JKR's Single Biggest Error so far (was: Harry's last 'living' relatives?)

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 123950


Alla:
Well, for the biggest inconsistency in the plot, I guess I have to 
say non-use of Veritaserum at Sirius' trial . Sure, tightly 
regulated drug and all that, but if not at such trial then when 
exactly is it supposed to be used?<
 
Betsy:
I'm rereading GoF and I ran across this passage: 

"D'you know Crouch, then?" said Harry.
 
[...]
"Oh I know Crouch all right," [Sirius] said quietly.  "He was the 
one who gave the order for me to be sent to Azkaban -- without a 
trial."
 
> "*What?*" said Ron and Hermione together.
> 
> "You're kidding!" said Harry.
> 
> "No, I'm not," said Sirius...
> 
> (GoF Scholastic Hardback p. 526)
> 
So without a trial there was no opportunity for Veritaserum to be 
used.  And once Sirius was in Azkaban -- that was it.  No appeals, 
no second chances, and a steady descent into madness.  Sirius didn't 
stand a chance.  (And there was no opportunity for him to claim 
innocence, so no chance of any doubt amongst his friends.  Actually, 
I think JKR was pretty tight with this particular story line.)


Alla:

Unless Sirius was sent in Azkaban right away, there was a 
possibility to use veritaserum - since as I said in my previous 
post, they did have time to conduct some kind of the hearing,where 
Albus testified ( it is possible of course that they conducted such 
hearin with Sirius already in Azkaban . WW justice system does make 
me cringe quite often)

Besides, Albus sure did not hesitate to use veritaserum on Crouch 
Jr., in times of great need.

JMO,
Alla