Moot Proposition - 1st National Trial Moot Court Competition

1ST NATIONAL TRIAL ADVOCACY MOOT COURT COMPETITION
JINDAL GLOBAL LAW SCHOOL

INTRODUCTION
1. Romulus is the northernmost geographical region of the Republic of Anglovia. Until the mid-19th
century, the term “Romulus” denoted only the Bracken Valley between the Great Romulan and
the Errexal Range. The State of Romulus consists of a topography marked with lakes and rivers
with civilization dotting its maps every 50 Kilometers. Due to its location, Romulus has been a
source of constant attacks from neighboring nations which aim to accede it to their own
geography. It consists of two Metropolitan Cities and several villages and smaller towns. The Most
prominent of these is Bhadraar. Famous for its sweets and tea, the Metropolitan City of Bhadraar
is also the state capital, housing the Legislative Assembly.
2. The Political Trend of the state consistently sees the demographic preferring politicians who
supported the autonomy of Romulus from the Republic of Anglovia. While it was not a princely
state during its inception, Romulus has always retained the urge to remain autonomous in
comparison to Anglovia. To this effect, the State of Romulus has maintained a separate security
force of 12,000 personnel separate from the Central Police Force of 8,000 personnel granted by
the Anglovian Government. The same was challenged by the Anglovian Government in the
Supreme Court in 2013 but was upheld as a necessary action considering the turbulence prevalent
in the region.
3. The Major Political contenders in the state include the Anglovian National Congress (ANC) and
the Romulan Secular Society (RSS). The Founding member of the ANC is Hannah Gretus, the
wife of the last governor of Anglovia when it was granted independence from Colonial Rule during
the mid-20th Century (1950s), while the founding member of RSS is Elba Longhorn, an erstwhile
freedom fighter hailing from Romulus who split from the Anglovian National Congress due to
her opposing view of annexing Romulus to the Republic of Anglovia. Initially, a majority of the
members of RSS included people or descendants of the people who were originally part of a highly
violent group called the Romulan Raiders (1970- 1993) which wanted to function as an
autonomous state within Anglovia and was unhappy with the decision of annexation. The
members of this group were known to have eliminated opposing political factions & individuals
who wished to gain a stronghold in Romulus. However, the violence was brought to a halt by
“Operation White Lightening” carried out by the Anglovian Military in 2000 which largely
eradicated the footsoldiers of the Romulan Raiders and severely crippled their functional ability.
Eventually, it was announced that Romulus would have elections conducted for the first time, the
surviving members, choosing a path of democracy and peace, found the RSS to participate in the
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elections. Historically the Romulan Raiders rose out of a specific faction of the Romulan
population who were generally peaceful people. However, the rise of the Romulan Raiders led to
a severe enmity between the Romulan Raiders and those who were against it and its ideology, who
came to be known as The Anglovian Front. After Operation White Lightening, the people from
the Anglovian Front moved in further within Anglovia leaving Romulus.
4. Historians believe that the leadership of the Romulan Raiders left for the neighboring state of the
Imperial Kingdom of Lomalia after Operation White Lightening to continue their ‘destiny’ of
having an autonomous region. Scholarly work indicates that this group detailed their agendas in
manuscripts, and in their religious pursuits, they felt ‘reborn.’ This group carried out clearing its
hurdles to meet its goals under the supervision of the ‘Chosen One’. The manuscripts indicate
that the ‘Chosen One’ was always a powerful figure, who protected the ‘reborn’. Some of the
Romulan Raiders migrants did not seek the same goal as the ‘reborn’, and instead of wanting an
autonomous region, wanted to make Lomalia their own. This group came to be known as the
Regulus clan.
5. During the 1940s, the Imperial Kingdom of Lomalia was a peaceful country ruled by the Lomals.
However, the kingdom has its own problems with insurgent groups with many insurgent groups
rising and falling across decades. For the last few years, Lomalia has been known to be in the
middle of various terrorist attacks globally, ever since it came under the rule of King Sonny
Regulus who has miserably failed to manage the problem of insurgency in the kingdom. For years,
the Imperial Family of Lomalia has also been facing internal struggles with the King and his
children constantly at each other’s throats due to clashing ideologies and differentiated opinions
with regard to the governance of Lomalia. The Monarch has three children, Alan, Raymond, and
Vakasati.
Alan is an influential political leader and the military general of the Imperial Kingdom
of Lomalia. Central Intelligence Agency of Anglovia considers General Alan a prime
patron and sponsor of the activities carried out by the Crusaders Reborn in Romulus.
Raymond serves as the Liaison of the Crown to the Lomalian Parliament and has
strived to be separate from his brother’s military ideologies. He is the most reserved
member of the Royal Family, limiting his public appearances to state-related functions
and family gatherings.
Vakasati is the youngest of the three royal children and is an established stateswoman
with a doctorate in constitutional studies and constitutional monarchies. Unlike
