Chapter 166: Workplace Injury Compensation Case Opens
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Tonight, the reception hall of Blackthorn Security Company was bustling with more people than usual.
In addition to Hobert, Xio, and Fors Wall, Thomas decided to bring Bob along for protection.
Apart from the Nighthawks Squad, Captain Ikanser of "Machinery Hivemind" personally led three members to ensure Hobert's safety.
Meanwhile, Hobert made final preparations. Since the afternoon, he had gathered several willing witnesses. Now, his main concern was how to counter the defense strategies of the complex lawyers.
Hobert had made numerous plans and considered various defense scenarios.
Of course, he knew that no matter how thorough the preparation, performance on the spot was crucial.
It wasn't until midnight that Hobert managed to force himself to sleep, needing to be well-rested for the challenges of the next day.
In the captain's office, Thomas and Ikanser discussed whether Hobert could win the case.
"It looks difficult at the moment," Thomas said. "After all, his opponent is a prominent lawyer."
Ikanser nodded. "Actually, at this stage, even if there's no victory tomorrow, the issue of workplace injury compensation has received widespread attention."
Thomas smiled. "Hobert was right earlier. Arnold has been trying to escalate the situation, which is actually a very foolish move."
Ikanser sighed. "Let's hope this incident can push for relevant legislation."
"Yes," Thomas agreed. "If we can push for legislative changes, Hobert's efforts won't be in vain."
Ikanser waited for the right moment to add, "Bishop Horamick hopes that after this incident, we can together pressure the Loen Council to amend related laws and add regulations that protect the interests of workers."
"I will convey Bishop Horamick's proposal," Thomas replied.
...
Early Friday morning, under the protection of the Nighthawks Squad and Machinery Hivemind, Hobert and his team arrived at the Backlund Court.
As soon as they entered, they noticed that the public gallery was filled with spectators.
Among them were Bob's coworkers, members of the Justice League, noble offspring they brought along, Hobert's family including Christian, and the officers from the Mercenaries Club they hired.
Also present were two of Hobert's close friends and the students who came with them.
Additionally, there were many clergy members, gentlemen and ladies concerned about the case, and journalists from major newspapers.
Also present were key members of the Backlund Chamber of Commerce and the journalists they invited.
Upon entering, Hobert and Bob immediately received cheers and applause from everyone. Hobert warmly greeted them, occasionally interacting with those who shouted at him, seeming completely unfazed.
After sitting down in the plaintiff's seat with Bob, Hobert immediately adjusted his mindset and made final preparations for his defense.
When Arnold and his lawyer entered, they were greeted with cold stares and even some loud questioning from those outside the window who didn't have seats: "Arnold, is compensation so difficult for you?"
Immediately, someone chimed in, "Yeah! I heard you even threatened the plaintiff and their lawyer!"
"You've disgraced the gentlemen of Backlund!"
Some started heckling, chanting, "Arnold, lose the case! Arnold, lose the case!"
The heckling grew louder, and the whole courtroom became restless.
Facing the uproar in court, Arnold was somewhat surprised. Before entering, he had been quite confident because public opinion seemed to favor him.
But why was the reality so different from the reports he had heard before?
Hugo, the lawyer, suddenly felt the pressure. As an experienced attorney, he knew that a trial with so many spectators was almost like a public performance, where the judge's emotions could easily sway towards the prevailing sentiment.
And now, the sentiment clearly favored the plaintiff.
President Gustav of the Backlund Chamber of Commerce was surprised. Just before coming to court, he had just received news that some nobles seemed dissatisfied with Arnold's handling of the situation.
This made Gustav suddenly realize that they had made a bit of a fuss about this matter.
The atmosphere in court today deepened his concern.
In fact, the initial hecklers were hired by Xio to create a stir.
When it came to publicity, a group of Loen Kingdom magnates couldn't compete with a young man from the Modern Era.
Hobert had witnessed how black could be turned into white and everyone believed it.
Once the discussion started in court, it couldn't be stopped. People began discussing Arnold's hypocrisy and stinginess, but rarely mentioned the class conflicts triggered by the case.
Gustav and others also realized their oversight. They had focused on promoting the matter in newspapers and among wealthy merchants and nobles, neglecting to control the public opinion of the courtroom.
But now, realizing this was too late.
At eight-thirty, as the judge appeared, the case officially began.
Plaintiff's lawyer Hobert first presented his case, approaching it from the angle of "intentional harm," outlining Arnold's charges.
Towards the end, he said, "I believe everyone has seen the scales behind the judge, which depict a balance with equal weights on both sides. Throughout history, the law has represented fairness and justice.
"But in the case of Backlund, it seems that someone like Arnold, driven solely by profit, is using the law as a weapon to conceal his unethical actions.
"And someone like Bob, who genuinely needs legal help, receives no assistance due to poverty. Since when did the law equate fairness with money? Is the law a balance of justice or a balance of money?
"My speech concludes!"
Applause immediately erupted in the courtroom. Hobert bowed slightly in gratitude to everyone.
Next, it was Hugo's turn to speak. "I hope the plaintiff's lawyer understands that this is a courtroom, not a place for moral judgment."
He began to outline Arnold's innocence and presented a more sophisticated defense strategy: Arnold did not directly manage the factory; he entrusted the factory manager and workshop supervisors with management, so the charge of "nonfeasance" against Arnold did not stand.
Finally, he called three factory workers to testify that production in the workshop was safe.
Hobert requested permission to cross-examine the witnesses. Once granted, he asked one of the workers, "Do you have safety production prompts or reminders in your factory?"
The worker replied, "We have an 'Employee Code of Conduct' that lists the dangers encountered during work."
Hobert asked, "Could you recite a few items from the 'Employee Code of Conduct' regarding the hazards encountered during work?"
The worker chuckled, "Sir, we come to work, not to school."
"Then can you list a few dangers from the 'Employee Handbook' that you mentioned earlier?"
Glancing at Arnold, the worker stumbled through listing several.
Hobert searched through his folder and pulled out a sheet of paper. "I have here the 'Employee Code of Conduct' as described by the witness, which has twelve clauses, nine of which elaborate on the consequences of theft and damage to public property, as well as the production of original components.
"There are also two job requirements, not safety requirements, but quality requirements.
"The last clause explains the leave system. I didn't see any reminders about safety production.
"May I ask this witness if what you just listed is really the content of your factory's 'Employee Code of Conduct'?"
"Objection!" Hugo, the lawyer, interjected. "The opposing lawyer is using 'trap questioning'!"
"The objection is overruled! The plaintiff's lawyer may continue," the judge ruled.
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