside!
: (Hmm… why did Payne cut him off so quickly?)
: So you looked into the apartment. What happened then?

: Are you sure she was dead?
: W-Well, no, I guess I wasn’t. But, she wasn’t moving at all, and there was blood everywhere.
: (I guess that would look fatal to anyone…)
: Very well, what happened next?

: So, you didn’t touch ANYTHING in the apartment?
: Um, yes. I mean no! Nothing.
: Okay. What happened next?

: You “thought” to call the police? Does that mean you didn’t actually call them!?
: Please, please… Listen to the rest of the testimony. You thought to call the police… What happened next?

: The phone in her apartment wasn’t working?
: Yes. I mean, no, no it wasn’t. Right.
: But you said you didn’t go into the apartment… or did you?
: Oh, oh, that? I can explain that! There was a cordless phone on a shelf in the entranceway. I reached inside and tried using that to call…
: And that phone wasn’t working, correct? What happened next?

: Why use a public phone?
: Well, you see, I don’t have a cell phone. And, being the middle of the afternoon, there was no answer at the nearby apartments.
: Ah, right… what time did you call again?

: 1:00 PM! Are you certain?
: Yes. Absolutely.
: (Hmm… He seems really confident.)
: 1:00 PM? Wright. Doesn’t that seem strange to you? Present some evidence to contradict him!

: Are you absolutely, 100% positive?
: Yes, it was him. No mistake about it.
: The witness says he’s certain!

That ends the testimony, and Mia gives us a brief comment before we loop back to the start.

: That’s all of it. There must be a contradiction in there somewhere. Examine the Court Record button if something strikes you as being suspicious. Then, find the evidence that contradictsh is testimony, and present it to him!

I’ll space this out a bit if you really feel like trying to solve it first.

: You found the body at 1:00 PM. You’re sure?
: Yes. It was 1:00 PM, for certain.

: The autopsy notes the tiem of death at sometime after 4PM. There was nobody to… er… no “body” to find at 1:00 PM!

: Oh, that! Oh, er…

: Mr. Sahwit… Why were you so certain that you found the body at 1:00 PM?
: I… er… well, I… Gee, that’s a really good question!
: Great job, Wright! Way to put him on the spot! That’s all you have to do: point out contradictions! Lies always beget more lies! See through one and their whole story falls apart!

: Would you care to give your testimony again?

: Hmm… I see. You heard a voice saying the time on a taped program. Mr. Wright, you may cross-examine the witness.
: Wright! You know what to do!
: I’ve got this one.

: You said “heard”… Not “saw”?
: Yes, heard. All I saw was the body lying there… I didn’t think to look at anything else, least of all my watch.
: Hmm… Isn’t that a little strange?
: So you’re saying you “heard” something. But if you were so shocked by the body, you wouldn’t hear anything at all!

: The witness did say he actually heard the time. It’s ludicrous to suggest he “wouldn’t hear anything”!
: Hmm… I have to agree with the prosecution. Witness, continue your testimony.

: Are you sure it was a television and not… a radio?
: Well, no, I guess it might have been a radio.
: Incidentally, there was no radio on the premises. There was only one large televison.
: Wright! I can’t put my finger on it, but something about this seems fishy. Something about “hearing” the television…
: The witness has testified. He heard the time.

: Well, witness? Can you explain this?

: A… video?
: Yes, that would explain why the time was wrong!
: True, true…
: Wright! I think the problem lies someplace else…
: We’re agreed that you heard the time at the scene, then.

: Are you sure the voice you heard said it was 1:00 PM?
: Yes, I can practically hear it now. It was quite clear.
: Mr. Payne, has the prosecution verified this testimony?
: My apologies, Your Honor. I, too, have only just learned that the witness “heard” the time.
: Oh, I’m really sorry. I only remembered it just now.

: (Hmm… Not much point pressing him on that one, was there?)

And there’s the loop, with Mia’s comment.

: Notice anything suspicious?

We’ll leave off there.

Next time: Contradiction!

@California Food and Agricultural Code

It is unlawful for any person to make any statement, representation, or assertion orally, by public outcry, or proclamation, or in writing, or by any other manner or means whatever concerning the quality, size, weight, condition, source, origin, or any other matter relating to eggs which is false, deceptive, or misleading in any particular.

[morsrattus]

Case 1 - the First Turnabout
Part 3

We left off ready to demolish some testimony.

: Hold it right there! The prosecution has said there was a blackout at the time of the discovery!

: …!
: You couldn’t have heard a television… or a video!

: I… well… urk!
: The defense has a point.
: Do you have an explanation for this, Mr. Sahwit?
: No, I… I find it quite puzzling myself! Quite! …

: Mr. Sahwit? The court would prefer to hear an accurate testimony from the very beginning.
: These constant corrections are harming your credibility. That and you seem rather… distraught.

: M-my apologies, Your Honor! It… er, it must have been the shock of finding the body!
: Very well, Mr. Sahwit. Let’s hear your testimony once more please.

: You saw a clock? I guess that would explain it. The defense may cross-examine the witness.
: Gladly.

: That strikes me as a very suspicious mistake.
: Yes, I can see how you’d be a little doubtful… I’m really sorry. I only just remembered that table clock!
: A “table clock”?

: A “table clock”? Was there a clock at the scene?
: This is the first I’ve heard of it!

: The… murder weapon?
: Yes, the table clock that was used as a weapon!
: That’s what I just said. Did you doze off in the middle of my testimony or something?
: (Something’s fishy here…)

: Why didn’t you tell us that in the first place?
: I guess it just slipped my mind!
: I’m not really sure how it happened myself…
: The witness says he saw the table clock. End of story.

And we loop.

: Now, find the contradiction!

Can you solve it? Almost certainly.

: Wait just a moment!

: Now how is this supposed to be a clock?

: Just answer the question. Mr. Sahwit.
: Hey, I… I saw it there, okay! That’s a clock!
: Your Honor! If I may…
: Yes, Mr. Payne?

: The neck is a switch. You just tilt it, and it says the time out loud. As it doesn’t look like a clock, I submitted it as a statue. My apologies.
: I see.
: So the murder weapon was a table clock after all. Well, Mr. Wright? It appears that the witness’s testimony was correct. This is a clock.

: I guess not. There was a clock on the scene, so, no problem.
: Wright! Are you out of your mind? That clock doesn’t look like a clock at all!
: The witness couldn’t have possibly known it was a clock just by seeing it! He said himself, he never entered the apartment! It was in his testimony!
: Hey! You’re right!
: Is something the matter? Does the defense have anything to add?
: Yes… Yes I do!

: Your Honor, there is a gaping hole in the witness’s testimony!

And we meet back up.

: The only way he could have known the weapon was a clock is to hold it in his hand.
: Yet the witness testified that he never entered the apartment!
: Clearly, a contradiction!
Hmm… Indeed!

: Tell me, isn’t it true that you knew the victim? In fact, you were one of her “sugar daddies”! Be frank with us, Mr. Sahwit!
: Hmph. “Frank”? I’m always “Frank”!
: Your Honor. We have complete records of the victim’s relationships. Mr. Frank Sahwit does not appear anywhere.
: Huh? Oh, really?
: Please, Mr. Wright… Is “Huh” the best repsonse you can muster up?
: Try to refrain from making off-the-cuff accusations in the future.
: Y-yes, Your Honor. Let me think this over.

: You’re lying! You were inside the apartment on the day of the murder!

: I’ll do better than that! I can prove you were the one who killed her!

: Order in the court! Intriguing. Please continue, Mr. Wright.
: Yes, Your Honor.

: The sound must have left quite an impression on you.

: The voice was burned into your mind. That’s why you were so certain about the time!

: W-w-what’s the meaning of this? This is all baseless conjecture!
: Baseless…?
: Just look at the witness’s face!

: Would the witness care to elaborate? Did you strike the victim with the clock?

: I-it was him, I tell you! I saw him! H-he killed her and he should burn! Burn! Give him death!

: Order! Order in the court I say!
: Your Honor, a-a moment please! There isn’t a shred of evidence supporting the defense’s claims!
: Mr. Wright!
: Your Honor?
: You claim the sound the witness heard came from the clock… Do you have any evidence?
: (The whole case is riding on this! I’d better think it through carefully!) Yes, Your Honor. The sound Mr. Sahwit heard was definitely this clock.

: All you have to do is examine the batteries!

: What exactly did you mean, Mr. Wright?
: Yes, the clock was working fine!
: Yes, and…?
: …
: Umm, I’m sorry, I think I got confused back there with all those testimonies.
: Mr. Wright! I expect more from a lawyer in this court. Even if it is your first day.

As you see, this is the first time we can actually get slightly closer to losing in this case.

: Y-yes, Your Honor. As I was saying…

: All you have to do is talk to the victim’s neighbors!
: Talk to the neighbors…?
: I’m sure one of them heard the clock tell the time when the incident occurred!
: I see…
: Does the prosecution have anything to say, Mr. Payne?
: We have already made all the necessary inquiries. Everyone living near the victim’s apartment was out at the time of the murder. Furthermore, even if a neighbor had heard the clock, that would not prove that Mr. Sahwit had heard anything.
: Hmm… That is true.
: I believe you may be wrong, Mr. Wright. You’ll receive a penalty for that, unfortunately.
: I-I’m sorry, Your Honor! Let me think about it again!

: Let’s sound the clock now, here in this court.
: Your Honor, may I have the clock?
: I ask the court to listen very carefully…

: That certainly is a strange way to announce the time.
: Well, he is “The Thinker,” after all.
: So, we’ve heard the clock. What are your conclusions, Mr. Wright?
: Mr. Payne… can you tell me what time it is now?
: It’s 11:25… Ack!

: Precisely the discrepancy between what Mr. Sahwit heard and the actual time of death!
: So, Mr. Sahwit… Try to talk your way out of this one!
: … …Hah! Hah hah! You forgot one thing!
: (Uh oh… what’s he talking about…?)

: It proves nothing! How do you know it was running three hours slow on the day of the murder!? If you can’t prove that, you don’t have a case!
: …!
: (He’s right! How am I going to prove that!? Dammit! I was so close!)
: Mr. Wright? It seems you lack the critical evidence to support your claim.
: …! Yes, Your Honor.
: This means I cannot let you indict the witness. Unfortunately…

: This ends the cross-examination of Mr. Frank Sahwit.
: I come all the way down here to testify, and look what happens! They treat me like a criminal! A criminal! You lawyers are all slime!
: (Grr! I almost had him! Sorry, Larry… I failed you. There’s nothing I can do about it now…)

: Listen up, Wright! Don’t throw this one away, not like this! Think!
: But, Chief, it’s over. I can’t prove the clock was slow the day of the murder! Nobody can prove that!
: Um… well, yes. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still win! Try thinking out of the box! Don’t waste time doubting the facts. Assume the clock was three hours slow and… Think through it! Ask yourself, “why was the clock three hours slow”? Figure out the reason and you’ll have your proof! Right, Wright?

: H-how am I supposed to know that!?
: I know you can figure it out! There must be some evidence in the Court Record… Something that can show why that clock was three hours slow! Find it and he won’t have a foot to stand on!
: Mr. Wright?
: Y-y-yes, Your Honor!
: You say the clock was already running slow on the day of the murder… Do you have evidence to prove this?
: (This is it… all or nothing!)
: Yes, Your Honor.