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Raymond, she enjoys being the center of attention and craves fame and media
attention. She is known to organize lavish parties and state occasions including the
annual Speech of the Monarch at the Lomalian Parliament.
THE ELECTIONS
6. On 15 November 2022, the Elections for the State of Romulus were announced, and it was
declared that the Elections shall be conducted on 20 March 2023. During this period, the world
saw the rise of a new insurgent group in the Imperial Kingdom of Lomalia, named “Crusaders
Reborn”. This group was led by an anonymous person who called themselves “Soldier Sable” It
was the belief of this Group that the world would be a better place if all forms of religion were to
be denounced. While it is unknown whether the Group has been successful in infiltrating any
nation-states, there is evidence to suggest that they are the successors of the erstwhile Romulan
Raiders.
7. The State of Romulus sees the rise of two political players who have the potential to become the
next Chief Minister – One is Mr. Alrond Derkshire (RSS), a veteran author of War Histories and
a strong supporter of the idea of a self-sufficient Romulus, and the incumbent Chief Minister of
the state standing for a third term. He is also the son-in-law of the present Monarch of the
Kingdom of Lomalia, Sonny Regulus, after having married Princess Vakasati, the third child of
the Monarch. The Second political player is Ms. Obstentia L’esca (ANC), a second-generation
politician who has already created history in the state not once, but twice, by being the first female
contender for the post of Chief Minister and further being an avid supporter of the Government
of Anglovia. Her father had garnered immense support back in the day due to the role he played
as a part of the Anglovian Front to ward off the Romulan Raiders. Obstentia has the same
supporters. This is the first time in the elections of the state that an EVM voting system is to be
employed.
8. The Campaigning period for the elections officially started on 21 December 2022 and was set to
conclude on 17 February 2023. There were several speeches made and several debate panels held
wherein the two contestants made passionate speeches criticizing each other on matters of policy,
statecraft, and the futures they envisioned for the state.
9. Towards the end of the second week of campaigning, a poll conducted by the State University
Student Body predicted support for Ms. Obstentia at 42% while Mr. Alrond stood at 45% with
the remaining 13% not supporting anyone. It was further revealed in the poll that out of the 13%
~3~
unconvinced voters, 3% came from Border towns and the remaining 10% of the voters belonged
to Bhadraar.
10. Thus, Mr. Alrond’s campaign began to focus on consolidating the 10% of voters in Bhadraar
whereas Ms. Obstentia chose to focus on the Border Lands. During the period of campaigning,
the candidates were provided with a joint platform to make a “One-on-One Speech” with regard
to their respective campaigns. The same takes place on 20 January 2023.
11. Ms. Obstentia focuses on the shortcomings of Mr. Alrond’s party and their political career in
general pointing out several instances wherein the fabric of peace and tranquility within the State
have been threatened by the “Crusaders Reborn” and the incompetence of the State Law
Enforcement Agencies to apprehend them despite their huge numbers. Ms. Obstentia further
points out several allegations made against members of Mr. Alrond’s party and states that these
terrorist activities (terrorism in 2014 & 2018 – Leader of the terrorist group, perhaps of Crusader
Reborn itself) have always arisen at a time when Mr. Alrond’s party was at fear of being subjected
to a no-confidence motion in the State Legislative Assembly. Ms. Obstentia concludes that Mr.
Alrond’s kind must be rooted out of positions of power and he cannot count on his Lomalian
friends to help him out every time he is in a sticky situation for the people cannot be kept in the
dark eternally.
12. Mr. Alrond, though angered by Ms. Obstentia’s statements, does not react on stage but points out
Ms. Obstentia’s lack of political competence while at the same time, submitting that he has always
had faith in the people and the people, in him. He expresses his grief with regard to the amount
of violence and bloodshed that the state has seen and elaborates on a plan for a more aggressive
counter-insurgency protocol. He further elaborates on various policies that he has set in motion
and seeks to complete in the coming term and concludes by thanking Ms. Obstentia for being an
active citizen and pointing out the areas where he can do better.
13. Following the speeches, a minor riot occurs outside the event venue with angry mobs burning the
tentage and tables of both candidates without differentiation, leading to the deaths of three people
in the ensuing stampede and grievous injuries to several others. Both Candidates are immediately
extracted to their respective homes and barricades are set up outside their houses.
14. On 22 January 2023, several State Police cars reached the House of Ms. Obstentia and arrested
her on charges of criminal defamation and upsetting the order of the state. Ms. Obstentia is held
in police custody for 24 Hours and produced before the magistrate who grants the State Police an
~4~
additional custody of 24 Hours with the condition that she be placed under House Arrest. Several
Supporters of Ms. Obstentia swarm her house and refuse to leave, sitting in a protest.
EVENTS OF 23 JANUARY 2023

