Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko [UPDATES ONLY, IC]

[Makko Oko]

IC, on GNN (Global News Network): Today the Makko Okoan Ministry Of Justice announced the official broadcasting of a case going through the Emperor's Court known as Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko. The official broadcasting of any case in a court, is quite rare, and most cases are typically held secret, even if not sealed.

According to a briefing by the Ministry Of Justice, the case is all about the recent enactment of the Wages Guidance Act which was landmark legislation that officially established a national minimum wage. The reason for Ms. Barrows filing the case stands to be seen, however, Erma Barrows is a major slave owner, with well over 50 slaves in her possession, a mansion and a farm.

Many people across Makko Oko, including senior government officials, are watching this case very closely. We attempted to reach out to Erma Barrows for comment but no response was received.

OOC: Any comments you'd like to make may be made in the separate commenting thread for IC discussion. I'd like to see the international community's response on this. This thread is strictly for the case only, and nobody except me is to comment in here.

[Makko Oko]

The Emperor's Court Of Makko Oko - Shilens, Makko Oko

Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko

July 2nd, 2022

Following the recent news of a potential establishment of a minimum wage within the nation, and following the official passing of the Wages Guidance Act which confirmed this potential establishment, major slave owner Erma Barrows, filed a lawsuit against the Makko Okoan Government for 'Unconstitutional Acts Of Legislation'. The case is being heard today by the Emperor's Court Of Makko Oko in Shileans, Makko Oko, by a single judge, Chief Justice Karen Hall. The case has been made public and all eyes are on it to see what could happen to minimum wage. In addition, the case is being broadcasted on national TV.

THE CASE - PART I [OPENING STATEMENTS]

Erma Barrows and her lawyer, Brandon Gates, well known for being versed in constitutional law and fighting many battles with the old Makko Okoan government, walk into the courtroom and sit on the left side, with Erma smiling deviously, as if she already knew the outcome of this case. Brandon, with whom Erma is paying a large sum of money to pursue this case for her, looks over at Erma and says "Try not to look so happy, judges tend to hate that nowadays. You're already a target anyhow, best to not make it worse." and Erma responds, still smiling, saying "I'm sorry Barrows, I just find it hard not to, I know we're gonna win, especially with you at the helm."

Brandon then refutes her statement, saying "While you have a pretty good case here, there's still no guarantees" and Erma immediately glares at Brandon and says "I'll appeal it to the highest courts if that's what it takes" and Brandon was going to say something in response, but knew that getting her to listen was futile, being a rich "queen" with well over 50 slaves in her mansion home and farm.

The right side, the defense, being a team working for the state's Emperor's Prosecution Service, walk in right before Chief Justice Karen Hall walks in, being escorted by 2 bailiffs, the security for the judges. Assigned to the case, was one of the best within the Emperor's Prosecution Service, going by the name of John Verrill, who is known for not having lost a single case within their tenure at the agency. Everybody in the room stands up before the judge, and Judge Hall bangs their gavel and says "Order! Court is now in session, you may all be seated".

"We're here today, on the case of Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko. Has the plaintiff prepared an opening statement?" Judge Hall asks. Brandon stands up and says "Yes your honor, we have a statement right here" and Brandon starts walking towards the middle of the courtroom to turn around and start speaking, "We're here today, to seek a permanent injunction against the state's unconstitutional law recently passed known as the Wages Guidance Act. We're also seeking damages of upwards 100,000 Slotto's for legal fees and punitive damages occurred on Ms. Barrows estate. Thank you."

"Understood. Does the state have their statement ready?" Judge Hall asks. Opening up a black briefcase situated on the table, John Verrill says "Yes your honor" and stands up to go to the same area, and face the same way, and then starts speaking, "The case made against us today, and against our recent legislation of the Wages Guidance Act, are invalid and morally misconstrued. We hope that the right decision is made, in regards to our fair act, and to our fair nation. Thank you."

"With opening statements complete, we will now hear evidence and testimony from both sides, starting with the plaintiffs. Mr. Gates, you're first." Judge Hall says looking at Erma Barrows' lawyer.

