Public Tribunal

Chapter 1

       "The Tribunal of the American people is called to order. The case of the U.S. Congress versus the Constitutional Rights of the American People is ready to proceed."

Daniel Collins turned to his left.

"Judge Matthews, will you read the charges?"

Judge Mathews stood and began to read the charges. "The U.S. Congress has willingly and knowingly violated the Constitutional Rights of the American People and has forsaken their oath of office to obey the Constitution."

While Judge Matthews read the rest of the charges, Daniel looked at the audience and then looked at Professor Ramirez seatedon the far side of the auditorium in the first row.

It was hard to believe that this had started as a class project in Constitutional Law less than six weeks ago. Professor Ramirez had approached his senior law students with a challenge. There were ten members of his Senior Constitutional law class. Theywere a mix of liberal, conservatives, undecided and confused.

Ramirez had called the class together in one of the cafeteria's side rooms. He was known for his unusualchoice of classroomsettings.

Daniel could still hear him calling the group to order.

"Now, that we are all in a more comfortable setting, I trust everyone has something to drink and are ready to work?" Ramirez paused and looked at each student. The group was quiet, waiting to see what Ramirez had planned.

"I thought we might try a different approach toour Constitutionallaw course this semester. Daniel Collins has proposed an idea to hold a mock tribunal trying the U.S. Congress for violations of the Constitution. Mr. Collins,would you like to elaborate?"

Daniel was nervous about the reaction from the class. Most of them had been in other classes together. They all knew each other and were all vocal about their political views.

"I thought we could test the actions of the current Congress in a mock tribunal. Three of us will act as the Tribunal judges. Three of us will act as the defense; three of us will act as the prosecution. One of us will be responsible for oversight, rules, procedures and the general catch-allto make sure the process works according to Hoyle."

I want us to try the U.S. Congress on behalf of the Citizens of the United States, determining if Congress has, in fact, violated the Constitution in the execution of their duties."

"I also think it would be good to broadcast the Tribunal to the school body and let them vote on the verdict."

The group held their response for about thirty seconds then the reactions erupted. Ramirez let their comments and arguments flow for five minutes. Then he tapped his coffee cup with his spoon. The group came to order.

"I think by your reaction that I can assume the class is willing to take on this project? I will expect a one-page summary of which position you feel you are best qualified to fill in this project. I, however, hold the right to assign you to whichever position I think will best suit the project."

"I warn you some of you will not be happy with your roles. My point in doing this is to test your ability to defend the issue from either side of the argument."

Barry Weinstein raised his hand. Ramirez was not surprised. Barry never missed an opportunity to voice his opinion even if it almost always sounded like someone whining. Barry had the unique ability to polarize people's opinions just by opening his mouth and speaking. "If we don't want to participate, can we opt out of this and do something else?"

Ramirez looked up as if he was searching for an answer floating in the air just aboveMr. Weinstein's head. "Yes Mr. Weinstein, you do have an option if you choose. It is not too late for you to find another class."

The group was silent waiting for Professor Ramirez to continue. Several of the class looked at Barry and shook their heads. Each of them quietly hoping they would not have to work with Barry as a team member.

Ramirez took a mental poll of the faces of the class "I think that's enough for the day."

It may have been enough for Professor Ramirez that day, but Daniel's life would never be the same and the Tribunal would take over every aspect of his life. Nothing else would get his attention from this point on besides the ins and outs of the Tribunal.

Daniel went home for the weekend to see his family, Daniel's brother, William, an Aide to Senator Liz Tyler had shown up with his fiancé. He was in town for a couple of days to see his fiancé and try to keep their relationship alive.

Shelly and William had gotten engaged right after they graduated college. While William continually professed his love for Shelly, they still were no closer to setting a date for their wedding. He was more in love with his job in D.C. and the hunt for the next deal he could close for the senator. And now the senator's re-election campaign was more important to William than setting a wedding date with Shelly.

Daniel had announced the Tribunal project at dinner. His brother William had made it clear that he did not want his name associated with this Tribunal project and he would distance himself from anything to do with questioning the Constitution. The arguing continued through dinner. Daniel and Williams's tempers grew hotter than Mom's chili. William and Shelly left before finishing dinner with William making sure that everyone knew where the line in the sand was and no one should cross it.

Daniel was now determined to make his part of the Tribunal an overwhelming success. He would show his brother that he wasn't the only one in the family that could succeed.