15. Following the Magistrate’s order and subsequent house arrest, Commander Sable, releases a
tweet on the digital platform ‘X’ at 6:30 PM, stating –
“We condemn the statements made by Ms. Obstentia. Her
ignorance and vile audacity in hindering the efforts of our
courageous Crusaders are only punishable by death with the
utmost suffering. I call upon our brave Crusaders to rise to this
occasion and inflict divine punishment upon this hag Obstentia.
This is also the will of our Chosen One.”
16. Subsequently, the police introduced barricades and checkpoints near and around Ms.
Obstentia’s house. A police surveillance jeep, comprising Constable Babulal and Sub-
constable Simba, was placed in the alley adjacent to Ms. Obstentia’s house.
17. As the night grew darker, the temperature fell to around 5 degrees Centigrade. To keep up
with the cold, Babulal and Simba each had a flask of dark rum mixed with warm water. They
had been sipping the same since 8:30 PM.
18. At around 9:15 PM, Babulal and Simba heard a shrill shriek from Ms. Obstentia’s house.
Shortly, around 9:18 PM, Babulal spotted a cloaked stranger escaping from Ms. Obstentia’s
balcony down onto the pavement. Babulal, a bit dazed from the dark rum, however quickly
got to his senses, rushed behind the stranger, and soon caught him. Upon catching the
stranger, he violently held him back and escorted him to the jeep by 9:20 PM. Upon
interrogation by the heavy-built Babulal, the stranger said,
19. “Please don’t harm me. My name is Brutus. You would find my companion Cassius at the
nearby bus stop waiting for me. We are just following the Chosen One’s commands.” Babulal
immediately alerted the nearby police personnel to apprehend any suspected individual near
the bus stand.
20. By this time, Simba had entered Ms. Obstentia’s house and had found her lying unconscious
in a pool of blood on the first floor, with multiple wounds across her bosom and stomach. He
immediately called for an ambulance, which arrived by 9:25 PM.
~5~
21. The ambulance reached Bhadraar General Hospital (BGH) at 9:35 PM. Obstentia was
immediately admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Dr. Debbie Shettie, the Head Trauma
Surgeon at the BGH, immediately took over Ms. Obstentia’s treatment. Upon observing her
situation, she recommended her doctors and trainees operate on her and stitch the less
grievous wounds. Dr. Debbie had told the team and the officers that the chances of survival
were minimal. While Dr. Debbie was preparing for the surgery by placing saline drips and
blood tubes, Ms. Obstentia partially gained consciousness and whispered to Dr. Debbie, “I
really loved him, but Al betrayed me. He did this….”. Saying this, she breathed her last.
22. Meanwhile, upon alerting the troops and checking the CCTV cameras, the police found a
suspicious cloaked stranger near the local medical shop adjoining the bus stop. The police
apprehended this individual as well, around 09:26 PM.
23. Both the apprehended cloaked individuals were brought to the police station at 09:40 PM. The
second stranger introduced himself as Cassius and confessed to the constables that both he
and Brutus were to carry out the murder of Ms. Obstentia.
24. The police seized the following items from the individuals. From Brutus, a blood-stained
engraved knife was discovered on his person. The knife was sent for forensic analysis.
25. On the other hand, the police seize Cassius’s mobile. The mobile contained a social media app
Alt-Social, which was a secure, encrypted, communication platform.
26. A first information report was thereby filed by Babulal while naming both individuals, and
they were to be presented before the Magistrate on 24 January 2023 for being detained in
police custody.
27. Meanwhile, the death of Ms. Obstentia was leaked to the media at around 10:00 PM as various
prominent figures including political figures started tweeting about the alleged news leak to
the media. It is not known who tweeted the first tweet but the initial tweets included members
of both the RSS as well as the ANC.
THE TRIAL OF BRUTUS AND CASSIUS