[Makko Oko]

The Emperor's Court Of Makko Oko - Shilens, Makko Oko

Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko

July 4th, 2022

THE CASE - PART II [EVIDENCE]

"Thank you, your honor" Brandon responds, he then once again stands up and goes to face the courtroom. "I would like to first bring up the law in question, the Wages Guidance Act. This law, while seemingly well-built and with good intentions, has willingly and knowingly underrepresented the slaves of this fair nation." "Objection!" John shouts, "What Mr. Gates is stipulating is for the protection of slaves, but what does that have to do with the constitution and more importantly, is that the true intent of Ms. Barrows?"

After contemplating the objection for a moment, Judge Hall says "Overruled, Mr. Gates you may continue." Brandon then thanks the judge and continues, "Now, as I was saying, the underrepresentation of slaves, this underrepresentation hurts the very foundation that this act now stands on. By not establishing any protocols on slave wages, the government bodies held responsible, wont know rather to enforce it or not on our fair nation's slaves. Most likely, slaves will have that wage enforced on them, meaning it would affect parties such as my client, Ms. Barrows."

"Now" Brandon says clapping his hands together, walking around the courtroom, "Let's talk about the Basic Rights for a minute. The Basic Rights is the foundational document of our fair nation, the document that secures our rights, the rights that are nationally protected, and cannot be taken away. Under Article 5 of this document, it clearly states that universally, any additional rights not declared under the Basic Rights, is to not be granted or to be in limited stance."

"Now, what does-" Brandon says being interrupted, "Objection your honor!" John says with a little bit of anger in his voice, "What is the relevance of this exactly?!? I don't see it myself"

"Is this a joke to you, Mr. Verrill?" Judge Hall inquires, "Overruled, stop being foolish" and John then apologizes before sitting back down with frustration. "Thank you your honor," Brandon continues, "As I was saying, what does the Wages Guidance Act do?" he says with a questionable tone and he stops and looks around the room for a moment, then continues, "It establishes the right to a minimum wage, and if it wasn't stipulated under the Basic Rights as being granted, then by its own words, it is 'not granted or shall be in fairly limited stance as inscribed here in these basic rights'."

Brandon then looks directly at Mr. Verrill and starts walking towards his table, "Tell me Mr. Verrill, did the state consider the additional rights being granted today, when the Basic Rights were originally written?" knowing Mr. Verrill can't talk while somebody else is presenting evidence unless it's to object, Mr. Verrill, being on ever-thinning ice, just stays silent. "Now, onto my last point. If this law is allowed to stand, then it will pose an undue hardship on my client, Ms. Barrows, and while minimum wage may be great, we all know historically, the Empire does tend to limit the rights of slaves. In addition to this, this law, if allowed to stand, would just prove to us all, the blatant application of context and words throughout legislation and of our nation's constitution. While the government may just create a slave wage, to fix this issue, it doesn't fix it, it's a band-aid. The band-aid of the bureaucracy, and it still allows for changes at any point, which can be used for revenge, and not to mention blatant discrimination via minimum wage establishments on slave owners and business owners alike."

"OBJECTION YOUR HONOR!" John says screaming, "THIS IS ALL CONJECTURE! THERE IS NO PROOF OF ANY OF THIS, NO EVIDENCE TO BACK IT UP, NO STATEMENTS, I CAN GO ON AND ON" "MR. VERRILL!" Judge Hall says with a deep, agitated voice, "If you ever scream like that in my courtroom again, I will hold you in contempt, and ban you from my courtroom, is that understood?" John then says "I understand your honor, my sincerest apologies, I was just frustrated" and Judge Hall then says "Your objection has been sustained, Mr. Gates, if I were you, I'd tread lightly on any additional evidence that you may provide to this court"

Brandon then apologizes for the mistake and announces their closure of providing evidence. Judge Hall then thanks Brandon and calls John up to provide the state's evidence (or counter-evidence). "Thank you your honor, the state would like to first put into question, the humanity and civilities of Mr. Gates and his client, Ms. Barrows." This causes eyebrows to be raised by both Brandon and Erma, with Erma budging Brandon to object, not actually knowing what the law or procedures are to call for one, but it riles him up, especially after the multiple incidents that John caused, "Objection your honor!" Brandon says, "Relevance?" "Sustained" Judge Hall says, "Just like Brandon, I'd heed my warning Mr. Verrill. Tread. Lightly."

