Accio 2005 press release: new Guest Speaker and Trial of Snape

[quigonginger]

No: HPFGUIDX 128238

Alla did some research:
> Here is the definition of assault fron on line dictionary.  I am 
not 
> sure if it goes word by word with my Black Law dictionary ( do NOT 
do 
> criminal law), but I seem to remember from my criminal law classes 
> that threat of force can be enough to establish assault.
> 
> 
> ASSAULT, crim. law. An assault is any unlawful attempt or offer 
with 
> force or violence to do a corporal hurt to another, whether from 
> malice or wantonness; for example, by striking at him or even 
holding 
> up the fist at him in a threatening or insulting manner, or with 
> other circumstances as denote at the time. an intention, coupled 
with 
> a present ability, of actual violence against his person, as by 
> pointing a weapon at him when he is within reach of it. 6 Rogers 
Rec: 
> 9. When the injury is actually inflicted, it amounts to a battery. 
> (q.v.) 
> 
> I especially love the part "or even holding up the fist at him in a 
> threatening or insulting manner".

Ginger asks:
Can't even threaten someone?  Does this apply to guys in a bar named 
Stanley who want to kiss your neck?

Alla, was this British law?  I sure hope so.  If not, any of you 
listees on probation should probably know that you are reading the 
writings of a criminal right now.

Seriously, my point was that law varies from country to country, and 
even within countries.  The WW has its own law, which I highly doubt 
criminalizes "threatening and insulting" behaviour.

What I wonder is under which law Snape will be tried.  UK law?  WW 
law?  Scottish law?  The Court of Public Opinion?  That's a dangerous 
one.  No one could stand there.  

I have noticed (and I say this as an American who loves her country) 
that there are some (and a vocal group they are) from the US who try 
to force American thought on the WW.  Or should I say "PC thought" 
rather than "American" as not all of us are PC folks.

If Snape is to be tried, it would only be fair to try him under WW 
laws and customs.  To try him under the public opinions of a group 
this diverse would surely end in mistrial.  I am glad this is taking 
place in the UK.  At least the "judges/jury" will have the same 
cultural backbround as the author.

If I was Snape's attorney, I'd say the statute of limitations had 
expired on #1 and #2, and that there was insufficient evidence on 
#3.  I'd go for a plea bargain on #4, pleading guilty to hurting 
their ickle feelings and ask for 14 years teaching potions at a 
minimum security educational facility, with credit for time served.
Of course, that's American law, of which I know very little.

Ginger, wondering if she is breaking any Venezuelan laws right now.