28. On 25 January 2023, Ms. Obstentia’s family submitted a letter to the District Judge of East
Bhadraar stating that their daughter was wrongfully confined and ultimately murdered because
of Mr. Alrond’s abuse of power. The letter even mentioned that the apprehended Brutus and
Cassius were acting as agents of Alrond. This is widely reported in the media and causes a
~6~
huge uproar in Romulus and across Anglovia, with several areas witnessing protests and calls
for Mr. Alrond’s arrest.
29. The chargesheets for murder and criminal conspiracy against Brutus and Cassius were filed on
30 January 2023. The Sessions Court took cognizance of the matter and commenced trial in
February. The police were granted permission to seize and inspect Ms. Obstentia’s belongings
from her house for the purpose of determining other co-conspirators and subsequent joinder
of additional accused persons.
30. During the trial, after having presented Babulal’s evidence, Brutus presented his s. 313, CrPC
statement –
“I just happened to be in the alley adjoining Ms. Obstentia’s
house. Mr. Babulal could not have seen me climb down any
balcony. It is true that he caught me, but I could smell the alcohol
on his breath. He was heavily inebriated; thus, he was delusional.
I happen to reside near Ms. Obstentia’s home, which explains
why my presence in that alley is not unusual. Cassius and I were
brutally tortured in police custody to confess to the crimes. I am
not aware of any social media group. I do not even know Cassius.
I have no idea who the Chosen One is.”
31. Brutus’s defense presented his identity documents, which corroborated his residential address
being in the vicinity of Ms. Obstentia’s house.
32. Upon searching Ms. Obstentia’s belongings, the police found two pieces of evidence. One was
a conversation with an unknown person mentioned only as “Al” on the social media platform
Signal, and the other was a diary entry on the date of her death.
33. Dr. Debbie also iterated Ms. Obstentia’s verbatim dying declaration during the trial. Ms.
Obstentia’s family filed a writ petition to the High Court of Bhadraar for central intervention
and investigation of Mr. Alrond into the death of Ms. Obstentia for criminal conspiracy. The
High Court, considering the evidence, directed the Ms Obstentia’s family to highlight its
grievance with the Sessions court and also directed the sessions court to consider the additional
evidence and the plausibility of making Mr. Alrond’s a part of the Trial.
34. Consequently, the Sessions Court invoked S.319 of the CrPC to assess whether Mr. Alrond
could also be proceeded against in the present trial. Based on the evidence, the central forces
~7~
prayed before the Sessions Court for a joinder of Mr. Alrond as an accused of criminal
conspiracy for murder in the ongoing trial. The Sessions Court allowed the same.
35. The police also presented the final post-mortem report of Ms. Obstentia during the trial.
Accordingly, the court framed the following issues to adjudicate upon:-
a. Is the evidence presented before the Court sufficient and credible enough for
impleading Mr. Arnold as party to the Trial under S. 319 of the CrPC?
b. Is the evidence against Mr. Brutus beyond reasonable doubt to convict him on charges
of murder?
c. Is the evidence against Mr. Brutus, Cassius, and Alrond beyond reasonable doubt to
convict them on charges of criminal conspiracy to murder?
36. The Laws of the Republic of Anglovia are in pari materia with the criminal laws of the Republic
of India prior to the enactment of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023), Bharatiaya Nagarik
Suraksha Sanhita (2023) and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (2023).
~8~
ANNEXURE I
WITNESS
MATRIX
~9~
WITNESS MATRIX – PROSECUTION
HEAD-CONSTABLE BABULAL
• Testimony: Mr. Babulal testifies with regard to the arrest of Brutus at night, he submits that
Brutus was stopped when jumping out of the balcony of Ms. Obstentia’s residence. He further
submits that Brutus was muttering “It is done, it is done” when he was caught.
• Background: Mr. Babulal has been serving in the post of the Head Constable for the past 23
years. He was skipped over for promotion twice during this tenure. He has been reprimanded
once for tardiness during a police parade and is generally perceived as a lazy but honest cop.
CONSTABLE SIMBA
• Testimony: Constable Simba testified that he followed Mr. Babulal’s directions to check on
Ms. Obstentia, he entered the house through the main door, made his way up the staircase,
and entered Ms. Obstentia’s bedroom to discover her profusely bleeding from her injuries
and lying unconscious on the floor of the bedroom. He further observed the bedroom
window open.
• Background: Simba is relatively new to the field with an experience of 4 years on the force.
He is a second-generation policeman with his father being a sub-inspector who lost his life
in the line of duty. Simba’s family includes his mother, a cancer survivor, a brother pursuing
his degree in engineering, and his sister who works in the State Bank of Romulus as a
cashier.
DR. DEBBIE SHETTIE