"Apologies your honor, but if I may, can you just wait and see the relevance of this, instead of immediately ruling to them?" John asks, and Judge Hall takes that into high consideration, not typically accepting these kinds of requests, but seeing that it could actually go somewhere, and even they themselves were intrigued, he allows it. "Thank you your honor, you wont be disappointed. Now, as I was saying, would a humane and mentally sound person, call for the revocation of minimum wage rights, or call for the downtrodden of rights protections, I don't think they would. So why are they doing it, just for attention? Just to fulfill Ms. Barrows' agenda of free slaves? I'll tell you, slaves aren't free, you have to buy them, no matter where, unless you birth them, so let me ask, has Ms. Barrows illegally gotten pregnant without a parental license?"

Erma then gets red-faced angry, and almost pushes Brandon on the floor trying to get him to object, but he knows it wont end well if he did, as there's nothing to object to. Little did Erma know, the state, the moment that comment was made, had opened an investigation into rather or not an illegal pregnancy had happened. "Looks like they got mad huh, I accurately state that?" John says, knowing it'll cause her to react worse, and she ends up literally pushing Brandon out of his chair, and Judge Hall takes notice, saying "Ms. Barrows and Mr. Gates, do we have a problem over there?" and Brandon simply says, groaning, "No your honor, just a disagreement is all" and Judge Hall then says "Well keep your client under control, or the court will do it ourselves". Brandon then apologizes and John continues.

"Next, I would like to answer a couple of questions brought up by the plaintiff's lawyer, Mr. Gates, regarding Article 5 of the Basic Rights Of Makko Oko. You see, Mr. Gates, the Basic Rights was designed to protect the integrity of the state, and to protect its people, so a limitation of rights, is our civic duty within the government, but some rights, like the one we're fighting about today, are not necessary to limit, and instead to flourish, to allow for a better populace. While Article 5 does in fact state what you have told us today, the state interprets the Basic Rights to the fulfillment of our agenda, and that includes the granting of additional rights. The people, have no say in the granting of rights, in the interpretation of the Basic Rights, or of our laws that come out of it. That, is where you are wrong, Mr. Gates, and how I in fact wonder how you ever got to be a lawyer."

"Objection!" Brandon says, "The state is badgering me" "Really Mr. Gates?!? Really?" Judge Hall says looking dumbfounded at Brandon, "Overruled, you can continue Mr. Verrill" Judge Hall says sounding a bit more agitated than earlier. "Thank you your honor" John says smirking at Brandon, "That's all I have though actually, so the state announces its closure of evidence proposition" and Judge Hall then bangs his gavel and says "Alright then, court is in recess for today only, and you are all to stay in the courthouse until you are called back. I'll have my ruling by 5:00 PM today."

Both parties then thank the judge for their time and exit the courtroom, anxiously awaiting a decision.

[Makko Oko]

The Emperor's Court Of Makko Oko - Shilens, Makko Oko

Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko

July 4th, 2022

THE CASE - PART III [THE VERDICT]

It had been hours since the case was put in recess by Judge Hall, and both sides were scared of the potential verdict, going in the other's hand. As a bailiff calls them back into the courtroom, at around 3:24 PM, which was around 3-4 hours after they last saw the judge, Erma tells Brandon that "I better win this case, or I'll be taking you for all you got", in a threatening demeanor. Brandon feels somewhat shaken, knowing that the current government doesn't always act with the intentions of the people, but instead of the state.

They all walk back into the courtroom, with Verrill giving Brandon a passing smirk along the way, and a bailiff in the room announces the resumption of the Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko case, and that everybody may be seated. Judge Hall walks in 30 seconds later, bangs his gavel and says "Alright, court is now in session, thank you bailiff for the assistance" and they tip their hat and give a nod. "I know this case has national significance, and needless to say, it was not easy to make a decision"

Everybody gulps in unison as Judge Hall pulls out the official paperwork holding the verdict, and he starts reading, "As of July 4th, 2022, under the Emperor's Court Of Makko Oko, and as my authority, as a judge of the state, and a civil servant, I hereby rule in favor of" Everybody starts sweating like mad, worried of the potential outcome if they rule in either party's favor, "Ms. Barrows" and John's jaw immediately drops, not expecting that kind of outcome from this case, and Erma and Brandon then immediately hop up in celebration, which is noticed by Judge Hall, "This court is adjourned" and he bangs his gavel and as he goes to leave the room, somebody barges into the room and shouts "JUDGE HALL!" and he stops and turns around, "Yes?" he says in a questionable tone, "You have a certified letter from the Ministry Of Justice, and I've been ordered to give it to you immediately" and the judge's eyes start going big and his expression changes to confusion.

