The Trial of Gaius Marius Aquila

[Aetius]

Praetore: Septimus Tuccius Nerva

Prosecution: Decimus Cornelius Corva

Defense: Gaius Marius Aquila

Evidence has been compiled to suggest that Consul Aquila has been making secret deals with the Severans. In rerturn for spying on Senate, he would be reward with clemency, wealth, and a position of power if Severus (the enemy of the state) was victorious.

[Dark Storm]

"I shall defend for Gaius Marius Aquila."

Gnaeus speaks clearly to the Senate,

"Everyman has the right to a fair trial, and i shall ensure, that Aquila gets one."

[Aetius]

"Indeed, although that is up to him.

Firstly, I want to be clear that this is not an attack on you Aquila, we just want to know the truth. The charges are serious but you are innocent until proven guilty.

How do you plead to the charge of High Treason?"

[M D]

OOC: Innocent until proven guilty is not a concept at this time period

[Aetius]

OOC: Innocent until proven guilty is not a concept at this time period

http://www.dl.ket.org/latin1/mores/law/legalsystem.htm

check em

[M D]

OOC: Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat is a whole 'nother Ball park. I won't start as Im tired.

[Okmin]

OOC: Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat is a whole 'nother Ball park. I won't start as Im tired.

OOC: Burden of proof vs. presumption of innocence. Not much different in practice.

[The Stig]

Septimus, who was greatly dismayed at this turn of events, arrived to oversee the trial
"Is the defense prepared to begin the trial?"

[Dark Storm]

"I wish for some time too speak with my client before the trial proceeds." Gnaeus turned to Septimus, "I apologise for any delays that this has caused however due to the sudden nature of this affair, i have not had time to prepare much of a defence."

[The Stig]

"Simply inform me when you are ready to begin."

[Okmin]

A slightly confused Aquila is brought in by soldiers. Ironically, one of them is a centurion of Legio XVI.

"I will have Gnaeus defend me... Who is my accuser?"

[Dark Storm]

"These charges have been laid against you by the Senate of Messana, under Roman law."

[Dark Storm]

Gnaeus finished speaking with his client, before standing in front of Septimus.

"The defence is ready to proceed with the trial Praetor."

[Aetius]

"Your honor, I would like to question the defendent."

[The Stig]

"Your honor, I would like to question the defendent."

"First, what are you charging the defendant with?"

[Aetius]

"First, what are you charging the defendant with?"

"The charge is treason your honor."

Corva turned to Aquila

"Are you a man of monetary means, Aquila?"

[Magicman2051]

J'apprécier, this could earn/lose you some stability points.

[Okmin]

"Not since Severus looted my home and killed my son."

[Aetius]

"Not since Severus looted my home and killed my son."

"So...unlike the rest of the Senators here, you just happened to leave all your treasury behind for Severus to take?"

[Okmin]

"If that is how you wish to word it, then yes, I did. If you recall, I was in the Basilica Aemilia being accused of treason when Severus marched into Rome. Somewhat ironic, given the current situation. I left the Basilica behind Praetor Tucius and went to my villa. I live farther from the Curia than most, so it took precious time. There I sent orders to my legion to evacuate and prepared my family to hide or escape if necessary... Soon it was almost too late. I fled south on the first horse I found. I had asked Titus, my son, to make sure his mother and sister were safe, and then to follow me with the money... And now he is dead."