The Melaswen Paradox (Read 329,273 times)

[tghca]

Jan's parole hearing I mean she's up for parole so last I checked when was this a trial? I mean shouldn't Jan be going before a parole board instead of being in a court of law? Unless this is a trial

Plus judges get it wrong sometimes so I wouldn't be surprised if Jan gets parole especially since she's been a model prisoner in prison and she's done all exemplary work in there with guards and fellow inmates

But if Jan instead gets transferred from Statesville and is remanded to Bayview Sanitarium, then that wouldn't be the worst thing

[André DiMera]

Mar 26, 2022 8:25:52 GMT -5 tghca said:

Jan's parole hearing I mean she's up for parole so last I checked when was this a trial? I mean shouldn't Jan be going before a parole board instead of being in a court of law? Unless this is a trial

It’s an appeal hearing, not a parole hearing or a trial. Jan isn’t up for parole, she’s petitioning the court for early release. That’s why the hearing is presided over by a judge.

[André DiMera]

Monday - 3/28

SALEM COUNTY COURTHOUSE
There was a pitcher of water and some cups by the witness stand. Jade took a cup and poured herself some water, taking a drink after.
JADE: Jan Spears is my biological mother.
DANFORTH: Very good. Please proceed.
Jade took a deep breath and another drink of water.
JADE: I didn’t know Jan Spears until I was in my late teens, and at the time, I didn’t know of our connection. I had heard of her, though. She was legendary at Salem High, but not for good reasons. I was a very different person in high school, and when we first met, I had thought that I had found a kindred spirit when Jan and I met. I soon realized that I was wrong, horribly wrong. There were times when Jan could be nice. She looked out for me and my daughter, who at the time, was less than a year old. Then I found out why. Somehow, she discovered that I was the daughter she believed that she had miscarried when she was in high school. She revealed this to me one night and described, in graphic detail, the night of my conception, and what she did to the person who impregnated her after the fact. The way she was talking about that, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Brady and their daughter, Claire…it scared me. I wasn’t close with Claire. In fact, at the time, I was a bully towards her, something that I deeply regret, because there was no reason for it. When Jan first brought up the idea of killing Claire and her mother, I didn’t believe her. I thought she just wanted to scare them. I soon found out that I was wrong. When I confronted her on it, Jan threatened to take my daughter from me. So, I ran. I ran until I found Claire and her dad and told them what Jan had said. The things Jan was planning to do, and what she’s already done…I don’t see how anyone could think those things. I’ll be honest with you, when I got the letter in the mail notifying me that this hearing was happening, I was scared. I’m still scared. If Jan is allowed to go free, I don’t know what’s going to happen to my daughter or Claire or her parents. That’s why I’m begging you, please, Your Honor, do not let Jan Spears out of prison! Thank you.
Jade went to get up, but Mr. Blaire stood up first.
BLAIRE: Just a moment.
Jade sat down again. Don’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Blaire.
BLAIRE: Miss Michaels, is it not true that you once collaborated with Miss Spears on her alleged plot to kill Belle and Claire Brady?
Don stood up.
DON: Objection!
BLAIRE: What are you objecting to? It’s a question. I believe I may ask a question. That’s what Judge Danforth said, is it not?
DANFORTH: Thank you, Mr. Blaire, I can speak for myself. I will hear Mr. Craig’s objection, then decide whether Miss Michaels is required to answer your question or not. Mr. Craig.
DON: You Honor, my client has already explained that she did, indeed, work with Jan Spears on her plan, but was not privy to the full extent of it until much later, therefore Mr. Blaire’s question would just be needless repetition.
BLAIRE: If I may, I do have a follow-up that will make it clearer where I’m going.
DANFORTH: Mr. Craig is technically right, but go ahead.
Mr. Blaire turned to Jade.
BLAIRE: Well?

[heroicmuse]

Ugh. Blair had better not intimidate Jade or twist her words.

So far she's doing great though.

Great chapter André DiMera

[tghca]

Blaire will get Jade to twist her words or intimidate her in his cross examination...but Jade is under oath so she can't lie

Don tried to get Jade off the stand but Blaire is a shark of an attorney so I knew this was coming

[Kpatch]

I hate that they are trying to discredit Jade. This is not about her. It's about Jan not getting out.

