Damn, I recarneted As A Judge in Fantasy World

The flow of the investigation gained momentum as a result of the inspectors raiding the slave traders day and night. Eventually, they found Alan, who had almost been sold to the southern part of the continent. The victim's body was completely intact, aside from his appearance, which had noticeably deteriorated.

"But why did you make that confession?" Abel questioned, still not understanding why someone would confess so easily.

"The slave trader was just trying to buy time until he could erase all traces of Alan," the inspector replied, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Huh! Then what about that severed hand?" Abel inquired, recalling the strange evidence found earlier.

"It was the son of a rebel slave. The trader said he picked it up while doing business," the inspector explained.

Abel frowned. *He was seriously a pretty crazy guy.*

Additionally, more evidence was obtained thanks to Alan's testimony. The truth revealed that this wasn't the first time Norman had sold out someone.

After becoming friends with children from the lower classes, Norman would take them to slave traders and sell them. In return, he received a considerable amount of gold coins.

When Abel asked how it was possible for Norman to manipulate others so easily, the answer stunned him.

"I gave him a few snacks, and he really liked them and followed me," Alan admitted.

If an adult had done that, Abel would have been immediately suspicious.

Human trafficking was a very common crime in this world. However, no one would have thought a handsome nobleman would engage in such activity.

"Thank you for your hard work. Please finish the investigation and prepare for the trial," Abel directed.

"Yes, Your Highness. Thank you very much for your help," Prosecutor Anderson Cantrell responded, bowing his head with a determined expression. Then, with a bright smile, he saw Abel off.

How could Abel not be satisfied when a case that had been troubling him was neatly resolved? He believed the incident would end like this, but when the trial began, an incredibly absurd claim awaited him.

"We will now begin the trial of Norman Hewitt in the human trafficking case. Salute the honor of the court!" the bailiff declared.

At first, everything proceeded as usual. The evidence and witnesses had come forward, and even the slave trader involved in the crime had been arrested.

Since everyone admitted to their crimes, a summary trial was held, which was intended to shorten the process and lead to a quicker resolution.

However, just as they entered the final argument stage, Attorney Sean Malone suddenly stood up from his seat.

"Your Honor!" he shouted.

Abel, slightly startled by the loud outburst, maintained his calm demeanor. He stared at the attorney with indifferent eyes and responded.

"You will be given ample opportunity to make a final argument. There's no need to shout."

"I did that because I was so overcome with emotion. I apologize," Sean Malone said, bowing slightly.

"Please proceed," Abel replied, giving him the floor.

"Yes!"

Sean Malone walked to the center of the courtroom, where he began his speech.

Abel watched him curiously, wondering if this grand gesture was necessary, but he didn't stop it. As long as it didn't interfere with the trial, he was willing to allow it.

However, the final argument that followed was somewhat embarrassing.

"The defendant is only seven years old. It is too early to hold him responsible for his actions. How could a child like that know what a crime is? Did you know the law when you were seven?" Sean Malone began, raising a controversial defense.

He referred to Article 9 of the earth Criminal Code, which addresses juvenile criminals, stating, "The acts of a person under the age of 14 shall not be punished."

Malone then invoked the concept of "ignorance of the law," likening it to Article 16 of the Criminal Act, which states, "An act that is mistaken for a crime shall not be punished." Of course, there was nothing like that in the Imperial Code.

What surprised Abel was that Malone had the audacity to bring up ignorance of the law, even though it had no basis in their legal system.

*This guy really knows how to think on his feet,* Abel thought. *He's smarter than I gave him credit for.*

The facts of the crime had already been revealed, and pleading not guilty would only result in more charges of contempt.

So, Malone had no choice but to aim for sympathy and ask for leniency. It was a predictable tactic, but few lawyers in this world could even attempt it.

There was a stir in the gallery at Malone's argument.

"That's right. What could a kid know?" someone murmured.

"Look at that innocent face," another chimed in. "He was tricked by a slave trader."

"My child is ten years old and still can't count properly. How can a seven-year-old understand these things?" a parent commented.

Hearing the murmurs, Malone seized the moment and returned to his seat to pull out a thick stack of petitions. "These are petitions written by people who know the defendant well, describing his usual behavior and character," he said proudly.

*It's amazing how well petitions can be written for kids from powerful families,* Abel thought. *What if Norman Hewitt wasn't the eldest son of a count? Would any of this be happening?*

He pondered how differently things would have played out if Norman had been a commoner. There would be no expensive lawyers, no sympathetic petitions, and no one rallying for leniency.

As Abel reflected on this, Sean Malone concluded his speech.

"The client has reached an amicable agreement with the victims and has offered sincere apologies. Please show leniency to this growing young sprout."

The courtroom erupted into applause. The sound started small but soon grew louder, filling the room.

*I guess I'll need to explain things a little more thoroughly,* Abel thought, knowing that releasing Norman into society would be disastrous.

Norman wasn't just any child; he was set to inherit the Hewitt family's title and power. If someone like him, a budding psychopath, was allowed to walk free, what could happen next? Human trafficking today, but perhaps serial murder in the future?

Abel raised his right hand, signaling for silence. The noisy courtroom quickly quieted down.

"Before sentencing, I would like to respond to the defendant's attorney," Abel began.

"Yes, Your Highness," Sean Malone answered, standing at attention.

"I was impressed by your argument on the concept of ignorance of the law," Abel admitted. "However, that doesn't apply to actions that should be punished according to common sense and ethics. It's unacceptable to claim ignorance of the law when the crime committed is something morally reprehensible."

Sean Malone opened his mouth as if to protest but stopped himself.

"Moreover," Abel continued, "didn't the defendant discuss the law of corroboration of confessions during the investigation? A person with such intelligence wouldn't be ignorant of the law. That's impossible."

With that, Malone could find no further words to refute. Abel knew there was no need to discuss juvenile criminal laws because such laws didn't exist in this empire.

But that doesn't mean Abel is going to give up.