"Let me see that" Judge Hall says, and he takes it and opens it directly in the courtroom:

MAKKO OKO MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

CERTIFIED AND SIGNED JULY 3RD, 2022

ON THE MATTER OF ERMA BARROWS V. MAKKO OKO

"Dear Judge Karen Hall:

The Ministry Of Justice is aware of a court case within your jurisdiction regarded by the official name, Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko. This court case, depending on the circumstances, could set very dangerous precedent and violate national sovereignty. As such, the Ministry Of Justice is officially ordering the closure of this case, and that any rulings given in this case, be nullified and invalid. This matter is to not be heard again within any chambers of the Emperor's Court.

As a reminder, a violation of an order by the Ministry Of Justice by a judge, can bring with it, the following penalties:

- Imprisonment
- Removal From Position
- Fines
- Revocation Of Citizenship

If you feel that this order is unjust, you may appeal it to the Minister Of Justice, Sara Mauer, but be aware that the case must still be in suspension, and no ruling can be given until the appeal has been thoroughly reviewed and the decision has been given.

Thank you for your service to our nation,

- Cedric Dooley
Civil Rights Division
The Makko Oko Ministry Of Justice"

Judge Hall's eyes widened even bigger than before, and their jaw dropped, and they contemplated what to do, still standing there. Everybody's staring at them, wondering what the letter was all about, and then the judge goes back up to the bench, and makes an announcement, "Until further notice, this case is being suspended, and my ruling is nullified. At this time, this means that the Wages Guidance Act may stand, and I refuse to issue an injunction against it, in addition, I will not be rewarding any money until the issue is sorted out. Court is now adjourned." and Judge Hall bangs his gavel, and everybody wonders what happened, and John starts thinking that the Ministry Of Justice ordered the case's end.

Erma then starts shouting "WHAT HAPPENED?!? WHY IS THEIR RULING GONE? I WANT THIS LAW GONE! NOW!!!" and Brandon tries to calm them down to no avail, and she threatens to sue Brandon and the court in a separate case, until a bailiff has to arrest her temporarily for trying to run after Judge Hall. This case is far from over, with it now going up to the Ministry Of Justice's Directive Appeals Division, requested by Judge Hall in accordance to the letter.

1 day ago at the Emperor's Office at the capital

"Minister Mauer" the Emperor starts, "I've heard of the case of Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko, it's all over the news. I need this taken care of. Get this case's plug pulled as soon as possible." "Will do Emperor" Minister Of Justice Sara Mauer responds. "But Emperor," Minister Of Diplomatic Affairs Alora Hakjova starts, "What happens if the judge appeals?" The Emperor contemplates his response, and then says "We'll deal with it when we get there, but for now, my national power is being challenged, challenged by a mere slave owner...that's despicable" "Understood Emperor" Minister Hakjova responds.

Currently at the Emperor's Office at the capital

The TV broadcast of the case was cut off right before the penalties were to be read, but a second before it did, a voice could be heard, and doors could be heard slamming open, the broadcast was cut off seemingly to avoid embarrassment on national TV. The Emperor had been watching the case ever since it began, the Minister Of Justice Sara Mauer then barges into their office minutes later and says "Emperor! I've received an urgent call from one Cedric Dooley, one of my people in the Civil Rights Division. They carried out the order that you told me to fulfill, apparently Judge Hall chose to appeal the order, meaning we'll need to convene a special tribunal to handle this issue, one of a private matter."

The Emperor, looking at their window, facing away from them, says "Get it done, I'll be there" and Minister Mauer then leaves their office hastily.

[Makko Oko]

The Emperor's Court Of Makko Oko - Shilens, Makko Oko

Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko

July 5th, 2022

THE CASE - PART IV [THE END - APPEAL RULING]

After the Ministry Of Justice delivered the order to Judge Hall to close the case with no ruling, Judge Hall requested an appeal of the order, therefore establishing a special tribunal within the Ministry Of Justice to review the appeal and the case itself. Judge Hall travels to the capital city of Opposh and goes to the HQ of the Ministry Of Justice, there, the judge is led into a meeting room, with over a dozen chairs and an oval-shaped table in the middle. Nobody had arrived yet, so he chose a seat by the door, as instructed by the officer who escorted them. Worrying about what may come out of this appeal hearing, and the deafening silence of nobody in the room, 5 minutes later, everybody arrives, including the Emperor themselves.