[André DiMera]

Tuesday - 3/29

SALEM COUNTY COURTHOUSE
JADE: That is correct, yes.
BLAIRE: Yes. So, you have testified that you collaborated with Jan Spears on her plot, but then you changed your mind. You also claim that since then you have changed. Do you not think it possible that Miss Spears has changed over that time, as well?
DON: Objection, calls for supposition.
DANFORTH: I’ll allow it.
Jade took another drink of water.
JADE: I don’t believe so, no.
BLAIRE: So, you can change, but other people can’t? Interesting. If I recall, you used a similar defense the last time you were on the stand, didn’t you?
DON: Objection! Your Honor, this is not a trial, certainly not my client’s trial. Mr. Blaire is badgering Miss Michaels.
Judge Danforth considered this for a moment.
DANFORTH: Objection sustained. Mr. Blaire, if you have any further questions, please make sure they’re relevant to this hearing.
BLAIRE (under his breath): Funny, I thought it was entirely relevant.
DANFORTH: You said something, Mr. Blaire?
BLAIRE: No, You Honor.
DANFORTH: Good. The next time you do, I’ll thank you to speak plainly and loudly enough for the court to hear. Miss Michaels, you may return to your seat.
Jade quickly got down from the stand and darted to her seat. Eric, who was sitting behind her, put a hand on her shoulder.
NICOLE (whispering): You did good, kid.
DANFORTH: Mr. Craig, do you have further testimonies?
DON: I do not, Your Honor, so I will hand things back over to Mr. Jennings and Mr. Kiriakis.
DANFORTH: Very well. Mr. Kiriakis, thank you for allowing Mr. Craig’s client to speak in between yours. You may call your next client.
Justin stood up.
JUSTIN: I call Nicole Walker to the stand.
Nicole was sworn in and gave her testimony, in which she discussed the brief period of time when she and Jan were friends, as well as hiring her to kill Victor. She, too, did not believe that Jan had changed, and told the judge as much. When she was done, Chloe went up and talked of her experiences with Jan in high school. After Chloe’s testimony was done, Belle went up. Her testimony was similar to Shawn-D’s. When Belle had finished, Judge Danforth looked at his watch.
DANFORTH: It is getting to be twelve noon, and we still have quite a bit of testimony to go through. I suggest we take a one hour recess so you can all get something to eat. We shall continue promptly at one o’clock.
Judge Danforth banged his gavel.
BAILIFF: All rise.
Everyone stood up as Judge Danforth went back to his chambers. As soon as the door closed, people started talking.
JOEY: Hey, you did good up there.
JADE: Thanks. I just hope the judge thinks so. Thanks for coming, guys.
ALANIS: No problem.
NICOLE: Look, the important thing is, you got through the hard part. Now we just wait and hope that that judge has enough sense to make the right decision. In the meantime, let’s get some food, huh?
Jade nodded and the four walked out together

Belle turned to Chloe. They and Shawn-D were walking down to the courthouse’s cafeteria.
BELLE: I’m surprised Susan, Penny and Kevin aren’t here.
CHLOE: Yeah, I reached out to all of them when I found out the hearing was happening. Kevin’s busy with his job and couldn’t get time off. Neither could Susan or Penny. I wish she in particular was, Penny’s become an amazing lawyer.
BELLE: That’s what I hear. It would have been great to see all of them.
CHLOE: Well, you’ll get to see them soon, they’ll be coming to the reunion in May. And each of them wrote testimonials about how terrible Jan was to them.
BELLE: Good.
CHLOE: What about Mimi? She was hurt by Jan in pretty much the same way Kevin was.
SHAWN-D: Same as the others, she couldn’t get off.
BELLE: But, she also sent in a letter. Since most of us have gone except Claire, I’m sure we’ll hear all their letters at some point.
CHLOE: That would make sense.

Back in the courtroom, Mr. Blaire was talking to the officer who had escorted Jan in.
BLAIRE: Are the handcuffs really necessary?
OFFICER: Just doing my job, sir. Until I’m told otherwise, your client is still a prisoner of the state, so the handcuffs will remain on.
BLAIRE: How do you expect her to eat with those on?
JAN: Wouldn’t be the first time, I’m very crafty. Anyway, how do you think it’s going?
BLAIRE: Oh, I’m sure the judge will be able to see through the bluster of Jennings and Kiriakis. What I didn’t expect was to see Don Craig.
JAN: Do you think he’ll be an issue?
BLAIRE: No, no. He’s ancient. I’m surprised he’s still practicing law at his age. No way will the judge listen to an old has-been like him.

[heroicmuse]

Blaire, the judge doesn't make decisions based on his opinion of the lawyers, especially not on whether they are "has-beens". Jan managed to get a lawyer as ridiculous as she is.

I'm interested to hear these letters.

I'm glad Jade didn't let Blaire fluster her. The judge made some calls I didn't think he should have.

Great chapter André DiMera.

[Kpatch]

I loved Jan's "I'm crafty" comment. That sums her up perfectly.

[tghca]

I mean Blaire as a lawyer he's one confident, cocky son of a b**** but he tried discrediting Jade and other witnesses on the stand but Jade did well all under said circumstances but still Blaire did a pretty good job for Jan too because the judge allowed Blaire to defend Jan in his shark way

I wonder if Jan and Blaire have anything else up their sleeves?

But I love that Mimi was mentioned because if she comes back to town, how long before she bumps into her ex boyfriend Rex?

[mae00]

I really hope Blaire is just blowing smoke. There are sooo many people against this. I hope the judge can see just how big of a mistake it would be to unleash Jan on the world earlier than what she should be.

