Laughing American comics, I am becoming more and more like a clown

Chapter 23 Suing Wayne

"Thank you all the journalists for coming to this press conference."

"Today, I, Lane Davidson, on behalf of the Gotham City District Attorney's Office, file multiple criminal charges against Batman, aka Bruce Wayne."

On the podium stood the prosecutor named Lane Davidson, standing where Harvey Dent once stood. His face was solemn and upright, his eyes clear and resolute, and he looked like Gotham's new Knight of Light.

"After a long investigation and evidence collection, we have strong reason to believe that Batman has repeatedly violated U.S. federal and state laws in the course of carrying out his so-called 'justice'."

Beneath the podium were the kind and righteous faces of the reporters. They leaned forward with humility and eagerness, sometimes writing furiously on paper, sometimes taking out their cameras to take pictures.

"After investigation, we found that Batman was suspected of the following crimes: illegal entry and burglary, intentional injury, traffic violations, illegal vehicle modification, illegal manufacture, sale, transportation, and storage of firearms, ammunition, and explosives, illegal detention, illegal evidence collection, and illegal intrusion into information systems."

Lane said in a gentle but firm tone: "These actions not only infringe upon individual rights and interests, but also seriously undermine public order and the authority of the law."

"The law belongs to all the people of the Federation. We will never allow anyone to escape the punishment of the law because of wealth and power!"

The ups and downs, persistent and resolute tone was greeted with applause from the audience.

What a lively carnival it is, with the villains on top, the mortals standing by and watching, and the great men sinking into the dust.

In the cold and damp wind, the group of well-mannered reporters holding microphones raised their hands one after another. They wanted to express their opinions at this event and enjoy the pleasure of trampling on heroes.

Lan pointed to one of them with a generous and kind look.

"Hello, Mr. Davidson, I'm Rosie Fleck, and I'm questioning you on behalf of the Gotham Daily." This woman was a shrewd and capable woman, and her eyes showed only respect for her profession and a desire for justice.

"I would like to ask you, is this an accusation based on hearsay, targeting an individual, and without any evidence?"

Lan En looked uncomfortable and explained patiently:

"We hope the public will understand that this action is to uphold the dignity of the law and public safety, not to target individuals."

His tone grew increasingly passionate, and tears of emotion welled up in his eyes, a feeling of justice about to prevail.

"Although Bruce Wayne is cunning and evil and has caused us to lose the direction of our investigation, justice will ultimately prevail over evil!"

"Through our tireless efforts, we have collected surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, forensic reports, and some physical evidence... This evidence shows that Batman repeatedly used illegal means while performing his missions, causing harm to others!"

Luo Xi sympathized with their bumpy road of investigation and was moved by their adherence to legality and fairness. She couldn't help but ask, "So what are you going to do next?"

"We will submit an indictment to the court and formally prosecute Bruce Wayne. We will provide all evidence at the court hearing! Request the judge to issue an arrest warrant!"

"If the evidence is conclusive, Bruce Wayne will face a criminal trial!"

"Please rest assured, we will ensure that the entire process is fair, just, and open!"

"We believe that the law will eventually give citizens a satisfactory answer!"

……

Sometimes, the line between good and evil is blurred, the distance between greatness and smallness is narrow, and the true nature of honesty and lies is exactly the same.

How appropriate the line from Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" is to be placed here.

"The devil also uses the Bible to defend himself."

……

Whether the prosecution of Bruce Wayne was initiated by the procuratorate or there was someone behind the scenes pushing for instructions, it was a very smart move.

Gotham is now in a state of intense conflict and a tense atmosphere, and it urgently needs an outlet. Prosecuting Batman and drawing public attention is the best way to ease and delay the conflict.

"This is the worst-case scenario..."

Nightwing held the indictment and looked at Batman on the surveillance camera.

"Although I believe the lawyer can get the lightest sentence possible...it's best if Bruce doesn't appear in court..."

Red Robin woke up with coffee in his hand: "I'm not too sure about letting him leave here."

But this is a criminal proceeding, and under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the defendant needs to appear in court in person to face the charges and make a defense.

"Then what should we do..." Ye Yi came up with a bad idea: "Fake death?"

"It would be better not to go at all, hold a trial in absentia, and then convict, arrest, and imprison the whole thing." Red Hood sneered.

"With the security capabilities of Blackgate Prison and Arkham, our Batman could escape the next day."

"Then he was sentenced to death for rioting and escaping prison."

Red Robin took a sip of coffee and added belatedly, "I forgot. There's no death penalty in Gotham."

Batman's current situation is shown on the bright blue screen at any time.