: … Wait! Maybe I can prove it!
: You must have evidence somewhere that can prove it, Wright! Find it and let them have it!
: Well, Mr. Wright? You say the clock was already running slow on the day of the murder… Have you found evidence to support this claim?
: Of course. There is a piece of evidence in the Court Record that can prove my claim beyond a doubt!

And here we rejoin.

: Hah! Tough words! let’s see you pull this one off!

So, have you figure it out?

Next time: We do that thing.

@California Penal Code. section 384a

Every person who within the State of California willfully or negligently cuts, destroys, mutilates, or removes any tree or shrub, or fern or herb or bulb or cactus or flower, or huckleberry or redwood greens, or portion of any tree or shrub, or fern or herb or bulb or cactus or flower, or huckleberry or redwood greens, growing upon state or county highway rights-of-way, or who removes leaf mold thereon, except that the provisions of this section shall not be construed to apply to any employee of the state or of any political subdivision thereof engaged in work upon any state, county or public road or highway while performing work under the supervision of the state or of any political subdivision thereof, and every person who willfully or negligently cuts, destroys, mutilates or removes any tree or shrub, or fern or herb or bulb or cactus or flower, or huckleberry or redwood greens, or portions of any tree or shrub, or forn or herb or bulb or cactus or flower, or huckleberry or redwood greens, growing upon public land or upon land not his or her own, or leaf mold on the surface of public land, or upon land not his or her own, without a written permit from the owner of the land signed by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent, and every person who knowingly sells, offers, or exposes for sale, or transports for sale, any tree or shrub, or fern or herb or bulb or cactus or flower, or huckleberry or redwood greens, or portion of any tree or shrub, or fern or herb or bulb or cactus or flower, or huckleberry or redwood greens, or leaf mold, so cut or removed from state or county highway rights-of-way, or removed from public land or from land not owned by the person who cut or removed the same without the written permit from the owner of the land, signed by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent, is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1000), by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or by both fine and imprisonment.

[morsrattus]

Case 1 - the First Turnabout
Part 4

We left off about to seal Frank Sahwit’s fate.

: As we all know, the time difference between here and Paris is nine hours! When it’s 4:00 PM here, it’s 1:00 AM the next day there.
: The clock wasn’t three hours slow, it was nine hours fast!

: That’s why the time you heard when you struck her dead in her apartment was wrong!

: O-order! Order, I say!

There is a brief fade to black.

: Well… This case has certainly turned out differently than we all expected.
: Mr. Payne… your client?
: He… er… he was arrested and has been taken away, Your Honor.
: Very well.
: Mr. Wright?
: Yes, Your Honor.
: I have to say, I’m impressed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone complete a defense so quickly… and find the true culprit at the same time!
: Thank you, Your Honor.
: At this point, this is only a formality, but… This court finds the defendant, Mr. Larry Butz…

: And with that… The court is adjourned.

Fade to black.

: It turns out that Frank Sahwit was a common burglar! He posed as a newspaper salesman to check and see when people were out of the house! That day…

: After he left, Mr. Sahwit let himself in to do his dirty work!

: Flustered, Mr. Sahwit grabbed the nearest blunt object he could find…

: Wright! Good job in there! Congratulations!
: Th-thanks, Chief. I owe it all to you.
: Not at all, not at all! You fought your own battles in there. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a trial end on such a satisfying note!
: (I’ve never seen the chief looking this happy… If she’s this glad, imagine how Larry must feel!)

: Larry! You’re supposed to be happy! What’s wrong now!?
: Aww, Nick…
: Don’t worry 'bout me! I’ll be dead and gone soon!
: Good! Wait, no! I mean… Bad! Bad bad bad! Larry, you’re innocent! The case is closed.
: … But… but my Cindy-windy’s gone, man! Gone forever!
: (Larry, she was a… Nah… Never mind…)

: H-Harry…?
: Yes, you! I can practically see the headlines now: “Harry Butz, Innocent!”

: I won’t forget this, ever! Let’s celebrate! Dinner? Movie? My treat!
: Oh, no, I couldn’t.
: (Hey, I was the one who got you off the hook!)
: Oh, hey!

: A present? For me? Wait… Wasn’t this the evidence that…
: Actually, I made this clock for her! I made one for her and one for me.
: R-really? You? You made this? …
: Well, thank you. I’ll keep it as a memento.

: Can you believe it? I was so into that chick… And… and she was just playing me for a fool!
: Doesn’t that make you wanna just cry? sob
: Larry…
: …
: Are you sure?
: Ex-squeeze me?
: I think she thought quite a lot of you, in her own way.
: Nah, you don’t gotta sympathize with me, 'sokay.
: Oh, I’m not just sympathizing, really.
: Isn’t that right, Wright? Don’t you have something to show your friend? Something that proves how she felt about him?
: H-huh? Oh, yeah, right!

: Huh…? Where’d you get that clock?
: This is the clock you made for her, Larry! She took it with her when she traveled.
: Hmm, she probably just needed a clock, that’s all.
: You think so? It’s a pretty heavy clock to take traveling.
: …
: Well, make of it what you will.
: … Hey, Nick.
: I’m glad I asked you to be my lawyer.
: Really, I am. Thanks.
: (Hope that made him feel a little better…)

: I hope you see the importance of evidence now. Also, hopefully you realize, things change depending on how you look at them. People, too. We never really know if our clients are guilty or innocent. All we can do is believe in them. And in order to believe in them, you have to believe in yourself. Wright… Listen. Learn. Grow strong. Never let go of what you believe in. Never.

: Yeah, I guess so!
: Say, how about dinner. On me? We’ll drink a toast to innocent Butz!
: Yeah!
: Oh, speaking of Harry…
: You were saying part of why you became a lawyer was because of him.
: Er, yeah. Part, at least.
: You’ll have to tell me more about it sometime! Maybe… over drinks?

: Larry slapped me on the back and said, “Gee, Nick, it’s good to have friends!” But I’m pretty sure he’s not going to pay me. Unless you count the clock he gave Mia. … I didn’t know it then… but that clock was soon going to be at the center of another incident. And my promise to tell the chief about me and Larry… would be one promise that I wouldn’t be able to keep.

Next time: Turnabout Sisters

[quote=California Penal Code, subsections 844-45]To make an arrest, a private person, if the offense is a felony, and in all cases a peace officer, may break open the door or window of the house in which the person to be arrested is, or in which they have reasonable grounds for believing the person to be, after having demanded admittance and explained the purpose for which admittance is desired.

Any person who has lawfully entered a house for the purpose of making an arrest, may break open the door or window thereof if detained therein, when necessary for the purpose of liberating himself, and any officer may do the same, when necessary for the purpose of liberating a person who, acting in his aid, lawfully entered for the purpose of making an arrest, and is detained therein.[/quote]

[morsrattus]

(this is filler space until Case 2)

[morsrattus]

(so is this)

[morsrattus]

Case 2- Turnabout Sisters
Investigation - Part 1

Let’s cut to the chase and start off our new episode.

Video Intro

This is our first case with an Investigation phase, and our first real case, which will introduce a whole lot of characters that will remain constants for some time.

: Mia! What’s up? You haven’t called in a while.
: Sorry, I’ve been so busy. How you been?
: Well, LONELY. And it’s all YOUR fault. Nah, I’m just teasing. I’ve been great! I’m finally getting used to having my own place.
: That’s good to hear. Actually, I’m calling because I have a favor to ask.
: I know, I know. You want me to hold evidence for you?
: Sharp as always! There’s a lot of buzz about the upcoming trial… I just don’t feel safe keeping the evidence here.
: I gotcha. So, what is it this time?
: It’s… a clock.
: A clock?
: Yeah, it’s made to look like that statue, “The Thinker.” And it tells you the time! I thought you might like it. You always liked toys.
: Hey! I’m not a little girl anymore, Sis!
: Now, now. You know I’m only teasing. Ah, I should probably tell you, the clock isn’t talking right now.
: Huh? It’s not working? That’s lame!
: I had to take the clockwork out. Sorry. I put some papers inside it instead.
: Papers? Is that the evidence, then? Hmm, well… there’s a possibility that it might turn out that way, yes.

I’m not sure if that last sentence was meant to be Mia’s line or not.

: Can you come by the office tonight, say 9:00, to pick it up? I’ll be in a pretrial meeting until then.
: Okay, Sis, but I expect dinner! Something good! Like… burgers! I could really go for a good burger.
: Okay, okay. We’ll hit the usual joint.
: Alright! It’s a deal! Okay, Sis, see you soon!
: Yep. I’ll be waiting, Maya.

Music cuts out here, as a note.

: I’m sorry, but I can’t give you what I don’t have.
: Miss Fey, you are a poor liar. Why, I see it right over there… That must be “The Thinker” that swallowed those papers.
: How could you know…?
: Ho hoh. You are not cogniferous of my background? Gathering information is my business, you see.
: I… I should have been more careful.
: Ho hoh. My dear Miss Fey… I am so very sorry. But I am afraid I must ask you for one more thing.

: !!!

: Huh, that’s strange. The chief must have gone home already. She said her sister was coming over so we should all go out for dinner…

: What’s that smell…? Blood…? Mia! (Maybe she’s in her office!)

We can look at the area, but there’s nothing to see, so we just move on.

: … sob Sis…
: (Someone’s there!)

: …! Chief? Chief…?

At which point, the girl collapses. (By fading away and the screen shaking.)

: (I went back to the chief where she lay under the window.)

: (I could feel it when I held her shoulder. Then, all too quickly, it began to fade… Until finally she was cold.)

We begin our first real investigation. Examine lets us look at things in the room, while Move lets us move to new locations, as we did to get into the office.

We can select areas with the stylus or d-pad using this cursor.

: There’s a large building right across from the office. The “Gatewater Hotel.” A nice, luxurious place.

: They seem to be the remains of a glass light stand.

: The chief’s chair. A simple, functional design. Feels pretty good to sit in, too.

We move over to the second half of the room.

: Surprisingly, the chief was never good with machines. About all she used this PC for was e-mail. She picked up this ancient model at some garage sale for practically nothing.

: The Fey & Co. ledger book. Everything is written in the chief’s ultra-neat handwriting. It’s a small office, but it makes a good bit of money.

: All the chief’s important documents are packed in here. This is where she filed her case records and recent rulings.

: Right! I’d better call the police! …? That’s funny… A few of the screws on the receiver are missing… It looks like someone was halfway through taking it apart.

: Please, come quick!
: (Wh-what was that!?)

: She’s staring right at me! She’s holding a phone in her hand…

Well, I’m sure that’s nothing to be worried about. Back to poking at things!

: A perfectly normal office desk. The chief had a very particular policy about office decor: “Spend big on stuff the clients use, but keep your own stuff simple.”

The boxes to interact with stuff can be quite large. Mia’s foot counts as Mia.

: Chief… It’s hard seeing her like this, but if there are any clues here… She was struck on the head with a blunt object. She probably died instantly.

: Hmm… there are some glass shards near the chief’s body.

: Nothing else that seems like a clue here…

: A piece of paper! It must have fallen from Mia’s hand! What could it be?

Some stuff was added to the Court Record, but let’s keep looking around first.

: How ironic that this became the murder weapon… again.

Anyway, back to the room.

: !