• Testimony: Dr. Debbie testifies that while she was treating Ms. Obstentia, she discovered the
two lacerations were fatal lacerations were delivered by a blade with serrations such as a saw
or a cleaving knife of sorts. She states that the pain that would be inflicted upon such a
person would be so immense that it would almost certainly lead to death. She also submits
that Ms. Obstentia gained consciousness during the treatment wherein she stated that a
person named “Al” had betrayed her.
• Background: Dr. Debbie is a renowned doctor in the field of General Surgery and has had
an unblemished record save for a single failed C-Section wherein the Hospital was found to
have utilized expired anesthetics. Dr. Debbie is also a new mother, having welcomed her
child to this world six months ago.
~10~
WITNESS MATRIX – DEFENCE
BRUTUS LEGULARIUS
• Testimony: Brutus testifies that he is a simple salesman of biometric door locks who lives in
the neighborhood. He agrees that he was arrested by Mr. Babulal at the alley behind Ms.
Obstentia’s House but remains adamant in stating that he is a resident of the locality and was
merely headed for a walk around the neighbourhood after having a bad fight with his wife. He
further testifies that he was tortured to the third degree by the police and was regularly beaten
and paraded naked before his wife by the police and signed the confession under duress and
out of shame.
• Background: Brutus was previously suspected of a robbery in the locality but was proven
innocent as there was no evidence against him. He is of the southern region of Anglovia and
has often been targeted by native Romulans for the colour of his skin and the accent with
which he speaks the native language.
CASSIUS MOSSANIS
• Testimony: Cassius submits that he was arrested from a Bus stop as he was boarding a bus to
return to his home town after completing a business meeting with a high level client. He claims
that he has neither been in contact with nor has he ever met Brutus. He further submits that
the police used several brutal techniques to get a confession out of him and when he did not
give into their demands, they utilized a form of beating that does not leave any external marks
but inflicts injuries to a person internally.
• Credibility: Cassius is a citizen of Sokaar, a state on the Western Borders of Anglovia, he
moved to Anglovia after the attacks of 2014, his citizenship was recently formalized by the
state and he has continued to reside in Sokaar, this was essentially his second business trip to
the State of Romulus, however, he is unable to provide any sort of substantiation as to the
Office he visited and the nature of his work. He claims to have signed a non-disclosure
agreement that prohibits him from doing so.
ALROND DERKSHIRE
• Testimony: Mr. Alrond testifies that he is completely innocent of the charges levied against
him, he states that he is being set-up by the Opposition Parties and anti-state activists due to
the popularity that his party enjoys within the state. He claims to be a good leader and a humble
servant of the people of Romulus and further submits that he has never intentionally harmed
~11~
anyone in his life. Mr. Alrond further states that he has no connections to the Crusaders
Reborn and does not support them or their ideology in any way or form and any such
insinuation to the contrary is a derogation of his patriotism.
• Credibility: Mr. Alrond is a well-respected politician and the Defendant in the present case.
~12~
ANNEXURE II
EVIDENCE
MATRIX
~13~
MS. OBSTENTIA’S SPEECH
Citizens of Romulus, today marks a pivotal moment in our history, a moment where we
must confront the uncomfortable truths that have cast a shadow over our beloved territory. I stand
before you as Obstentia L’esca, not just a contender in the upcoming elections but as a voice of
change, a voice that echoes the aspirations and concerns of each one of you.
The current Chief Minister, Mr. Alrond Derkshire, has been at the helm of our territory, but
let's not turn a blind eye to the unsettling realities that persist under his administration. The spectre
of the insurgent group "Crusaders Reborn" looms large, threatening the peace and security of our
homes. The state law enforcement agencies, entrusted with our safety, have faltered in their duty to
eradicate this threat, leaving us vulnerable to the menace that Crusaders Reborn poses.
But there's more – let's delve into the murky waters of political intrigue. Disturbing
allegations have surfaced, suggesting direct links between Mr. Alrond and his party members with
Crusaders Reborn. The very individuals who should be safeguarding our interests may have
compromised our security for personal gain. This is not just a failure of governance; it's a betrayal of
the trust we placed in our leaders.’
My fellow citizens, the violence that marred our territory in 2014 and 2018, opportunistically
occurring alongside the two occasions Mr. Alrond and his government were faced with no-
confidence motions in the state legislature, stands as a stark reminder of the instability that has
gripped our government. We cannot afford to continue down this path, rocked by strife and political
uncertainty. It is time for a change, a change that will bring about the stability and unity we so
desperately need. Mr. Alrond must be reminded that he cannot depend on his Lomalian associates
to incite violence in Romulus each and every time, attempting to divert our attention from the