His hair and irises turned green, his lips turned red, his skin turned pale, his body became involuntarily thin, he maintained a strange smile, and showed no reaction to the outside world.

Nightwing looked at the subpoena and said, "I am required to make my first court appearance within two days." He then looked at Batman and gave him some advice:

“Perhaps we can apply to the court that he cannot appear in court due to health issues.”

"But it can only be delayed for a while."

"Then let's delay it for a while." Nightwing looked at Batman, who was as silent as a statue, and forced a smile: "We have to wake him up as soon as possible."

They submitted a portion of Bruce's examination report and psychological evaluation to the court, and conducted a period of video recording to prove that Bruce Wayne postponed his appearance in court due to health problems.

But the court gave a deadline:

A week.

"Seven days."

On the first day, a balancing agent was developed for the Water of Lazarus, but it had no effect after injection.

The next day, genetic testing confirmed that part of Bruce's genes had been completely changed.

On the third day, news came from the Batcave on the Moon that the research had made some progress, but no Batman survived in the parallel world contacted.

On the fourth day, another blood transfusion was performed using Bruce's own blood that he had previously stored.

On the fifth day, he regained some consciousness.

On the sixth day, basic mobility was restored.

On the seventh day, appeared in court.

The sky was as dark and heavy as ever.

The court, paved with marble representing purity and solemnity, is tall and majestic, with each step smooth and dust-free.

There were many reporters gathered in front, looking forward to it with hatred and anger on their faces.

The vehicle with the "W" logo slowly drove in under everyone's gaze.

Chapter 24: Batman on Trial

"Gotham City Federal Court is now in session."

"Members of the jury, please take your seats."

The atmosphere is grand and solemn.

A signal tower was built urgently to broadcast the scene here live on a large screen in the city center.

People gathered tentatively, looking up.

This is the place that everyone is paying attention to.

Those present in suits and ties all wore gentle and kind smiles, trying to stand out.

This was the first trial for a superhero.

Destined to go down in history.

But the people watching the live broadcast stopped and their eyes fell on the defendant's seat.

Green hair, eyes, red lips, pale skin, and just as he sat down, he caused a commotion because of his appearance that was very similar to the clown.

But this is Batman, but this is Bruce Wayne.

……

When everything quieted down, Lane, dressed in a solemn black suit, stood up and faced the jury:

"Your Excellency, Judge and members of the jury, today we are here to hear a case involving a prominent citizen of Gotham City."

"Bruce Wayne, also known as 'Batman,' is now charged with multiple serious crimes by the Gotham City District Attorney's Office."

"These include: illegal entry, intentional injury, traffic violations, illegal vehicle modification, illegal manufacture, sale, transportation, storage of firearms, ammunition, explosives, illegal detention, illegal evidence collection, and illegal intrusion into information systems."

"These crimes not only violate the law but also pose a threat to public safety and social order. We will provide a large amount of evidence, including surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, forensic reports, and physical evidence recovered from the defendant's equipment to prove the defendant's guilt."

Bruce Wayne's defense lawyer stood up, he was also serious and formal:

"Your Excellency, Judge and Jury, my client, Mr. Bruce Wayne, is a hero dedicated to fighting crime and protecting the people of Gotham City."

"The core purpose of his actions was to uphold justice and protect the innocent."

"In subsequent examinations, we will prove that the defendant's actions were necessary measures taken in an emergency to prevent further harm.

"We will provide evidence to prove that the defendant's actions were consistent with the principles of self-defense and emergency avoidance."

"In addition, we will question the legality and reliability of the prosecution's evidence."

"I have concluded my speech."

The judge looked at the conspicuous figure and said, "Bruce Wayne, would you like to speak at this time?"

The green figure who had been silent until then stood up. Not only did his appearance change drastically, but his demeanor also became colder than before. He spoke, his voice becoming rough and hoarse, with a hint of sharpness:

"Your Honor, your Honor, and the Jury, I acknowledge that I have taken some actions as Batman, but they were all taken to protect the people of Gotham City from crime."

"I am fully aware that my actions may have exceeded the limits of the law, but as Aristotle said in the Nicomachean Ethics: 'Laws are general rules that do not take into account special circumstances'."

"There are some exceptional circumstances where I have to take proactive action to protect the public interest."

"I have always believed that justice must be served. I am willing to take responsibility for my actions, but I ask the court to consider my motives and the necessity of my actions."

Lane looked at him, without comment, and said, "Your Honor, I request to call the first witness, Detective Giles Nelson of the Gotham City Police Department."

With the judge's permission, a detective entered the witness stand as a witness and swore:

"I swear that I will tell the truth and not hide any truth."

Bruce had an impression of this detective - or rather, he had an impression of all the detectives in the Gotham Police Department.