: “Maya”…? Did Mia write this? This piece of paper is a receipt from a department store, dated yesterday. (I think that’s enough snooping around for now. I’d better call the police…)

: The phone receiver is missing a few screws. I’d better not use it.

Instead, let’s go to the other room.

: (That girl just now… where’d she go!? I put her right there on that sofa…! Uh oh… I hope she didn’t run on me.)

: (Don’t scare me like that…) Umm… Excuse me but, who are you?

: It’s okay. I work here.

: Maya Fey.
: Maya… Fey? i[/i]

: (Maybe I should show her the receipt? I never thought there’d be a use for evidence like this outside the courtroom!)

Now we get two new options - Talk, to ask Maya questions, and Present, to show her things. But first, we’re going to look around, because Phoenix is easily distracted.

: This sofa is for clients. It’s leather… a real luxury model.

: A large painting. I guess you’d call this “modern art.” I, on the other hand, call it a mistake.

: The door to the chief’s office. It’s slightly open. I’d better not touch the door knob.

: You couldn’t cram more legal books in here, even if you wanted to. Few can gaze upon the shelves without feeling insignificant.

: The reception desk. I usually sit here.

: A small writing desk cluttered with office supplies.

So now, let’s talk to Maya. The way we do this is to pick topics off the available list. We can get more by asking certain questions or by showing people certain evidence.

: (She seems to be in shock. I don’t want to disturb her, but I have to know…) Um… excuse me? Can you tell me what happened?
: … I came in… The room was dark. And Sis… Sis…!
: (So she was already dead.)

: So, you’re the chief’s…?
: Sister. I’m her younger sister.
: And you were here… visiting? This late at night?
: Yes. She said she wanted me to keep some evidence for her.
: Evidence…?
: Yes… I-it was that clock…
: It was “The Thinker.”

So, let’s start showing her stuff.

: I’m sorry, I’ve never seen that before.

: That was… Oh, Sis! sob
: (Hmm, probably shouldn’t have asked her about the murder weapon…)

: I know. I saw it there too. I thought they might be pieces of the light stand.
: Hmm. Maybe. (Never heard of a glass light stand before…)

: She wrote it on the back of this receipt.

: W-why!? Why would she write my name?
: Please, just calm down.
: W-why would Sis write my name?
: (Uh-oh. Now I’ve done it…)

: ! The police! (Sounds like they’re coming this way!)

: (Gumshoe…? What an odd name.)
: We received a report from the building across the way, see. Got a person saying they saw a murder.

: (Great. Just great.)

: Eek!

: …!

: The victim drew this here note in her own blood, see?
: With her dying breath, she wrote down the killer’s name!

: W-what?

Next time: Welp.

@Connecticut General Statutes

Use of Explosives. No person shall take or attempt to take any gray squirrel, rabbit or other fur-bearing animal protected by law by the use of gunpowder, dynamite or other explosive compound, or by fire, smoke, brimstone, sulphur, gas or chemical, or by digging from any hole or den, provided nothing herein shall be construed to prevent the shooting of any gray squirrel or rabbit or fur-bearing animal. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor.

[morsrattus]

Case 2- Turnabout Sisters
Investigation - Part 2

When we left off…

: I was taken in for questioning and didn’t get out until the next morning. My eyes were heavy… but I couldn’t sleep. I sat around, waiting for visiting hours to begin at the detention center. I had to talk to Maya as soon as possible.

: (Wow, they have poor Maya locked up like a criminal.)

: It’s you! The lawyer…

: Good morning! (She looks so tired…)
: Um… Are you going to be my attorney?

: (Maybe if I joke a bit she’ll cheer up…) Hah hah! No way, Jose! Just kidding…
: … …
: …
: (Eh heh. Whoops. That didn’t go so well.)
: …Heh…
: Huh? M-Maya…? Was that a… chuckle?
: What? N-no! …
: It wasn’t very believable, was it?
: (Not really…)

: (Who’s trying to cheer up who here!?)
: … I knew it. No one will believe me.
: What?

: (First things first, I better get her cheered up…) Yeah, of course I will! Cheer up!
: R-really…?
: (Whoa! Did I say the wrong thing? She looks sadder now!) Um… what… what’s wrong? You don’t think I can do it?
: … No… no one could! Who would believe me?

: (I’d better give it to her straight…) It’s up to you.
: Up… to me?
: Yes. I don’t think this is something I should decide. After all, you’re the one in trouble here.
: … They’re never going to believe me… are they?

And we converge.

: Even you–when you found me in the office. You looked at me like I had done it!

: No, no! I never thought…
: I-it’s okay. I understand.
: …

: Heard? Heard what about me?
: I… was talking to my sister on the phone the other day…

: Wow! Really? How’d that go?
: “It was quite the scene! Honestly, I was on edge the whole time. It’s been a while…”
: Hah! So, he crashed and burned?
: “…He’s a genius. One of those ‘strike fear into the hearts of evil’ types…”
: “The only thing he’s lacking is… experience.”
: Huh, sounds like it was fun! Well, I know who to go to if I ever get into trouble now!
: “I don’t know, Maya. I think you might want to wait… give him three more years.”
: “That is, unless you want to be found guilty.”

: …
: I-I’m sorry!
: I didn’t mean to trouble you…
: No, it’s okay. It’s true, I guess. But… at the same time, I can’t just sit and watch! When I think of the person who did this to Mia…
: …
: I know…

Now we can ask Maya some questions.

: There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you…
: Yes?
: What’s with that outfit?
: Oh, this? This is what all acolytes wear. It’s my uniform, you could say.
: A-acolytes? Like people in religious training? What is it you do?
: Oh! It’s noting strange, really!
: I’m a spirit medium. …In training.
: A s-spirit medium!? (I’m pretty sure that qualifies as strange.)

: Could you tell me about the day of the murder?
: Yes!

: She wanted me to hold onto a piece of evidence for an upcoming trial.
: Evidence?
: Yes. That clock shaped like “The Thinker.”
: (The one Larry made…) How could that have been evidence in a case?
: Um, right, she said something about that…

: Do you want to hear it in her own voice?
: H-her own voice!?
: Yes. I’m pretty sure our conversation is on my cell phone.
: You recorded it!
: Yeah! I forgot how to delete those things.

: So, you say you have a conversation with your sister on your cell phone? Let’s hear it!
: Right!
: Oh!
: I just remembered: that detective took my cell phone. Sorry.
: Oh, right. (Of course…) Next time I see Detective Gumshoe I’ll ask him for it.
: I’ll write you a note so you don’t forget, okay?
: Sure, thanks.

Yes, again. It has new info now!

: Could you tell me about the day of the murder? Sorry… I know it must be hard.
: No, it’s okay. All I’ve been doing the last few hours is talking about it. I’ve kind of gotten used to it…
: Let’s see… that morning, I got a call from my sister. She wanted me to hold on to a piece of evidence for an upcoming trial.
: (That’s “The Thinker” clock that Larry made. It practically qualifies as a serial murderer by now.) So then, when did you arrive at the office?
: It was right around 9:00.

: Thanks, Maya. That’s all I need to hear for now.

And this is when I remember we got some new profiles!

Back to the investigation.

: So you’re an acolyte. A, er, medium-in-training.
: That’s right. The Fey family, especially the women, have always been very sensitive to the spirit world.
: Wait a second, you said the “Fey Family”? So, Mia was into this stuff too?
: Of course! She left the mountain to “follow her career,” she said.
: Her powers were first-class, too!
: (I… I had no idea.) Hmm… Wait…!
: What?
: So, you’re a real, honest-to-goodness spirit medium? With E.S.P. and all that?
: Yes. …In training.
: Well, can’t you contact Mia’s spirit, then? We can just ask her who killed her!
: …!
: I-I’m sorry…
: I’m still in training. I couldn’t do something on that level…
: (Hmm… I thought that would be too easy.)
: …
: Um…!
: Huh? Something the matter?
: Um… I was wondering, could I ask you a favor?
: …?

: My sister gave me this a long time ago.
: She said if I was ever in trouble, I should call him.
: And, well, I’m in trouble.
: Do you think you could go ask him to represent me?

: Sure, why not? I’ll go ask.
: Thank you so much!
: I have no one else to turn to…

: I’m sorry… I think this is the kind of thing you should really do yourself.
: …You’re right. …
: Something wrong?
: Actually, I asked the police to contact him, and they tried calling a few times.
: Nobody could get a hold of him!
: They couldn’t find him?
: I have no one left to ask!

And we converge.

: …? Say, what about your parents…?
: … … …
: O-okay! Don’t worry, I’ll go ask him for you.
: Y-you will? Thank you so much!
: I’m just worried what will happen if I can’t find him.
: They told me that if I don’t find one, the state will pick an attorney to defend me.
: When will that happen?
: They’re giving me until 4:00 this afternoon.
: (And visiting hours are almost up… I’d better hurry!) Right, I’ll be back!

But first, let’s look around.

: Smile for the camera…

: This guard monitors the visitor’s room. He hasn’t moved an inch. A real pro, this guy.

So, off to the scene of the crime.

: (The office is filled with police officers. They’re all busily searching clues…)

: Umm… Sorry, don’t I know you from somewhere?
: Wait, you’re that Butz guy, aren’t you!
: No, no, Phoenix Wright. (How could anyone mistake me for Larry!?)

: That Butz guy, he was a killer! And you’re no killer! Right?
: (He WAS proven innocent…)

: Um… Suedeshoes, wasn’t it?

: My name’s Dick Gumshoe… W-wait!
: That’s Detective Gumshoe to you, pal!

: Um… Gumtree, was it? Detective Gumtree?
: G-Gumtree…?

: And I’m the one in charge here so don’t push your luck!
: (Whatever you say, Detective…)

: Um… Gumshoe, wasn’t it? Dick Gumshoe?
: Right! At your service.
: Hang on! That’s Detective Gumshoe to you, pal!

And we meet back up here.

: Anyway, get the name right. And don’t go calling me “Dick”…

: Umm… ahem!
: You’re her lawyer, right, pal? If you got business here, you’d better do it quick!
: (Whew! He thinks I’m Maya’s lawyer…!)

Let’s take a look around.

: The sky is blue, and so am I… There’s that hotel, right across the way.

: Mia’s favorite potted plant. I remember it had this bizarre name no one could ever remember.
: “Codyline stricta,” pal!
: (Who was that!?)

: An old movie poster. Apparently, this was the first movie that made Mia cry when she saw it. I’ll have to check it out one of these days.

: Mia’s desk. Perfectly clean, as always. The only thing it’s missing is… Mia.

: There’s a horrendous amount of legal books here. Scarier still is that Mia probably read all of these.

Now, we chat with Gumshoe.

: About Ms. Fey… did you do an autopsy?
: Hmm? You want to know the results, eh?
: …

: It’s no use! She might have been your boss, but that doesn’t mean you get any special treatment.
: Alright, alright. You can see the report, but that’s all!

: Um, about Maya…
: Yeah! I’m looking forward to the trial!
: Sorry, pal, but this is one trial you aren’t going to win!
: W-why do you say that?

: i[/i]
: I’m sure you know what that means, you being a lawyer and all.

: Prosecutor Edgeworth…
: That’s right, pal! Mr. Miles Edgeworth himself!