On the side perpendicular to Judge Hall are 4 lawyers, an IEC inspector, the Emperor and the Minister Of Justice. Judge Hall suddenly has the expression of weariness and nervousness, especially due to the Emperor's presence. The Minister Of Justice, Sara Mauer, is the first to speak, saying "Alright, this special tribunal is now in session. Agenda is of the appeal of an MOJ order on the closure of Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko. Are there any questions before we begin?" and everybody is silent or shakes their head no. "Alright then, let's get started. As you can see here, Judge Hall, these are the documents of the Basic Rights and of the Wages Guidance Act. Do you affirm to tell the whole truth, nothing but the truth and that your ruling was based on good faith for the state?" "Yes Minister Mauer I do" Judge Hall responds. "Alright then, let's continue. These documents are provided to you for the express purpose of answering some hinderances you chose to put upon our government. Now, the Emperor has something to say, Emperor?"

"Thank you Minister Mauer, Judge Hall, due to this case and what it is fighting, of the main circumstances of it, I intend on revising the Basic Rights, maybe in a major way, to prevent cases like these from happening again, is that clear?" The Emperor says with a serious tone and look, "I understand Emperor, but this is right now, that means nothing, I declared it unconstitutional" and suddenly everybody glares at Judge Hall, and the IEC inspector is noticeably writing things down after Judge Hall said that.

"Mr-I mean, Judge...Hall, I'm an inspector with the IEC, and I have some questions for you." Judge Hall looks more scared than ever after learning that, takes a gulp and then says "Go ahead" bluntly. "So, Judge Hall, have you ever left the nation?" and Judge Hall says no, "Okay...have you ever been mad about decisions that the state has taken on issues?" and Judge Hall says maybe, which perks up some attention from the tribunal, "Alrighty then, final question. Were you ever supportive of the Republic Of Makko Oko?" and Judge Hall stays mostly silent, knowing their true response would get them killed, "Judge Hall...please answer the question" and Judge Hall simply says "I don't know" and the IEC inspector notes this.

The Minister Of Justice then starts talking again, and says "Judge Hall, the plaintiff in your case, Erma Barrows, is currently under a state investigation for potentially illegally birthing a child. There's an issue at stake here with her involvement in this case, and our investigation in the Ministry Of Justice, as such, do you think it's such a good idea to give a ruling at this time?" "I could've considered pausing the case, but you should've told me about the investigation, instead of ordering my case's closure. I'm the judge here, not you, you investigate, I decide." Judge Hall responds "We'll note this for the future, Judge Hall" The Minister Of Justice says.

The IEC inspector then asks to have the floor, and the request is granted. He then puts folders with stacks of documents inside in front of each individual and says "Judge Hall, you seem to have a hard time reading the lines of the law. If you look here at the IEC Investigatory Report for the Russell V. Turner case, you ruled in favor of Turner instead of Russell, when in the eyes of the law, Russell had clearly not been discriminating under the State Educational Rights Act when accepting applicants to the school they worked for" Judge Hall responds, "And? That doesn't make me a problem, that means we all see the law with different visions" the IEC inspector then adds onto it, "And you don't see this as a problem? That's an admission of guilt, and I will tell you one thing, in the state, we expect a unified vision when it comes to our justice"

"Judge Hall, you're under arrest for corruption, defying the orders of the state, conspiracy to commit sedition and for conspiracy to commit treason, you are also no longer a judge, your position has been terminated effective immediately. We'll handle your case from here on out." and Judge Hall is forcibly taken into custody and taken out of the meeting room. Then, a top Ministry Of Justice official convened the court again, but this time from the Supreme Court Of Makko Oko in the capital city of Opposh and read the ruling and decision of the Ministry Of Justice to everybody watching from the TV, and in person to the people involved in the case.

"It is with the duty that I faithfully serve, as an official of the Ministry Of Justice Directorate Appeals Division, under the roof of the Supreme Court Of Makko Oko, and with the seal and affirmation of a Supreme Court judge, that I declare the ruling of Erma Barrows V. Makko Oko, to be in favor of the state. Appeals are forbidden in this case, and the intention to affirm the rights within the Basic Rights Of Makko Oko, shall hereby be approved, and is to be committed within the coming days. Thank you."