evident failures of both him and the RSS in effectively governing our beloved Romulus.
Romulus deserves leaders who are not entangled in a web of corruption and deceit. We
demand transparency, accountability, and leaders who are resolute in their commitment to
eradicating corruption from the very roots of our political system. The time for half-measures and
empty promises is over.
My fellow citizens, we stand at a crossroads, and the choices we make today will shape the
destiny of our beloved territory. It's not just about voting for a person; it's about voting for a vision,
a vision of a Romulus free from the shackles of instability and insecurity.
~14~
Join me in this fight for change. Together, we can usher in an era of prosperity, unity, and
transparency. Romulus deserves nothing less. Vote for change, vote for a brighter future. Thank
you.
~15~
MR. ALROND’S SPEECH
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished moderator, and the resilient citizens of Romulus,
As I stand before you today, on this monumental platform, it is with a heart both heavy and
hopeful. Ms. Obstentia, your fervent address, teeming with zeal, has not gone unnoticed. Indeed, it
is the spirit of such discourse that fuels the democratic ethos we so dearly cherish. Yet, it is
incumbent upon me to elucidate that the art of governance transcends the realm of mere passion; it
demands a nuanced understanding of the intricate tapestry of statecraft—an understanding
cultivated through years of dedicated service to the people of Romulus.
You, the stalwart citizens of our great nation, have bestowed upon me your trust, a sacred
covenant that I hold in the highest regard. This trust is the cornerstone of our collective endeavor
towards a brighter future for Romulus. It pains me, deeply, to bear witness to the shadows of
violence and strife that have befallen our land. These are not mere disturbances but a clarion call for
us to unite, to fortify our resolve, and to emerge stronger.
In response to these tumultuous times, I propose not just a policy but a paradigm shift—a
rigorous counter-insurgency strategy that while aggressive, is also anchored in the principles of
justice and human dignity. This is no ordinary path we embark upon; it is one that requires us to
confront uncomfortable truths, to question the very fabric of our societal norms, and to dare to
reimagine the contours of our national security.
Moreover, we have set in motion a plethora of initiatives aimed at invigorating our economy,
enhancing the welfare of our citizens, and upholding the sanctity of our collective heritage. These
are not mere promises but commitments—commitments to ensure that the future of Romulus is
one marked by prosperity, peace, and unparalleled progress.
Ms. Obstentia, your critique, while pointed, serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of
accountability that defines us. I welcome your insights, not as admonishments, but as valuable
contributions to our ongoing dialogue—a dialogue that enriches our democracy and propels us
towards greater heights.
In closing, let me reassert my unwavering commitment to you, the people of Romulus. Our
journey is fraught with challenges, yet it is together, united in purpose and passion, that we shall
carve out a legacy of resilience. The path ahead is not one of complacency but of courageous,
collective action.
Thank you, Ms. Obstentia, for kindling the flame of debate. And thank you, citizens of
Romulus, for entrusting me with the sacred duty of leading our nation forward. Together, we stand
~16~
on the precipice of a new dawn for Romulus—a dawn that promises not just survival, but a
flourishing renaissance of our cherished ideals.
Thank you.
~17~
GROUP CHAT RECOVERED FROM CASSIUS’ MOBILE
~18~
CHAT WITH UNKNOWN NUMBER RECOVERED FROM MS. OBSTENTIA’S
MOBILE (22.01.2023)
~19~
CHAT WITH UNKNOWN NUMBER RECOVERED FROM MS. OBSTENTIA’S
MOBILE (23.01.2023)
~20~
TWEET BY SOLDIER SABLE DATED 23.01.2023.
~21~
CONDOLENCE TWEETS ON MS. OBSTENTIA’S DEATH DATED 23.01.2023.
~22~
~23~
NEWSPAPER CLIPPING DATED 11.12.2022 DESCRIBING THE MEETING
BETWEEN SOLDIER SABLE AND GENERAL ALAN
~24~
IDENTIFICATION OF THE REGION AND GROUPS INVOLVED.
SUBJECT A: MAP OF THE REGION.
~25~
SUBJECT B: FLAGS OF ANGLOVIA (L) AND LOMALIA (R).
SUBJECT C: PARTY SYMBOLS FOR RSS (L) & ANC (R).
~26~
SUBJECT D: SYMBOLS FOR ROMULAN RAIDERS (L) & CRUSADERS REBORN (R).
~27~
DIRECTORATE OF
FORENSIC SCIENCE
SERVICES
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS,
STATE OF ROMULUS
EXAMINATION REPORT
2023-07-462-0001-R2323
EXAMINATION OF EVIDENCE ITEM NO. 2023-07-462-0001
POST-MORTEM REPORT OF VICTIM
~28~
Case Name: State v. Arnold & Ors
Date and Time of Examination: 25 January 2023, 2000 Hours
Name of Deceased: Obstentia L’esca
Age: 37
Sex: Female
Identification: Positive identification by birth mark on the right arm
Date and Time of Death: 22 January 2023, approximately 2215 Hours
Place of Death: Bhadraar General Hospital, Parwatganj, 233102
History of Present Illness or Injury
The victim had a medical history of Anaemia for the past 4 years. The
deceased was found in her house with multiple wounds across her bosom
and stomach.
External Examination
The deceased is a 37-year-old female in a state of moderate post-mortem
decomposition.
• Rigor mortis is present in the hands, and the abdomen.
• Livor mortis is fixed and consistent with the position in which the
body was found.
~29~
• There are multiple stab wounds across the bosom and stomach.