: I know him. He’s a feared prosecutor. He doesn’t feel pain, he doesn’t feel remorse. He won’t stop until he gets his “guilty” verdict.
: Aww, don’t talk about him that way. You make him barely sound human!
: Still, I’m afraid this pretty much decides the case.
: (So, Edgeworth is on this one… He hasn’t lost a case since he became prosecutor at the incredibly young age of 20.)

: Never heard of him.
: Whoa! And you call yourself a lawyer, pal!? About four years ago, this Edgeworth guy became a prosecutor at the age of 20! Everyone says he’s a genius. Surprised you don’t know him!
: (Of course I know him… I was just playing dumb. He’s a cold, heartless machine who’ll do anything to get a “guilty” verdict!)

And convergence.

: (There are rumors of back-alley deals and forged evidence… All I know for sure is that Edgeworth hates crime with an almost abnormal passion. I never imagined I’d be facing him so soon…)

Time to present some evidence. First, the badge.

: Hmm? What’s that?
: Sorry, pal, but I got no info for the likes of you!

Then, the statue.

: That statue? That’s the murder weapon.
: (Huh? He thinks the clock is just a statue, too… I’m starting to wish I’d never seen this thing.)

The glass…

: Hmm? Oh, that?

: The glass shards were pieces of the broken stand.

The note…

: Yeah. The one with the killer’s name written on it!
: Are you sure that Mia wrote it herself?
: Given the condition of the writing, it’s hard to say if it’s her handwriting or not.
: (So there’s no proof that Mia wrote it.)

The autopsy report…

: Don’t mention it, pal. When it comes to dealing with lawyers, “fight fair and square,” is our motto!
: (I don’t know how I feel, seeing everything written up like this… It makes Mia’s death seem so… routine.)

And, at last, Maya’s note.

: I was wondering… did you see Maya Fey’s cell phone?

: Do you think you could give it back?
: Sure! I mean, wait a second, pal! Tricky lawyer!

: (Hmm… if I tell him why I want it there’s no way he’ll give it to me!)
: Something the matter?
: Oh, no, it’s just… You know, Detective!
: Nope. I know nothing, pal!
: That cell phone has a lot of numbers on it… like her boyfriend’s… A cell phone holds all a little girl’s sweetest and spiciest secrets!
: Urk? Y-you’re trying to confuse me! Sorry, pal, I already checked all the numbers in memory!
: Impressive! You’re quite the detective.
: Uh huh. Oh, here, you can have the phone back. There weren’t any suspicious call records in there, after all.

: (Okay, I can’t be straight with this guy… but what should I tell him?)
: Something the matter?
: Oh, no, um… T-that carrying strap on the cell phone…
: This? Hmm… it says “The Steel Samurai: Warrior of Neo Olde Tokyo”…
: “The Steel Samurai”… that action hero on TV?
: Yeah, you see that strap is a collector’s item… She… was worried it might get lost if it went down to the precinct.
: That what she said?
: Um. Yes.
: …
: Okay, pal. I wrote down all the numbers she called anyway. Here you go.

Convergence.

: (Seems he didn’t notice the recorded conversation… I guess I’ve asked all the questions I need to.)
: You all done, pal?
: Um, yes, thank you. I’ll be heading out now.
: Oh, wait. One more thing I wanted to mention to you. I don’t suppose you’re planning on talking to that witness. Anyway, you’d better not!
: No influencing the witness with your lawyerly ways, pal!
: …

: The… witness?
: Yeah, Miss April May.
: I’m sorry 'bout this… But I can’t tell you anything about her!
: (Well, you just told me her name. Miss May, huh?) So you’ve sent her home already, then?
: Ahah! You’re trying your lawyerly tricks on me now! She’s not to go outside her room until the trial!
: (So… she’s still in the hotel across the way.) I guess I should know better than to try to get a detective to leak information.
: You got that right, pal!
: (Time to pay a visit to Miss May!)

Next time: Miss April May

@Connecticut General Statutes

“Private military force” […] includes any group of five or more persons organized or associated together in a camp, group, organization, company, association or society, or in any other manner, for the purpose of drilling or maneuvering with firearms or other dangerous weapons, or with imitations, copies or replicas thereof, or for the purpose of giving or acquiring military training or experience; but said term “private military force” shall not include any military or police units of the United States or of any state or territory, or of any political subdivision of any state or territory, […] or any society or fraternal organization which features a uniform or costume with side-arms or replicas thereof for display purposes only, or The Boy Scouts of America, The Catholic Boys Brigade of the United States, Inc., or troops of a foreign government whose admission to the United States has been consented to by the federal or state government, or any person acting or appearing in any theater, motion picture or television production while actually engaged in representing therein military or naval characters or scenes.

[morsrattus]

Case 2- Turnabout Sisters
Investigation - Part 3

We left off deciding to go talk to the witness, April May.

: Umm… hi. (Smooth, Wright, real smooth.)
: You’re the lawyer, aren’t you? The detective told me… He said, “Don’t say nothing to that lawyer, pal!” Tee hee!
: (Memo to self: thank Detective Gumshoe for making my job harder.)
: Gee! This is all like something out of a movie! It’s all so exciting I can hardly contain myself! Oooh! Let me go freshen up so I can look the part of the beautiful eyewitness!

At least it gives us a chance to poke around.

: A simple bed. It’s been recently made. Nothing eye-catching here.

: A bottle and two glasses are on the table. Somebody must be staying with her.

: The late summer sunlight streams through the window. There’s the Fey & Co. Law Offices building, of course. You can see the inside of the room pretty clearly from here. I think it would be a little difficult to recognize a face from this distance, though.

: Ah. A still-scene painting. Wait, should that be “still life”? Whatever. One of those is hanging on the wall.

: The flowers are fake, as expected. I know sunflowers and tulips, but that’s about the extent of my floral knowledge.

: (There’s a screwdriver stuck in this drawer. I wonder what’s inside? Let’s take a look…)

: Oooh. Bad boy!
: Y-you really shouldn’t pry around in other people’s rooms, now. You wouldn’t want to make me upset, would you?
: (Upset!? I thought she was going to explode for a second there! I wonder what could be inside the drawer?)

Now we get to try and question Miss May.

: Do you think you could tell me something? I need you to describe what you observed at the time of the incident.
: Ooh. “Observe,” “incident”! You sound just like a lawyer in the movies! I like a man with a big… vocabulary.
: (Umm… gulp Better not encourage her.) Er… you know that thing that occur… um… happened the other day? The bad thing? What did you see when it happened? I don’t suppose you could tell me about it? Pretty please?
: Let me see… Um, well… Dream on! If you want to know, you’ll just have to come to the court tomorrow, Mr. Lawyer!
: (Oh boy.)

: Um, could you… just who exactly are you?
: Oooh, Mr. Lawyer! Are you hitting on me?
: N-n-no! Hey! I’m just doing my job here!
: Tee hee! You know, you’re cute when you blush.
: (Believe me, this is the first time in my life I’ve blushed this much…) Umm… eh heh. Right… can you just tell me what it is you do?
: Well… No! Tee hee! And you had your little hopes up, didn’t you!
: (Oh boy.)

: I see there are two glasses on the table. Is someone staying here with you?
: Oooh! What amazing powers of observation! You must be one of those famous detectives, like on television!
: Oh, no, not me, I’m, er, just a lawyer!
: Say, Mr. Big Detective, why don’t you go look for clues… in the garbage? Hmm? Miss May doesn’t like nosey little lawyers… Hmph!
: (Oh boy.)

Ah, what the hell, let’s show her our badge. Maybe it’ll help!

: Excuse me, but I’m a witness? Police witness? You understand? How could I possibly give you any information in good conscience, hmm? Me… “the witness”! It’s just like the movie!

(It never helps.)

So we might as well go do what we promised we would.

: (Well, maybe I should just wait here for him to come back.)

: (If that wasn’t the most over-the-top clearing of the throat I’ve ever heard!)

: Uh… y-yes, that’s me! (He looks even… grander than I imagined!)
: Hmm…? That badge on your collar…? Ah, so you’re a lawyer, are you now?
: Y-yes, well… yes.
: And what do you want? I’m not particularly busy these days… Please, proceed!
: (Not busy…? Then how come no one could get in touch with you?)
: Hmm? Something the matter? You came to see the one-and-only Marvin Grossberg, did you not? Well, here I am, boy! What do you want? Out with it!
: Um… w-well, sir, actually, it’s about Maya. Maya Fey.

: Ah… yes. Maya Fey. Go on.
: (Hmm? Why the strange reaction?)
: A-cha-cha. I’m really quite busy here, son. I can’t go taking cases on a day’s notice! No, it’s quite impossible.
: W-wait a second! How did you know the trial was tomorrow!?
: Urk? Ahem!
: A-anyway… I’m afraid it’s entirely impossible for me to represent her. Sorry. End of discussion.
: (What’s going on!? He refused me before I even got a chance to ask him! What do I tell Maya…?)

That’ll wait until we poke around some.

: A table for clients. Hmm… an elegant ebony case, and if I’m not mistaken, that lighter’s made of solid gold. Even I can tell someone here’s got money to burn.

: An expensive potted plant. No idea what kind of plant it is, but it’s probably the most expensive one available.

: A solid mahogany desk. The wood’s been polished to a deep luster.

: Expensive-looking mahogany bookshelves, filled with expensive-looking books. Hmm… funny… they don’t look like they’ve ever been read.

: That painting has been bugging me ever since I stepped in here. The oil paint is so thick it’s practically giving me a stuffed nose. I’m sure the price is nothing to sneeze at either, for that matter.

Now, we get to question Grossberg.

: How can you just refuse like that! Please, tell me why you won’t take the case!
: Hmm? Eh, ahem! Well, you see it’s just… I’m busy, you see!
: But the client is Mia Fey’s sister!
: Hmm… ahem.
: Mia trusted you… She knew her sister would be in good hands.
: Yes, yes, of course I know that. However! I’m sorry but, I must refuse. Sorry. Good-bye.
: Creep. Fine. I don’t have time to argue with you anyway. I’ll go look elsewhere.
: grumble… Think not.
: Huh? did you say something?
: I think not, I said.
: Wh-what do you mean?
: I’m terribly, terribly sorry. But I’m afraid that no lawyer worth their salt will take on this particular case. Terribly sorry, m’boy.
: Why!?
: I… I cannot say. … I beg your pardon, but could you leave? Now? I’ve nothing more to discuss with you.
: (What’s going on here!?)

: How did you know Mia Fey…?
: … She… worked here. A long time ago. Quite the apprentice, that one. Learned my techniques in the blink of an eye. She left one day, quite suddenly… She had a mission, you see.
: A “mission”?
: You could see it in her eyes. She followed it with a burning passion. Never looked back, that one.

: That’s… quite a painting.
: Ahah! You noticed! It’s my pride and joy! Impressive, isn’t it? Well? ISN’T IT?

: It’s worth at least three million. I have no intention of parting with it, of course. No, I won’t sell it! Not even to you!
: (I wasn’t interested…)
: It’s not for sale!
: I’m not buying! i[/i]

And we try the badge…

: Very sorry, but I’ve got nothing to say regarding this matter.

Time to go tell Maya.

: Hiya.
: Oh! You’re back! Did you find the lawyer?
: Um… well… (What do I tell her?) Well, see… (Just be honest!) I… I really don’t think you should use that guy. He… didn’t seem healthy. He was all skin and bones!
: … What really happened?
: …
: You don’t mean… He refused to help?
: Urp.
: …
: I see. I’ve been abandoned, then.

