Chapter 431 - 263: Trampling Injustice, Unfair Judgment_2
The problem, however, is that all participants are children. According to the Golden Dragon Code, young offenders can have their crimes mitigated at the judge’s discretion, giving them a chance to reform.
This places a portion of the sentencing power in the judge’s hands, providing the judge with some discretion with the aim of allowing a more just ruling based on current circumstances.
But judges are human, subject to emotions and external influences, especially when weighing one life against seven. Thus, the death penalty is virtually impossible to mete out.
Dong!
The judge seated at the highest position delivered the final verdict after multiple adjournments and consultations.
"According to the Holy Golden Dragon Code, this court rules the following: The main offender, Jeross Burn, due to a lack of proper upbringing by his parents resulting in poor judgment and cognitive awareness, accidentally caused the suffocation and death of a fellow companion while playing.
After the incident, given his good admission of guilt and genuine remorse, considering his young age and the timely payment of thirty Repentance Coins, a sentence of seven years’ imprisonment is commuted to a three-year probation.
Collaborator Claude... considering his youth and his parents’ payment of fifty Repentance Coins, is sentenced to three years’ imprisonment commuted to a three-year probation.
Collaborator... paying sixty Repentance Coins, is sentenced to one year, imprisonment commuted to one-year probation.
...
Lastly, Raven Claude, who was investigated and found to have been merely observing throughout and not participating, is thus acquitted."