The first step to bringing BeanTownJim to trial is obviously to establish the charges against him. These charges should be presented to the forum in a clear and precise manner so that BTJ can understand them and have an opportunity to retain defense council and defend himself to the forum.
As I understand things at this time, the players are as follows:
Raymond will be the Top Cop.
Agent0659 will be the Prosecutor.
BeanTownJim will be the Accused.
BeanTownJim will appoint the Defense Council from the members of the forum. If BTJ is unable or unwilling to provide Defense Council, one will be provided for him.
The Judge will preside over these affairs and will rule on matters of order, law and decency.
Mad Jack will preside over the appeals court.
1. A new thread should be started once all charges against BeanTownJim are identified. The title of this thread will be ?The Trial of BeanTownJim?.
2. It will be the responsibility of the Top Cop and the Prosecutor to prepare charges against BTJ and to present them to The Judge and the forum at an arraignment hearing.
3. BeanTownJim will be given an opportunity to enter a plea for the charges against him at the hearing. In the event that BTJ chooses not to participate in his defense, the trial will proceed with him in absentia.
4. A Jury of BTJ?s peers will be chosen from the Jury pool at Mad Jack?s.
5. The trial will begin with opening arguments from the Prosecutor and then the Defense Council.
6. The Prosecutor will present evidence and witnesses to support the charges against BeanTownJim.
7. The Defense Council will then have the opportunity to present their witnesses.
8. Both sides will present closing arguments to the Jury.
9. The Judge will instruct the Jury on their responsibilities prior to their beginning deliberation of the charges.
10. The Jury will present their verdict to the forum provided that they are able to reach one.
11. Based on the Jury?s verdict, BeanTownJim will either be free to go or will have an opportunity to address the forum prior to sentencing.
12. If a guilty verdict is returned on the charges against BeanTownJim, The Judge will provide appropriate sentencing based on the general consensus of the forum.