Description of Wounds
There are 3 stab wounds on the bosom and 8 on the stomach. The wounds
are consistent with a serrated knife. The wounds vary in depth and
direction, suggesting multiple assailants or a frenzied attack.
Internal Examination
The internal organs are in a state of early decomposition. There is evidence
of hemorrhage and organ damage due to the stab wounds.
The cause of death is determined to be exsanguination due to multiple stab
wounds.
Opinion
The cause of death is due to exsanguination from multiple stab wounds
inflicted with a serrated knife. The manner of death is unnatural by
violence.
Recommendations
Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is
recommended, including interviewing witnesses and collecting any
available forensic evidence.
Summary
~30~
The deceased, a 37-year-old female, was found with multiple stab wounds
across her bosom and stomach. The wounds were consistent with a
serrated knife, and the cause of death was exsanguination. The manner of
death is determined to be homicide. Further investigation is
recommended.
Prepared By: Sarbaditya Aurovindry
Date and Time: 26 January 2023, 2100 Hours
~31~
DIRECTORATE OF
FORENSIC SCIENCE
SERVICES
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS,
STATE OF ROMULUS
EXAMINATION REPORT
2023-07-462-0021-R2823
SERRATED AND ENGRAVED KNIFE WITH COCOBOLO WOOD
HANDLE
~32~
SERRATED AND ENGRAVED KNIFE WITH COCOBOLO WOOD
HANDLE
INTRODUCTION
A request for service was issued to conduct the forensic examination of the
evidence of the serrated and engraved knife with cocobolo wood handle, evidence item
2023-07-462-0021. The present request for examination was issued by the Office of the
Inspector-General of Police, State of Romulus to provide any and all information that
suggests that whether the present item was used in the homicide of Ms. Obstentia
L’Esca and whether Mr. Alrond Derkshire was or was not involved in the crime of
homicide of Ms. Obstentia L’Esca and for any other information which may suggest
whether or not anyone else should be investigated in support of his criminal
investigation.
The report was written by Isharya Saratra, a forensic examiner, the examination
uncovered information suggesting if the present item was used in the homicide of Ms.
Obstentia L’Esca, whether there was any involvement of Mr. Alrond Derkshire in the
Homicide of Ms. Obstentia L’Esca and more information about the circumstances
surrounding the death of Ms. Obstentia L’Esca and the possibility for investigating
other individuals pertinent to the investigation.
EVIDENCE SUMMARY
The main feature of this weapon was represented by a large serrated single blade
(respectively 14 cm and 3 cm serrations); on both the edges of the proximal part of the
~33~
blade there were some various little appendices and on the lower edge of the handle
there was another pointed but not sharp, blade. The blade bears a partial and worn
engraving depicting a partial rhombus with a semi-circle surrounded by a plantain leaf
on one side and the letters “AL” on the other side of the handle hilt. The Blade further
contained no traces of rust suggesting that it was covered with a sheath.
Having the knife, it was possible to verify that the blade perfectly matched with
the tears of the clothing, but it was not possible to perform a similar assessment of the
skin wounds due to the relevant post-mortem alterations, developed even if the body
was preserved in a refrigerator cell. Despite this fact, it was however clear that the
morphological features of the skin wounds and the injury to the inner organs
corresponded well with the peculiar blade of the knife as subsequently demonstrated
by genetic analysis.
EXAMINATION SUMMARY
In fact, although there were no visible bloodstains on the knife, thorough
research revealed the presence of microscopic traces of blood in the virtual space
between the handle and the blade by The Kastle–Meyer test and then confirmed with
ABAcard® HemaTrace. The genetic analysis proved that the DNA profile of this blood
was completely identical to the victim’s, providing the definitive proof that this was the
knife that had been used to perpetrate the homicide.
The blood was collected using 4N6FLOQSwabs™ COPAN. DNA extraction was
carried out with QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit-QIAGEN, according to specific
protocols. PCR amplification was performed with AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus and
~34~
AmpFlSTR Cofiler PCR Amplification Kit - Perkin Elmer Applied Biosystems. The
typing was achieved using an ABI PRISM 310 - Applied Biosystems genetic analyzer.
Signal intensities exceeding 50 RFU were regarded as valid.
The evaluated thirteen different STRs loci (Combined DNA Index System -
CODIS) were CSF1PO, F13A01, F13B, FES/FPS, FGA, LPL, TH01, TPOX, VWA,
D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, and D21S11.
In a complete DNA profile match with the victim’s, all thirteen STR loci
examined. The random match probability was calculated to be on the order of 1 in 166
quadrillion when compared to an Anglovian population database.
The positive comparison was essential in confirming the real use of that weapon
in the homicide, otherwise, it would have been substantially impossible to suppose the
real features of the knife solely based upon variable shape and sizes of the multiple
injuries, which could have even given suggestion to the use of multiple knives to
commit the homicide.
~35~

