Chapter Seventy Three: Cross Examination

The Main Barrister for the defense stood up to question the petitioner's witness after the direct examination, ready to scrutinize the testimony and pin the witness down. While giving his evidence, the Inspector of Important Documents looked very relaxed sitting in that chair, and appeared to be less agitated as necessary. The counsel for the defense quickly approached the witness stand to begin the questioning.

"Mr. Inspector, you testified earlier that the provision for parochial concerns was an important consideration when the constitution was written, and that whether the Commission can exercise its jurisdiction over local affairs is open to judicial interpretation. Is that correct?"

"Yes."

"And it is your opinion that the constitution should be interpreted for the general welfare without infringing parochial concerns. Is that right?"

"Yes. That is my testimony."

"Of course," the Main Barrister said. He was now reading something from a parchment. "Now, will you agree that the interpretation of parochial concerns in this case cannot be assumed because there is no controversy?"

"I think jurisdiction is not an issue here, but a dispute on how the law applies can be considered by the Commission as a matter of controversy."

"But Mr. Inspector, do you believe that unless the Commission is authorized by law, it cannot meddle with parochial concerns because local autonomy exists. Is that correct?"

"It is. Yes."

"And that there is no explicit provision of law from which this case can be brought before this honorable Council?"

"Objection! Calls for speculation. The constitution is clear that causes of action submitted by the Commission must be heard for arbitration." The petitioner's side was quick to its feet, passionate in protecting the rights of their client.

"Overruled. The witness will answer the question."

The witness obliged to reply. "Any trade dispute or controversies of any kind may be brought before the Commission's extension for arbitration when cause of action was initiated."

"Very well," the Main Barrister continued. "Do you share the same view that the Judicial and Bar Council cannot legislate or rule on a matter that has no legal basis?"

"Yes, but the constitution itself may be invoked as legal basis."

"Indeed, Mr. Inspector. But do you agree that the Council's ruling must be based on an existing statute by defining its scope or providing rules to carry it out as a form of jurisprudence, and that any attempt to set a dangerous precedent will become a threat to our political institutions. Is this a fair statement?"

"Yes. That is fair."

"So, otherwise, when the law is silent, parochial concerns should prevail, right?"

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