We at least have some new conversation to have.

: What about your family?
: I only had my sister. My father died when I was very young. And I don’t know where my mother is.
: (Don’t know…? So she could still be alive?)

: The women in my family have been mediums for generations. They say that E.S.P. runs in our blood. About fifteen years ago, our family was involved in an… incident.
: There was a man, and he… he… He ruined our mother’s life.
: i[/i]
: After that, she disappeared.
: Several years after that, my sister announced she would “become a lawyer” and she left the mountain.
: … So, you live by yourself?
: Yes. I’ve gotten used to it. Oh, also… I had to become independent, or I would lose my E.S.P.!
: (I feel bad for her, all by herself up on that mountain…)

: So, who was this man who, um, “ruined” your mother?
: About 15 years ago… there was an unusual murder case. It made quite a stir, everyone was talking about it, apparently. The police were running out of leads, and they were getting desperate…
: Wait… they didn’t use a spirit medium, did they?
: The police convinced my mother to try to contact the victim.
: Wow… So, what happened?
: The case was solved… we thought.
: You “thought”…?
: The man my mother helped the police capture was innocent.
: …!
: The police’s consultation with a medium had all been carried out in secret, of course. But…
: A man found out about it and leaked it to the press. He told all the papers that my mother was a fraud, and the media jumped on it big time.
: She… my mother… became the laughing stock of the nation.
: I see.
: … White…
: Excuse me? White?
: That was his name. My sister told me.
: White? Hmm…
: Just a little longer now before the state-appointed lawyer comes, I guess…
: … (4:00 PM. Time’s up. What should I do?)

: (There’s nothing left here for me to do… She’ll be better off with a state-appointed lawyer.) I think I’d better get home now.
: Good-bye.

: The result of the trial was in the newspaper. “Guilty.” I’ll probably never meet her again. Did I make the right choice? Will I ever know? Mia… if you can hear me, please, tell me! …

: I’m not leaving here until she takes me as her lawyer!

From here, things play out the way they would from the other path.

: I’ve made up my mind! I’m going to defend you whether you want me to or not!

: Why?

: … (No one is as sad as a person without any friends.)

: You aren’t the culprit! Someone else is!
: H-how do you know?
: I, um, I have a hunch… (Given the evidence, it would be easy to assume that Maya was the killer. But there’s something about this whole thing that smells… fishy.)

: To be honest, I don’t know.
: You don’t know?
: (Is this girl sitting in front of me the killer? All the evidence seems to say “yes.” But there’s something about this whole thing that smells fishy.)

Convergence.

: (I know… I’ve been there. A long time ago.)

: (Because someone has to look out for the people who have no one on their side.)

: There’s only one thing I know for certain. I won’t abandon you. You can count on me.
: … That’s so kind of you…
: sniff… …

We fade to black for a moment.

: Let’s fight this one and get you out of here!
: R-right! Thank you!
: (Whew, she smiled at last. She looks like an entirely different person!) One last question… You are innocent, right?

: And I trust you… So you trust me, too, okay?
: It’s a deal. (So, what next… There’s something that’s been bugging me…)

: (It was when I tried to look into the drawer that she got all defensive. There has to be something in there!)

Better go check it out!

: Excuse me, you are…?
: Ah, I beg your pardon, sir! I am the bellboy of this establishment, at your service, sir.
: Oh, right.
: I’ve just come up to deliver room service, sir.
: Um… do you know where Miss May might be?
: Ah. I believe our guest Miss May is currently using the, er, facilities…? If you’ve no need of anything, I’ll be taking my leave. Please, stay as long as you like. Enjoy…
: Yeah…

: … (Why does it seem like every time I come here, I end up embarrassing myself? Wait… now’s my chance to snoop around a bit!)

: Gah! Y-you came back quick!
: Might I ask you to inform Miss May that there is a message for her? Please tell her that Mr. White, of Bluecorp phoned.
: Oh, right. Sure. (Mr. White… of Bluecorp? Where have I heard that name?)

: That was his name. My sister told me.

: (Could it be a coincidence?)

Well, let’s take a look at that drawer.

: There’s a screwdriver sticking out of that half-open drawer. Now’s my chance to see what’s inside! …! What do we have here!

: What would a woman like her be doing with a thing like this? There is definitely something suspicious about this “Miss May”!

: Why would she have something like this in her hotel room? There’s a story behind all this, I know it! Alright… I’ll be using this bit of evidence in tomorrow’s trial, that’s for sure. For Maya’s sake…

: (Uh oh, time to scram! I look forward to tangoing with you tomorrow, Miss May! In court!)

Next time: Court!

[quote=California Fish and Game Code, Subsections 6880-6885]As used in this article, “frog-jumping contest” means a contest generally and popularly known as a frog-jumping contest which is open to the public and is advertised or announced in the newspaper.
Frogs to be used in frog-jumping contests shall be governed by this article only. Frogs to be so used may be taken at any time and without a license or permit.
If the means used for taking such frogs can, as normally used, seriously injure the frog, it shall be conclusively presumed the taking is not for the purposes of a frog-jumping contest.
Any person may possess any number of live frogs to use in frog-jumping contests, but if such a frog dies or is killed, it must be destroyed as soon as possible, and may not be eaten or otherwise used for any purpose.
A frog which is not kept in a manner which is reasonable to preserve its life is not within the coverage of this article.[/quote]

[morsrattus]

(this is filler to day 2)

[morsrattus]

(this is also filler)

[morsrattus]

Case 2- Turnabout Sisters
Court - Part 1

: The court is now in session for the trial of Ms. Maya Fey.

: The defense is ready, Your Honor. (Miles Edgeworth… I’d better not show any signs of weakness today, or he’ll be on me in an instant.)
: Mr. Edgeworth. Please give the court your opening statement.
: Thank you, Your Honor. The defendant, Ms. Maya Fey, was at the scene of the crime. The prosecution has evidence she committed this murder… and we have a witness who saw her do it. The prosecution sees no reason to doubt the facts of this case, Your Honor.
: I see.
: Thank you, Mr. Edgeworth. Let’s begin then.

Little error on the game’s part there.

: The prosecution calls the chief officer at the scene, Detective Gumshoe!

: Witness, please state your name and profession to the court.
: Sir! My name’s Dick Gumshoe, sir! I’m the detective in charge of homicides down at the precinct, sir!
: Detective Gumshoe. Please, describe for us the details of this murder.
: Very well, sir! Let me use this floor map of hte office to explain.

: And the cause of death?
: Loss of blood due to being struck by a blunt object, sir!

: The court accepts the statue as evidence.
: (They’re still calling it a “statue”…)

And while we’re in here…

’

: Y-yes sir!
: You immediately arrested Ms. Maya Fey, who was found at the scene, correct? Can you tell me why?
: Yes sir! I had hard evidence she did it, sir!
: Hmm. Detective Gumshoe. Please testify to the court about this “hard evidence.”

: Hmm… The very moment, you say. Very well. Mr. Wright, you may begin your cross-examination.
: Y-yes, Your Honor. (Cross-examine what…?)
: (I couldn’t see a single contradiction in that testimony…)

: (Hey! Maya just threw something at me…)

: (“When my sister couldn’t find any contradictions in a witness’s testimony she would bluff it and press the witness on every detail! The witness always slips up and says something wrong… It worked lots of times!” Heh… I should have expected Maya would know some of her sister’s tricks! Alright. Let’s give this a try!)
: Something the matter?
: No, Your Honor. I’d like to begin my cross-examination.

: Who did you say you got a call from?
: Hey pal, don’t play dumb! You know who!
: The call was from a customer at the Gatewater Hotel, right across from the crime scene!
: (Hmm… okay, I pressed. Not sure it did much, though.)
: Right. Please continue.

: Detective Gumshoe, how long would you say it took, between you receiving the call, and your arrival at the scene of the crime?
: Hmm, right… I’d say it was about 3 minutes!
: Th-that’s pretty fast!
: Our motto this month is “quick response”!
: That’s how I got there before the killer got away!
: Indeed! So, tell us who the two people you found on the scene were.
: Yes sir!

: Are you absolutely sure it was us?
: Listen pal, your dumb act will only get you so far!
: With her funky hippie clothes and your spiky hair?
: You two stand out like… like suspicious people at a crime scene!
: (Well… he does have a point about her. She is pretty unmistakeable.)
: (I should pick my points to press with a little more care…)

: Why’s that? What’s your reason?

Pressing either of these statements moves us on, so we’ll hold off a bit. Instead, we loop.

: (I can’t see a single contradiction in there!)
: (I’ll just have to take Maya’s advice and press him on anything suspicious!)

Okay, back.

: Hold on just one second!
: Y-yeah?
: If I heard correctly…

: Huh?
: Did… did I say that? Me?
: I heard you say it!
: You did say it.
: You said it.

: Wh-what!? Miss May isn’t suspicious, and she sure isn’t pink, pal!

: That’s enough, Detective Gumshoe.
: Do you have any more solid proof other than her claims, Detective?
: Umm…
: (Hmm! I guess pressing can have its advantages!)
: …
: Yes.
: i[/i]
: Sorry, I got the order of things mixed up in my testimony, Your Honor Sir!
: There was something I should have told you about first, Your Honor!
: Very well, Detective. Let’s hear your testimony again.

: Hmm…
: Before we begin cross-examination, I have a question for you, Detective.
: Y-Your Honor?
: Why didn’t you testify about this vital piece of evidence the first time!?
: Ah… eh… I know. I’m real embarrassed I forgot about it, Your Honor Sir.
: Try to be more careful!
: Very well, the defense may begin its cross-examination.

: And did you find any evidence?
: Now, now, don’t jump the gun on me, pal. Just listen. I’m getting to the good part!
: (I got a bad feeling about this…)

: Just because you found it next to the body doesn’t mean the victim wrote it!
: Ho hoh! Then who did write it, smarty-pants?

: Th-the killer! Anyone can see that!
: Hoh.
: You’re saying the killer wrote her OWN name!? Buddy, please!
: She was framed!

: Hold on.

: Ah… (Urk! Argh!)

: Those without evidence shouldn’t open their mouths, Mr. Wright.
: Yeah, pal!

: Well… it could have been the witness, Miss May!

: Hold on.

: Try pulling the other leg, Mr. Wright!
: Yeah, and while you’re at it, pull mine too, pal!
: i[/i]

: It… it could have been me!
: What! S-so it was you!

: Can you prove it wasn’t?

: Hold on. So, you admit to this?

: Uh…
: Listen to me, Mr. Wright. This is a court of law, and I expect you to refrain from making thoughtless statements!
: Amateur!
: i[/i]

Convergence.

: Do you have proof it was Mia who wrote that!?
: Of course I do, pal!
: (Uh oh… he sounded pretty confident. This might not be good…)

: What kind of “tests” were these again?
: Huh? What kind? Umm… well… I hear they take the, um, little bits in the blood, the… er… hemo… hemogl… Hermo… goblins… hobgob… Er…? Herma-goblin bobbin…
: I-I refuse to testify on this matter, sir! I’m no expert on blood tests!
: Yes, that was quite clear. You may continue with your testimony.
: Th-thanks, pal. I mean Your Honor Sir.
: Detective Gumshoe.
: Y-yeah?
: I think you can expect a pleasant bonus in your next pay check.
: Oh? Oh hoh hoh.
: (That was a mess…)
: Right! Where was I?

