The Mafia Empire
Chapter 37: Chapter 37 Discussing Law

"If the losing party is dissatisfied with the city court's ruling, they can appeal to a higher court, referred to as the state high court. The court system progresses from city courts to state high courts, and finally to the Empire's Supreme Court."

Julian listened to Kevin carefully and poured him a glass of water. As the most luxurious hotel in Ternell, they had everything you could want, but Kevin mentioned he never drank alcohol because it dulled the mind. For a lawyer, a dull mind meant the countdown to the end of their career had begun.

After taking a sip of water, Kevin continued, "The state high court will consider the suggestions from both lawyers and hold at least three trials, with a jury of no fewer than twenty citizens making the final decision on whether the charges hold. If the case itself holds no special significance, the state high court's decision will be final.

But if the case garners public attention or causes a series of other issues, it will be handed to the Empire's Supreme Court for a final ruling."

"A small case of excessive self defense, and the deceased was a notorious gang member? Even the state high court doesn't want to be bothered with such cases. Even if someone appeals, it will likely be rejected," Kevin said with a gleeful glint in his eyes, clearly satisfied with how easily he earned his fee.

If it weren't for his mother's poor health and the fact that he hadn't yet saved enough money to buy a house in the big city, he would have left Ternell two years ago. After successfully overturning a case involving a teacher accused of assaulting an underage girl, he had gained a solid reputation and status within the legal industry.

He was frequently invited to participate in lawsuits and defenses, earning him a considerable amount of money.

However, none of his cases had brought in more profit than this one with Julian.

A total of one thousand dollars. Even if the victims families said, "he sold his soul to the devil," what difference did it make? If someone were truly righteous, they wouldn't choose to be a lawyer. The moment someone decides to become a lawyer, their innocence is already lost.

Kevin took another sip of water and suddenly asked, "Mr. Julian, have you studied law or religious law?"

This question had been on Kevin's mind for three days. When Julian used terms like "surrender" and "minor," which had specific legal meanings, Kevin got the impression that Julian wasn't as simple as he appeared. Without some background in law, it would be difficult to use such critical legal terminology in a murder case discussion.

A significant portion of the Empire's law was directly copied from religious law, which every lawyer knew. After the royal family overthrew the theocracy, nobles with no legal knowledge were appointed to the judicial system. Faced with a blank slate, they struggled to draft a legal code for the nation.

Someone had a bright idea and opened the book of religious law, borrowing many of its interpretations, and some sections are still used to this day.

For instance, the leniency granted to minors comes from religious law, which states, "Children are still ignorant; God has not yet bestowed wisdom upon them." The nobles may have thought it inappropriate to copy this directly, but they couldn't think of a better phrasing, so on page thirteen, line one, they wrote: "Crimes committed by minors should be treated with leniency, educating and admonishing them on proper conduct toward others, with light punishment."

Despite Kevin's probing gaze, Julian didn't show the slightest reaction. He toyed with his glass and shook his head. "As much as I hate to admit it, until a few days ago, I had only mastered writing about fifty words."

Kevin was shocked. Over the past few days, he had spent most of his time discussing plans with Julian and had always assumed that Julian was well educated. After all, Julian's manners and demeanor were far superior to those of an ordinary Guar. It wasn't until now that he realized Julian had been illiterate just days ago.

Kevin couldn't believe what he was hearing. Illiterate?

How could that be?

"I finally believe what the preachers say—God is indeed omnipotent!"

Faced with Kevin's sigh, Julian could only shrug. He couldn't exactly explain that he had dreamed of another world, watching a newborn grow into a great man, only to be killed in a twist of fate, shot down by a bullet. So, he kept silent.

After a while, there was a rhythmic knock at the door, causing both Julian and Kevin to pause. They walked to the floor to ceiling window and looked down at a car that had just stopped in front of the hotel entrance.

Morris was supporting Nasha, his hand under her arm, practically carrying her weight. Golden Label was called a classic for a reason—its high alcohol content could easily knock out first time drinkers, leaving them unconscious.

"Do you need help?" Nasha's "classmate" staggered over, clearly drunk. Morris had a good impression of the guy. If it weren't for him, this girl named Nasha might have refused to drink. It was his persuasion, along with the encouragement of his two female friends, that piqued Nasha's curiosity and led her to take a sip.

The higher the alcohol content, the less it initially feels like anything. But after Morris opened another bottle of Golden Label, it was clear Nasha had had too much. Perhaps she thought her friends would take care of her, or maybe it was the allure of such a high end drink, but she couldn't resist and drank more than she should have.

Now, this was the result.

"I've already booked a room for you. Have a pleasant evening," Morris patted the boy's arm with a knowing smile, then helped Nasha into the hotel.

He was a regular here. A standard room for the night only cost three dollars and ninety cents, not a significant amount for him.