[André DiMera]

Wednesday - 3/30

SALEM COUNTY COURTHOUSE
After lunch was had and the recess ended, Claire gave her testimony, which was about Jade informing her of Jan’s plan. Next, Aiden read testimonies from people who had known Jan as far back as high school.
AIDEN: “…I found out that out the hard way, as you have now heard. I don’t want to see anyone else make that mistake. Signed, Miriam Elizabeth Lockhart”. That’s the last letter, Your Honor.
DANFORTH: Very good. You may return to your seat.
Aiden sa5 down.
DANFORTH: Now, we have heard the case against Miss Spears’ release. Let us hear her side of the story. Mr. Blaire.
Blaire stood up.
BLAIRE: I call Jan Spears to the stand.
Assisted by the officer, Jan walked up to the stand and put her hand on a Bible.
JAN: I, Jan Spears, do solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
DANFORTH: Very well. You may begin.
JAN: Well, I want to start out by saying that hearing from everybody today…it brings back a lot of memories. I was a terrible person, some would even go so far as to say evil, back then. As these testimonies have been read out, I’ve been thinking. I’ve done a lot of thinking since I was arrested. There’s not much more to do in prison. My time and reflection has made me see the severity of what I’ve done, all of the pain that I’ve caused. For that, I am truly sorry, more sorry than I can express. I don’t want that to be my legacy. I want a chance to prove that I am a changed woman. A chance to live a new life. I can’t change the things that I’ve done in my past, and I’m not asking for anyone to forgive me. All I can do is try my hardest to be the best person that I can be from here on out. I’d like to be a free woman, get a job, go to my upcoming high school reunion, possibly even find love. If the court is willing to give me that chance, I promise I will do all that I can to deserve it. I will do the most that I can. Thank you.
Everyone watched as Jan was escorted back to her seat.
DANFORTH: Mr. Blaire.
BLAIRE: Nothing further, Your Honor.
DANFORTH: Then it is time for closing arguments. Mr. Blaire, you may begin.
Mr. Blaire stood up.
BLAIRE: You Honor, we all know the history of Jan Spears. It has been told many times over today. However, that seems to be all that the opposing counsel and their witnesses have to offer: a history lesson. While I don’t know this for a fact, I’d reckon that not a single one of them has even taken the time to look into Jan Spears’ behavior since being imprisoned. Imprisoned, I remind you, for a crime she only considered committing. To them, I say that her record while in prison has been spotless. You heard just now during her testimony, she regrets the things that she’s done. My client is not asking for a miracle, she doesn’t want her past misdeeds to be washed away. All she wants is the same thing that we all want: to be able to live her life on her terms. As a human being, does she not deserve that much? I certainly think so, and I hope you will agree, Your Honor. The decision is in your hands. Please, let this woman go. Make the right choice.
Mr. Blaire sat down.
DANFORTH: Respondents.
Don stood up.
DON: A short time ago, we heard testimony from Jan Spears about why she should be released. Throughout her testimony, she imparted some very lovely sentiments on us, some very nice words. Unfortunately, that is all that they are: sentiments and words. We all know that it is actions that matter most, certainly more than words. If I may be so bold, Your Honor, I would like to correct my opposition on something he said during his closing statements. He seems to think that nobody looked into how Jan Spears has been doing in prison. Since I was asked to serve on this case, I have made a point of getting in touch with the people who run the Salem Women’s Correctional Facility. Now, he is correct that Jan Spears is a model prisoner now. Surely, this does not come as a surprise to anybody. What does she have to lose? Nothing. She’s already in prison, nobody wishes to suffer a worse punishment, so what reason would she have not to be on her best behavior? No, Miss Spears wishes to be released. Think, however, about all of the other chances that she has had prior to this. We have heard from countless people’s testimony about the things Jan Spears has done throughout the years, all of the chances she has had to change, all of the times she did not make good use of those chances. At what point do we draw the line? For a line must be drawn. Even her own daughter is terrified of what may happen if she is released into the world. Her own flesh and blood. If that does not tell you something about this woman’s effect on people, then I don’t know what will. I know you know the right thing to do, Your Honor. Please, do your duty to the people of Salem.
Don sat down.
DANFORTH: This hearing has given me much to consider. I will not be making this decision lightly, for it requires some thought. I shall deliberate in my chambers and return only when I have made a decision. If, by five o’clock this evening, I have not come to a satisfactory decision, I will ask for us to adjourn for the evening and continue this hearing tomorrow morning. I shall return once a decision is made.
Judge Danforth banged his gavel and stood, as did everyone else in the room. They watched as he walked back to his chambers.

[tghca]

Hoping the judge makes the right decision and either keeps Jan in prison in Statesville or the judge has her transferred and remanded to Bayview Sanitarium for further evaluation

[Kpatch]

Don's closing arguments were fantastic. He is not rusty at all! On the edge of my seat waiting for the verdict!

[heroicmuse]

Nice try, Jan. Hopefully, Don's powerful closing argument will be enough to allow the judge to make the right decision.

Great chapter André DiMera