Going to Court

From Gothpoodle

In most Fifth Wave societies, the judicial system has become considerably more efficient since 2000. It has become much easier for the police to establish the facts of any given case, and with AI administrative help a prosecutor can usually prepare his case very quickly. Once an arrest is made, a Fifth Wave citizen can expect to be arraigned within 24 hours and brought to trial in less than a week.

Naturally, this accelerated schedule can be hard on the defense, although AI support helps that side as well. Since forensic evidence is usually available and difficult to contest, defense attorneys concentrate on attacking police procedure or discrediting witnesses. Whether a trial takes place before a single judge, a panel of judges, or a jury depends on local law. In all cases, the judge usually has extensive AI support to help him interpret all relevant law.