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1ST NATIONAL TRIAL ADVOCACY MOOT COURT COMPETITION

JINDAL GLOBAL LAW SCHOOL

EVENTS OF 23 JANUARY 2023

THE TRIAL OF BRUTUS AND CASSIUS

DR. DEBBIE SHETTIE

SUBJECT C: PARTY SYMBOLS FOR RSS (L) & ANC (R).

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS,

EXAMINATION OF EVIDENCE ITEM NO. 2023-07-462-0001

POST-MORTEM REPORT OF VICTIM

Case Name: State v. Arnold & Ors

Date and Time of Examination: 25 January 2023, 2000 Hours

Name of Deceased: Obstentia L’esca

Identification: Positive identification by birth mark on the right arm

Date and Time of Death: 22 January 2023, approximately 2215 Hours

Place of Death: Bhadraar General Hospital, Parwatganj, 233102

History of Present Illness or Injury

The deceased is a 37-year-old female in a state of moderate post-mortem

• Rigor mortis is present in the hands, and the abdomen.

body was found.

direction, suggesting multiple assailants or a frenzied attack.

The internal organs are in a state of early decomposition. There is evidence

of hemorrhage and organ damage due to the stab wounds.

The cause of death is determined to be exsanguination due to multiple stab

The cause of death is due to exsanguination from multiple stab wounds

inflicted with a serrated knife. The manner of death is unnatural by

Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is

recommended, including interviewing witnesses and collecting any

available forensic evidence.

death is determined to be homicide. Further investigation is

Prepared By: Sarbaditya Aurovindry

Date and Time: 26 January 2023, 2100 Hours

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS,

EXAMINATION OF EVIDENCE ITEM NO. 2023-07-462-0021

SERRATED AND ENGRAVED KNIFE WITH COCOBOLO WOOD

EXAMINATION OF EVIDENCE ITEM NO. 2023-07-462-0021

SERRATED AND ENGRAVED KNIFE WITH COCOBOLO WOOD

whether or not anyone else should be investigated in support of his criminal

other individuals pertinent to the investigation.

engraving depicting a partial rhombus with a semi-circle surrounded by a plantain leaf

contained no traces of rust suggesting that it was covered with a sheath.

In fact, although there were no visible bloodstains on the knife, thorough

knife that had been used to perpetrate the homicide.

carried out with QIAamp DNA Investigator Kit-QIAGEN, according to specific

Signal intensities exceeding 50 RFU were regarded as valid.

D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, and D21S11.

quadrillion when compared to an Anglovian population database.

commit the homicide.

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