: On which hand was the bloody finger, Detective?
: The right hand!
: (Hmm… she WAS right handed…)
: Hah hah hah! Nice try!
: (Uh oh… I guess it wasn’t too hard to see what I was getting at there.)

: Detective Gumshoe! Do you get a lot of cases where the victim actually writes the killer’s name?
: Sure! It happens all the time in books and the movies!
: This isn’t a movie, Detective.
: Oof!
: Let’s talk about reality, shall we?
: Umm… I guess, I haven’t heard of many cases… no.
: Don’t you find it a little odd that the victim would write down a name? Especially the name of her own sister?
: Ah, yeah, actually, you got a point, pal.

: Stop right there.
: The witness’s opinion on the matter is irrelevant! The facts are clear: the victim wrote down the name of the accused…
: The victim told us the name of her killer!

: Order! Order!
: (That didn’t go so well…)
: Th-that’s right! What he said!

Loop.

: (That’s his whole testimony… Okay, there has to be a contradiction in there somewhere. Let’s find it!)

Can you find it?

Next time: We find it.

[quote=Delaware Code Ann. title 11, Section 1004]A person is guilty of advertising marriage in another state when the person erects any sign or billboard, or publishes or distributes any material giving information relative to the performance of marriage in another state.
Advertising marriage in another state is a violation. In addition, a peace officer of this State may seize and destroy any sign, billboard or material which the officer observes in violation of this section.[/quote]

[morsrattus]

Case 2- Turnabout Sisters
Court - Part 2

Time to find the contradiction.

: Detective Gumshoe! There’s one thing I want you to clarify for me here.

: That she was accusing the defendant, Maya Fey? That’s really what you’re saying?
: Wh-what? This isn’t one of those lawyer tricks, now, is it?
: Of course she wrote it! Who else could have?

: B-backwards?

: The victim is the only person who absolutely could NOT have written it!

: “Immediate death due to a blow from a blunt object.”
: She died immediately!
: But…!
: No “but”-ing your way out of this one, Detective!

: Order! Order! The defense has a point. Someone who died immediately wouldn’t have the time to write anything down.

: Mr. Wright. I beg your pardon, but when exactly did you obtain that autopsy report?

: I… I’m pretty sure it was the day of the murder.
: You’re wrong there, pal! We didn’t write an autopsy report 'til the day after!
: Oh. Right.

: I’m… sorry, I forgot.
: Hah! Forgot, you say?
: It was the day after the murder, Your Honor Sir. I was the one who handed it to him myself! Personally!
: Oh. R-right.

: It was the day after the murder…

Convergence.

: The prosecution’s point being…?

: Wh-what!?

: “Death was almost immediate due to a blow from a blunt object… But there is a possibility the victim lived for several minutes after the blow.”
: I received these results this morning.

: Your Honor! It’s quite easy to imagine that the victim did have time to write “Maya”!

: I see!
: (Damn you, Edgeworth!)
: (I should have known you’d have something up your sleeve!)
: Why, Mr. Wright, you look shocked!

: Mr. Edgeworth… I’ve heard there’s nothing you won’t do to get your verdict…

: Mr. Wright! The defense will refrain from personal attacks on the prosecution!
: No matter, Your Honor…
: Mr. Wright. Say what you will, the evidence in this report is undeniable.

: Detective Gumshoe! You’re a sham!
: How could you give me a faulty report!?
: Huh? I-I thought…
: Detective Gumshoe.
: Urp!
: I’m disappointed in you, handing him the wrong report like that.
: Eh…? I… I’m sorry, sir.
: You are at fault, Detective.
: This isn’t going to look good on your evaluation next month.
: W-what? B-but… sigh

: Detective Gumshoe. Are you calling me a fool because I believed your report?
: Huh? Me? I-I’m not… huh?
: Detective Gumshoe.
: Urp!
: I’m disappointed in you, handing him the wrong report like that.
: Eh…? I… I’m sorry, sir.
: You are at fault, Detective.
: This isn’t going to look good on your evaluation next month.
: W-what? B-but… sigh

Convergence.

: Your Honor, I submit this report to the court.
: U-understood. The court accepts this evidence.

: Well, Your Honor? The evidence strongly suggests the victim was identifying the killer.
: I suppose that’s the obvious conclusion, yes.

: (Darn! This isn’t good!)
: The prosecution would like to call its next witness.
: This poor, innocent girl saw the murder with her own eyes!

: Let the witness Miss April May take the stand.
: (Exactly what part of her is “innocent”…?)

: Witness, your name, please.

: Order! An introduction should not require any reaction from the crowd!

Whoops. Wanton, I think, is the word you wanted there.

: (This is not good… She’s already captured the heart of every man in the court!)
: Tell us, where were you on the night of September 5, when the murder occurred?
: Um… gee… I was, like, in my hotel room? Tee hee.
: I checked in right after lunch.
: And this hotel is directly across from the Fey & Co. Law Offices?
: Mmm… that’s right, big boy.
: Please testify to the court about what you saw.

: Hmm…
: Well, Your Honor?
: I see. It is a remarkably solid testimony.
: I don’t see a need to trouble the witness any…
: W-wait, Your Honor!
: Yes, Mr. Wright?
: What about my cross-examination!?
: I thought the witness’s testimony just now was quite… firm. Didn’t you?
: Mr. Wright… I understand you were Ms. Mia Fey’s understudy, were you not? You must know her techniques well.
: Her cowardly way of finding tiny faults in perfectly good testimonies…
: H-hey! How dare you!

: No… you’re right. I guess there wouldn’t be much point.
: Heh heh heh. I’m glad you saw the error of your ways so soon! Your Honor.

: (Wh-what? That’s it!?)
: Very well.
: W-wait! Hold on!
: Yes, Mr. Wright? Changed your mind? Will you cross-examine the witness?
: Yes yes yes! (I’d better, or I’ll lose on the spot!)

: I’ll gladly proceeed with the cross-examination. (If only because I have a feeling Edgeworth doesn’t want me to!)
: (She has to have some weakness!)

Convergence.

: Very well, you may begin your cross-examination!

: Why did you do that?
: Huh? “Why”? Like, why what?
: Why did you look out the window? Were you expecting to see something?
: Oh, well, um… gee!
: (What? That’s it? She can’t get out of this question that easily!)
: I sort of, y’know.
: I had a feeling!
: (Well, I have a feeling she’s trying to avoid the question!)

There’s nothing of interest from backing down on this one.

: (Let’s see how far I can run with this…)
: Surely, you must have had a reason to look out yout window at that time of night!
: I… oooh!

: Mr. Wright! I will not have you badgering my witness!
: B-badgering?
: You insist on needling her with these trivial questions.
: I really don’t think it should be allowed.

: Order!
: Mr. Wright, you have been warned.
: (Poor girl!? What about poor me!?)

We do not, however, lose any of our exclamation marks.

: You looked out the window. What did you see next?

: The woman with long hair… that was Mia Fey?
: Um-hmm! Slender, sort of, well, some people might say pretty, if that’s your thing.
: (Your… thing?)
: And the person attacking her?

: How do you know she was the defendant?
: Huh? Well… y’know! S-she had a girlish physique. Women know these things.
: Look… I-I just know, okay?
: There was only one person at the scene of the crime with a short, girlish figure.
: The testimony is bulletproof, Your Honor.

While this smells, we’ll go with it for this second.

: (Her testimony certainly does make sense… And everyone in the court keeps siding with her.)
: (I’d better not press too hard on this one.)
: So then, tell us what happened to the victim.

: She “dodged”? Dodged what!?
: Well… the attack!
: Please, continue your testimony.

: How did you know it was my client!?
: Huh? Well, I… gee!
: First of all, she had a girl’s physique! And, and secondly, she was… she was small!
: Who else could it be but her!

Again, just for now, we’ll accept this.

: (Her testimony certainly does make sense… And everyone in the court keeps siding with her. I’d better not press too hard on this one.)
: (Maybe I should just listen to the testimony again.)

Loop.

: (Hmm… that’s it? Nothing really jumps out as a contradiction…)
: (There’s go to be something in there somewhere!)
: (Maybe I’d better just press her on the facts a bit!)

So, back to what we passed up…

This entire girlish physique thing is nonsense.

: Hold on a minute! That testimony stinks!
: W-What!?

: Did you really see the defendant at all!?

: Are you telling the truth? Did you really see the defendant!?

Convergence.

: Urp!

: Mr. Wright! What’s the meaning of this?
: Yes, what is the meaning! Somebody tell me because I’m clueless! About this, I mean!
: Okay… If you had really witnessed my client, Maya Fey…
: You would have noticed her clothes before noticing her physique!

: …!

: And I’m no expert on fashion, but her hairdo looks far from normal to me!
: However, the witness’s testimony mentions neither of these things!
: The testimony is bogus!
: But… but!
: Still, we don’t know if she was dressed that way the night of the murder…
: She was, Your Honor!

: And so did Detective Gumshoe!
: What do you say to that, Miss May?
: Rowr! What are you trying to say, you mean lawyer!
: I-I saw what I saw.
: I… just didn’t think all the trifling little details were necessary, darling.
: Miss May. The court would like to remind you to please omit nothing in your testimony.

: Your testimony again, if you would.
: (Damn, I almost had her!)

: I… see.
: I only wish you had been so detailed from the beginning. Please begin the cross-examination.

: So, you saw me then, too?
: Of course! I’d remember that spiky hair anywhere!
: i[/i]
: The witness will refrain from personal attacks on the defense attorney.

: Very well… continue.

: Is that “right” as in your right, as you looked from the hotel?
: Um…which hand do I hold my knife in again…?
: Right! It was my right hand! Right?
: Satisfied, Mr. Wright? Please continue.

: How convenient for you to remember her “hippie” clothes!
: That’s what you–I mean, that’s what she was wearing!
: Oh, and her hair was all done up like a bun!
: i[/i]
: What happened then?

: Where did this weapon come from?
: She picked it up from the desk!
: I see. What sort of weapon was it?

: A… clock?
: (Didn’t this come up in another testimony recently…?)
: W-well? Don’t look so sour, Mr. Lawyer. You can’t win them all.
: (No… but I have a feeling I’m on to something now!)

Loop.

: (Her previous testimony must have been what Edgeworth wanted her to say… So this was the testimony in her own words…?)
: (Time to press and squeeze the truth out of her! Figuratively, of course.)

Next time: Contradiction! Can you spot it?

@Georgia Code Ann.

Any person who shall sell, apprentice, give away, let out, or otherwise dispose of any minor under 12 years of age to any person for the vocation, occupation, or service of rope or wire walking, begging, or as a gymnast, contortionist, circus rider, acrobat, or clown, or for any indecent, obscene, or immoral exhibition, practice, or purpose shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

[morsrattus]

Case 2- Turnabout Sisters
Court - Part 3

: Miss May. What you said just now was quite… revealing.

: Revealing? Oooh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you. Naughty Mr. Lawyer…

: But there’s no way of knowing that just by looking at it!
: Urp!
: Another person in much the same position as you recently called this a “clock,” too…
: And he was found guilty… of murder!

: Order! Order!
: Miss May. Can you explain how you know this was a clock?
: Oooh… urp!

: The witness saw the murder with her own eyes! That’s all that’s important here!
: The defense is trying to confuse the issue with trivial concerns!
: Yes… yes, of course. You will withdraw your question, Mr. Wright.

: But questions are all I have, Your Honor! And as you may recall, I’ve caught murderers with these questions before! (Well, only once…)
: … …

: Objection sustained. You may continue to question the witness.
: (Whew, that was close.)
: (If he stopped me there, the trial would be over!)
: Huh? What? So… what happens now?
: What happens now is you answer my question! How did you know it was a clock?
: What…! Th-that’s…
: …Because… I heard it?
: Yes! I heard it say the time!
: So, you’ve been to the law offices of Fey & Co.!
: N-n-no! Hey, I didn’t say that! Why would I go there! I heard from my hotel room. Hee hee!
: The law offices of Fey & Co., where the murder took place, are very close to the hotel. She could easily have heard the clock!
: Hmm. Well, Mr. Wright? Are you satisfied?
: No, Your Honor! (I can’t give up now!)

: You were at the hotel! There’s no way you could have heard a clock go off in the building next door!

: You have proof that she could not?
: Uh…
: Amateurs, amateurs. Listen to me, Mr. Wright.
: In the courtroom, proof is everything. Without it, you have nothing. You ARE nothing.
: Then I would like to propose a test to see if she really could have heard…
: The prosecution denies your request!
: Wh-what!? On what grounds?
: This is a trivial matter with no direct bearing on the case at hand!
: Indeed. Objection sustained.
: (Damn! Time to switch directions… quick!)
: Ready to proceed, Mr. Wright?

: Your Honor, members of the court…

: That clock is missing its clockwork!

: H-how could you possibly…?
: Just have a look… As soon as you can!

: Oh!
: See anything interesting, Your Honor?
: It is as the defense says!
: This clock is missing its clockwork! It’s quite empty!

: I-I think it’s broken! That clock’s busted!
: You “think”?
: J-just look at it! Your Honor, please examine the clock!

: Oh!
: See anything interesting, Your Honor?
: Well, I’m not sure I would call this “broken,” but I doubt it could ring…!
: This clock is missing its clockwork! It’s quite empty!

: The batteries on that clock must be dead!
: “Must be,” Mr. Wright?
: Your Honor, if you would inspect the clock…!

: …
: Oh!
: Well, Your Honor? Are they…?
: This clock has graver problems than dead batteries!
: This clock is missing its clockwork! It’s quite empty!

Convergence.

: Mr. Wright! Would you care to explain to the court the meaning of this?
: It is as you can see. The “clock” was empty. It couldn’t have rung!

: is a big, fat liar!
: F-fat!?
: Well, Miss May?
: Tsk tsk.
: ?
: Quite a show you’ve put on for us, Mr. Wright.
: (He knew the clock was empty! Somehow… he knew!)
: I’m afraid you’ve forgotten one thing, however. Indeed, the clock is empty. As you say… it can’t ring. However, we must ask: when was the clockwork removed?
: If it was after the witness heard the clock, then there is no contradiction!
: ! Hmm! That’s true. That is a possibility.
: The clock might have been emptied after she heard it.
: And that is exactly what happened, Your Honor!
: Well, Mr. Wright? Can you prove when the clockwork was removed?
: Ho hoh! Impossible, of course…
: I have proof.
: W-what!?
: Wasn’t it you who told me “proof is everything”? Well, I was listening.
: And now I’ll show you the “proof” you like so much!

Can you guess it?

: Hmm. That’s a very cute cell phone.
: Ooh hoo! you have a girlie phone!
: W-wait! Wait! This isn’t my phone!
: Listen! This is the defendant’s cell phone, and it contains a recording…
: A recording of a conversation she had with the victim on the day of the murder!

: Order! Order!

: Perhaps Detective Gumshoe overlooked it?
: grumble (The good detective better remember he’s up for evaluation soon…)
: (My heart goes out to you, Edgeworth. Not.)
: Let’s hear the conversation.

: So you just want me to hold on to “The Thinker” for you, then?
: If you could. Ah… I should probably tell you, the clock isn’t talking right now.
: Huh? It’s not working? That’s lame!
: I had to take the clockwork out, sorry.

: Your Honor, I think this recording makes it clear that the clockwork was already gone…
: and this was recorded in the morning, before the witness even arrived at her hotel!
: Muh… muh… muh!?
: Well, Miss May? Would you care to explain this to the court?

: Just how did you know that weapon was a clock!?
: … W-well…!
: Well, isn’t it o-obvious?
: I saw that clock before!
: Um… what store was that again? I-I go to so many!

: So the witness had seen it before. That would make sense.

: Oh right… well, if she had seen it before, I guess… (Wait a second!)
: Then, the court would like–
: Hold on! P-please wait, Your Honor!
: Y-yes…? So you do have an objection?
: Um, yes, well…
: Mr. Wright!
: Sorry, Your Honor, it’s just…

And we get to where we’d have been if…

: The witness claims she had “seen it before.” But this directly contradicts a piece of evidence already submitted to this court!
: Well then, let’s see it.

And here’s your chance to guess.

: It’s simple.
: This clock was never in any store, ever!
: W-whaaat!?
: A friend of mine made that clock. Only two exist in the world. And the one that isn’t here is in police custody!
: I-impossible! Everything is sold in stores!
: Miss May, I think it’s high time you went shopping for a better excuse…?
: Mmpf…
: Oh? Excuses not on sale today?

: That stupid clock doesn’t matter, okay!? She did it! and she should die for it! Die!

: W-w-whoa! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is a court of law, and the witness will remain calm!

: Oh! Oh? Oh hoh ho! S-silly me! grunt Did I, um, like… lose it?

: i[/i]
: Miss May, let me ask.
: Tell me, how did you know the weapon was a clock?

: Hmm… oh dear.
: Does the defense have an opinion on this… behavior?
: (Okay, this is it!) Yes, Your Honor. Allow me to explain how I see the truth of the matter.

: (This is familiar territory. I’ll just use the same approach as with Larry.)
: Miss May held that very clock in her hands!
: Mr. Wright! When was this!?
: When she used it to strike the victim! When else?

: Order! Order!
: Mr. Wright! What is the meaning of this!?
: April May, you killed Mia Fey, I say! And when you struck, the force of the impact made “The Thinker” ring! That’s when you heard it!

: …
: Tsk tsk. You truly are a work of art, Mr. Phoenix Wright.
: W-what’s that supposed to mean!?
: It was you who just proved that “The Thinker” was empty!
: Oh… (Urk! Of course it wouldn’t ring!)
: What’s more, the witness has a rock-solid alibi.
: Miss May? Perhaps you could explain to the poor, misguided Mr. Wright? You were in the hotel at the time of the murder.
: (S-she can’t prove it! She did it!)
: It would be MY pleasure!

: N-no way!
: Yes way, Mr. Lawyer.
: Tee hee? Didn’t the murder take place at 9:00 at night?
: Gee, that’s the exact time I ordered some room service from the hotel bellboy!
: Incidentally, the bellboy corroborates the witness’s story.
: Ergo, she was not at the crime scene! Rock solid!

: Mr. Wright! You’ve just made a serious accusation to perfectly innocent woman!
: S-sorry, Your Honor. (That… didn’t go so well. But, if that’s the case… Then how did she know “The Thinker was a clock!?”)
: (… Wait!)
: Your Honor, I figured it out! There is one other way Miss April May could have known it was a clock!
: One way alone! And I have proof!
: Well… proof, you say?
: Then, the court will examine your proof, Mr. Wright.

: The witness had never held the clock in her hand! However she had heard that it was a clock!
: She “heard”…?
: That is correct, Your Honor. There is no other way she could have known “The Thinker” was a clock!
: And I can show you the proof!
: Well, this is interesting. Let’s see it, then.

And we essentially converge, if on slightly different wording. Can you figure out?

Next time: Proof.

quote=Georgia Code Ann., Section 40-6-311 A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto; and such operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless such motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.
(b) A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on either side of the motorcycle.
© No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle, or other article which prevents him from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
(d) No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.
(e) No person shall operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he shall wear some type of footwear in addition to or other than socks.[/quote]

[morsrattus]

Case 2- Turnabout Sisters
Court - Part 4

When we left off…

: Ah! Oooh!
: Th-that!? Eh heh…
: I found this in Miss May’s room.

: Mr. Wright! Please explain to the court what this is!
: Miss April May?
: You were tapping the victim, Ms. Mia Fey’s phone, were you not?
: Oooh. Oooooh!

: Your Honor, This is irrelevant!

Capitalization mistake is in the source. Whoops!

: I’m not entirely sure that it is. Objection overruled. It troubles that me that our witness was in possession of a wiretap.
: This is outrageous! Does the defense truly claim that the witness was tapping her phone?
: Absolutely!
: Even if that was the case, (which it’s not) you still have to prove one thing! Did the victim ever say that the weapon was a clock on the phone?

: Here’s my proof.

Can you guess it?

: Yes, we’ve seen that.
: Listen once more to the conversation between the defendant and the victim.

: Mia! What’s up? You haven’t called in a while.
: Well, actually there’s something I want you to hold on to for me.
: Again? What’s it this time?
: It’s… a clock. It’s made to look like that statue, “The Thinker.” And it tells you the time!

: Miss April May! You used a wiretap to listen to this conversation! That’s how you knew “The Thinker” was a clock!
: Am I wrong!?
: I… I…

: Your Honor, this is ridiculous!

: The defense demands an answer.

: Witness, answer the question. Did you tap her phone?

: Miss May!

: I-it’s no fair! All of you g-ganging up on me like that… Oh, so I’m the bad girl, is that it? Is that it?

: (That did it! The court’s seen the real Miss April May now!)

: Miss May!
: What is it you little shrimp! Talk to me in that tone of voice will you!?
: You killed her, didn’t you!

: Order! There will be order!
: What? How can you possibly say that!? Are you mad?

: Oops!
: So you admit you tapped her phone!
: Heh… heh… hrrah!

: I didn’t do ANYTHING bad like murder! I’m a good girl!
: Really? Can you prove it!? (No way can she prove it!)

: But I can prove it! And I will!

: Why did you tap her phone?
: …
: Answer the question!
: Do I have to? Isn’t this a murder trial? Isn’t tippity-tapping er… irrelevant?
: (Gah! She’s saying exactly what Edgeworth wants her to say.) Miss May. You were tapping the victim’s phone!
: I hardly call that “irrelevant”!

: While this court does not condone the defense’s tone of speech, he has a point.
: Well, Miss May? Do you have an explanation for the court? Can you prove you had nothing to do with this murder, even though you tapped her phone?
: (Hah! I’d like to see her pull THAT off!)
: Mr. Lawyer, I saw that evil, evil grin! You were probably thinking “I’d like to see her pull THAT off,” weren’t you!
: (Damn… she’s good!)

Convergence.

: You can’t be serious! No way!
: Way, I say! Way! Oh, and I assure you I’m serious, Mr. Lawyer!

: Okay? So, the killing happened around 9:00 at night?
: Why, that’s just when I was getting room service from that sweet bellboy…
: R-room service!?
: Ice coffee, I believe it was?
: Ice coffee? You know? Like normal coffee, but COLD.
: If you don’t drink it quick, the ice melts and then you have… regular cold coffee.
: I-ice coffee…!?

: So, where does that leave us…?
: It is my great displeasure to inform you… That the witness appears to have been tapping the victim’s telephone.
: However! That is a separate crime, with no bearing on the current case whatsoever!
: Her testimony stands! She saw the defendant, Maya Fey, commit murder!
: (No! They’re going to let her just walk away! There’s no way I can win this unless I tie Miss May to the murder somehow…)
: Well, does the defense have anything to say?

For once we’re skipping over the other path because, simply, it is long but not very interesting - just a conversational loop in which Phoenix vacillates and eventually decides to call the bellboy because we’ll lose if we don’t.

: The defense would like to call the hotel bellboy as a witness! There’s something suspicious there, and I’m going to get to the bottom of it!
: I think you’ve sunken quite low enough already.

: I object to calling the bellboy!
: W-why? What’s your reason?
: Because I hold that the wiretapping had nothing to do with the killing!
: …!
: However… If you agree to one condition, I’ll consent to calling this witness.
: Condition…?
: If Miss April May’s alibi is not called into question after you examine the bellboy… Then you will recognize that Miss April May is not the killer, thus she is innocent!
: Therefore you must accept the verdict of “guilty” for Ms. Maya Fey! That is my condition.
: (What…!? I’d better find something suspicious in that bellboy’s testimony… Otherwise Maya will be declared “guilty” on the spot!)

This, incidentally, is roughly where the other path before would have taken us, though with slightly different dialogue.

: (Grr! I can’t accept those conditions!) Very well. The defense will refrain from calling the bellboy as a witness.
: I see. You may continue your cross-examination, Mr. Wright.
: Right. On with the cross-examination.
: What exactly do you have left to examine, Mr. Wright? Miss April May has admitted to the wiretap, yes. But that bears no relevance to the case at hand: murder! There’s no way you can prove any connection!
: (Uh oh! This can’t be the end… but I’m out of evidence!)
: Then I believe the cross-examination is over.
: Mr. Edgeworth, does the prosecution have any other witnesses to call?

: (What!? B-but that means… Maya’s guilty…!?)
: W-wait! Your Honor!
: Yes, Mr. Wright?
: The defense would like to call the bellboy after all!
: …
: Tsk tsk tsk… As I thought!
: …?
: May I remind you, dear Mr. Wright. Should you question the bellboy… and Miss April May’s alibi prove to be solid… then, by default, your client Ms. Maya Fey will be pronounced “guilty”!
: Are you prepared to accept my condition?
: (Edgeworth… He’s got me backed into a corner… But I don’t see any other way to take this!)
: I accept!

: (Alright! I’ve got nothing to lose! Except for… well, everything!)
: Understood. I accept your condition.
: Hmph.
: Fool… You fell right into my trap!
: (Uh oh!)
: Uh… um, wait…

Convergence.

: Very well! The court calls the hotel bellboy to the stand!

: I believe we’re ready for the witness to testify. He certainly does look like a bellboy.

: I received your summons in the middle of work, sir. I’m happy to be of service.
: That tea set looks rather heavy, so without further ado,
: the witness may begin his testimony.
: Very good, sir!

: I see. The defense may begin its cross-examination.
: R-right! I’m ready. (I hope…)
: (This is it… If I can’t prove Miss May was involved with the murder now… Maya will be finished!)

: What exactly is it you do at the hotel?
: Why, anything required of me, sir. I check in guests, I check out guests. I clean rooms, I make beds. I even deliver room service, sir. I checked Miss May in personally.
: Are you always so… so prim?
: Mr. Wright.
: You will refrain from asking frivolous questions…

: Are you sure it was Miss May on the phone?
: Absolutely, sir.
: H-how can you be so certain!?
: I checked Miss May in personally, sir. Not only did I see her in all her stunning radiance, but also heard her voice. And then I saw THEM, and I…

: The point being, I remembered her quite well, sir.
: Yes, what then?

: 9:00 “on the dot,” you say?
: Yes. I confirmed that detail several times. She was watching a program on the TV, and wished to drink after she finished, sir.
: (9:00… the time of the murder!)

: “Precisely” 9:00, then?
: Precisely, exactly, and most definitely, sir. 9:00 PM.
: How can you be so sure!?
: Miss May was quite insistent that it be brought then. “Oh, bellboy? Tee hee! I’d like, like, ice coffee at exactly 9:00!” Something like that, sir. Therefore, I knocked on her door at the crack of 9:00, sir.
: (Why would she be so particular about the time?)

: You are sure it was Miss April May herself?
: Ab-SO-lutely, sir.
: “Ab-SO-lutely”…?
: Yes, sir. As in, “So very absolutely,” sir. It’s an endearing mannerism of mine.
: How come you’re so very certain!?
: Well, when I brought the room service, sir… S-she… the guest, sir, favored me w-with a, um, an “embrasser,” sir.
: “Embrasser”!? Is that French for “embrace”?
: It’s French for “kiss,” sir. But not a french kiss, sir! More of a peck on the cheek.
: Wh-why would she have done that…?
: I believe, perhaps, she was momentarily swayed by my prim demeanor, sir. It was a moment I shall never, ever forget, sir.
: (Sounds pretty fish to me… I think our Miss May was up to something and wanted the bellboy to remember her!)
: …
: It’s no good! (There’s nothing there! Is… is that it?)

: Tsk tsk. Finally, you understand. This bellboy has absolutely no reason to lie! Now…
: If you have any decency, you will end this rather tedious cross-examination here!
: Hmm. It was a bit tedious. The witness may leave the stand.

: (No…! If I give up now, I lose everything… If I just give up the case, I’d be giving up the very reason I became a lawyer!)

Convergence.

: W-wait! Please wait!
: Yes? Does the defense have something to add?
: One last question… let me ask one last question!

: Your Honor, I must object. This charade of justice has gone on long enough!
: Now, now, Mr. Edgeworth. Alright Mr. Wright. I’ll give you one more question, that’s all.
: (Okay. This is really it, now. This is my last chance!)

: T-tell me about check-in! Tell me about when you checked-in Miss May.
: Oh, alright. Very well, sir. My first thought was that she was a beautiful, beautiful person. She’s just my type of girl, so it was a disappointment, really.
: I see… ? Excuse me… what exactly was a “disappointment”?
: Well, I am not without charm, sir, but even I’d have little chance with her lover there.
: (…! What did he say!?)
: What did you say!?
: Ah! Oh… er… rather, quite!
: Bellboy! Tell us the truth now…

: T-tell me again about er… room service!
: A-again, sir? At exactly 9:00, I delivered room service to Miss May in room 303. The guest had requested ice coffee… $18 was the charge, as I recall.
: I see… …?
: E-eighteen dollars? Doesn’t that seem a bit expensive?
: Y-yes, well, ice coffee for two, you know. And we don’t skimp on the ice, sir.
: (…! What did he say!?)
: What did you say!?
: Ah! Oh… er… rather, quite!
: Bellboy! Tell us the truth now…

: Bed… bed-making! Tell me about making beds that day.
: I was wondering what you were going to ask, but bed making? A new low!
: Now, now, Mr. Edgeworth.
: The witness will answer the defense’s question.
: Yes, well, it was quite like any other day’s bed making. I changed the sheets, the pillowcases, and then I proceeded to make the bed. I had to bring pillows for two, of course, but they’re quite light, you see.
: I see. Thank you. … (Pillows… for two!?)
: Bellboy! What did you just say?
: Eh!? Ah, yes, pillows are light… sir?
: Bellboy! Tell us the truth now…

Convergence.

: I object! That was… objectionable!
: … Objection overruled. The witness will answer the question.
: Er… yes, I see.
: Why did you not mention this in your testimony!?
: W-well, sir, you er… you didn’t ask!
: (Nice try!) That’s the sort of thing you’re normally supposed to mention!
: Ah, yes, quite. Indeed… It was the, er, good barrister there, Mr. Edgeworth, who…
: !
: He asked me not to mention it if I wasn’t specifically asked, sir.

: Y-you fool!

: Miss April May checked into a twin room… with a man. Correct?
: Yes, sir.
: Then, when you brought them room service, you didn’t see that man in the room…?
: That’s right, sir.
: Hmm…
: Your Honor!
: We have just learned of another person involved who may have been the murderer! In this new light, I hold that it’s impossible to judge the defendant. You agree, Mr. Edgeworth?
: Who! Who is this “other person”!

: None other than Miss April May!

: Eh!? Have you heard nothing that has transpired so far!?
: She has an alibi! She was in the hotel at the time of the murder!
: Oh… right.
: Mr. Wright!
: S-sorry, Your Honor! Give me one more chance!

: It was the bellboy and none other!
: Well, this comes as some surprise…
: Your Honor, Mr. Wright… It was the bellboy who confirmed Miss May’s alibi…
: And this in turn confirms the bellboy’s alibi! He was in the hotel!
: Well, s-sure… if you put it that way…
: I do put it that way, and I trust you will too!
: But what if they were in cahoots!
: You have evidence of this?
: Um… no, Your Honor.
: Mr. Wright!
: S-sorry, Your Honor! Give me one more chance!

: The man who checked in with Miss May!
: Oof!
: Your Honor! As has been previously revealed, Miss April May was tapping the victim’s phone. Yet Miss May herself has an alibi at the time of the murder.
: However, that does not clear the man that was with her!

[morsrattus]

: M-my, what a convenient little setup… but it’s too late…
: “Too late”? I suppose you’d like it if it was too late, wouldn’t you…
: After all, it was you who hid the presence of the other man from this court!
: Oof! Upstart… amateur…! T-these accusations are… ludicrous!

: Enough!
: The court acknowledges the defense’s argument. I expect the prosecution and defense to look into this matter fully! Am I understood?
: Yes… gasp Yes, Your Honor.
: That is all today for the trial of Maya Fey. Court is adjourned!

: You were amazing in there!
: R-really?

: Oh, I was just “doing my job” you know… heh heh.
: Then again, that other attorney was pretty cool, too…
: Huh?
: That face of his! With his eyes wide, and trembling lips!
: It sent shivers up my spine!
: Hmm… if you say so.
: So, what happens with me? Do I get to go home now?
: Well, no.

: Oh… I see.

: A “lead”?
: That man with Miss May! He’s the key!
: Oh! I get it.

: Anyway. This case is far from closed.
: Yes sir!
: I’m going to find out more about this man.
: Do you think he was the one who…?

: Sis…
: Don’t worry, I’ll find him by tomorrow. I promise.
: I’m counting on you!

: I thought it might come in handy during the trial tomorrow. But now that I have it, I’m not so sure. Most of her testimony was all lies… In fact, there’s only one part that got left on the record.

: I don’t know how much good this will do me at all, now. Anyway, time to hit the pavement and do some investigating! Maya doesn’t belong in that detention center, and it’s up to me to get her free!

Next time:: Investigation!

@Hawaii Rev. State

263-9 Dangerous flying a misdemeanor; penalty. Any aeronaut or passenger who, while in flight over a thickly inhabited area or over a public gathering within the State, engages in trick or acrobatic flying, or in any acrobatic feat, or flies, except while in landing or taking off, at such a low level as to endanger the persons on the surface beneath, or drops any object except loose water or loose sand ballast, or paper handbills, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000, or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.

[morsrattus]

(this is filler until the next day)

[morsrattus]

(as is this)