Chapter 81
The Unconventional Lawyer Hobert
Chapter 81 The Unconventional Lawyer Hobert
On the judge's bench, the wrinkled judge shook his head to indicate his disagreement with Hobart's absurd demands.
In the gallery, Bob's coworkers were all worried for him. They knew that Mr. Arnold would definitely not accept the £1000 compensation, and they thought that this might be Hobart's way of negotiating.
Fors looked thoughtfully at the expressionless Hobert, and she had the illusion that she had only officially met Hobert today.
In court, Hobert was not angered by the opposing lawyer's mockery of him as a clown. He said seriously, "Defendant's lawyer, you don't understand clowns at all. Behind every comedy lies a tragic core."
The defense attorney was visibly taken aback, while Arnold's secretary, sitting in the dock, coldly reminded Hobart, "Don't be too greedy. If your demands exceed the relevant regulations, you won't get a single penny."
Hobart said, "Our demands are not unreasonable at all; it's just that in this world, reasonable demands become excessive."
The defense attorney laughed and said, "We don't have time to discuss philosophy with you, Your Honor. Please deliver the verdict."
The judge asked Hobert, "Plaintiff's attorney, do you maintain your current demands?"
"constant."
The judge, feeling helpless, cleared his throat and was about to pronounce the verdict when Hobert said again, "Your Honor, please wait a moment."
The judge smiled and said, "It seems you've changed your mind?"
"No, we withdraw this claim."
These words drew several more gasps of surprise.
Both the judge and the defendant's lawyer were baffled by Hobart's actions.
Hobart continued, "We will be suing Arnold for negligence that resulted in the disability of my client. Yes, you heard right, we will be suing Arnold for intentional assault!"
Amidst the uproar, the defense attorney, his face turning pale, declared, "Your charges are unfounded! Mr. Arnold did not directly harm your client!"
"My client was disabled while working for Arnold; the causal link is established, and Arnold bears undeniable responsibility!"
"That's right, he was disabled at work, but Mr. Arnold didn't cause his disability; the causal relationship doesn't hold!"
"Knowing that the machines in the workshop were dangerous, Arnold, as the person in charge of the factory, failed to provide effective warnings, resulting in my client's disability. This is a consequence of Arnold's inaction, and Arnold bears undeniable responsibility!"
The defense attorney leaned back in his chair, his expression grim; he clearly needed to gather his thoughts before launching a new counterattack.
At this moment, applause broke out in the audience. Although they did not understand Hobart's strategy, they knew that Hobart had won this round of exchanges.
Fors clapped along with her; she had to write about this brilliant debate in her next book!
Only then did the judge belatedly strike the gavel: "Gentlemen, your defense constitutes a criminal defense, and this court does not accept your defense."
Hobart said, "Your Honor, I will prepare the necessary documents and transfer this case to the formal court."
The judge nodded: "Very well, good luck, young man, your thinking is quite brilliant. Alright, court adjourned!"
Hobert sensed the potion being digested again, and faster than expected. He estimated that even without other commissions, his potion would be completely digested after finishing Bob's lawsuit.
After the judge left, Bob's coworkers came over and chatted and laughed loudly with Bob.
Bob said sincerely to Hobart, "Thank you, Attorney Hobart."
Hobart smiled and said, "This is just the first step; the real difficulty of this case is yet to come."
"No, no, no, Mr. Hobart," Bob smiled. "Today, seeing Baker in the dock, that Arnold's dog looking so angry and helpless against me, makes this case worthwhile."
His coworkers laughed heartily, saying that today's trip was worthwhile.
The group arrived at the magistrate's courthouse, where Bob's coworkers greeted them before returning to their respective jobs.
Hobart watched them walk away: "In Backlund, it's rare to see coworkers with such a good relationship as you two."
"Because we are all believers in the god of steam and machinery!" Bob smiled. "We often go to church together and discuss the glory of the god of steam and machinery."
Hobart nodded; faith certainly had that effect. "Where do you live? I'll let you know the court date in writing, but it'll probably be next week, or the week after."
Bob smiled wryly and said, "I don't have a fixed place to live, but I can go to the law firm every day to wait for you after get off work."
Hobart thought for a moment and said, "I'll send you to the workhouse."
Bob gave another wry smile: "The workhouse doesn't accept disabled people."
"Then what kind of poverty relief are they doing?" Hobart scoffed. "I have a way, but if anyone asks you again what your faith is, you should answer 'the goddess of night.'"
Bob opened his mouth: "I'm sorry, sir, I don't want to convert."
"I'm not asking you to convert; this is merely a workaround for survival. It doesn't mean you have to give up anything," Hobart said. "You can continue to believe in the gods of steam and machinery in your heart, even though these gods don't care about the lives of their followers."
Bob was somewhat flustered: "Sir..."
Hobart waved his hand: "Alright, it's settled then. Otherwise, if my client starves to death before the lawsuit is over, it will be a disgrace to me."
Just as he was about to wave to the horse-drawn carriage not far away, a simple four-wheeled carriage stopped in front of them.
The carriage door opened, and the defense attorney, who had been sitting high up in the carriage in court, said, "Attorney Hobert, I think we should discuss today's case further."
Hobart, however, said as he walked along the roadside, "I don't think that's necessary."
The defense attorney had no choice but to instruct the driver to follow at a leisurely pace: "It's absolutely necessary! Please stop, please stop for a moment."
Hobart ignored him and continued walking: "Is it polite of you to ask for help with such an arrogant attitude?"
The defendant's lawyer had no choice but to get out of the car somewhat awkwardly: "Please get in, there's still room for negotiation on this matter."
"Okay." Hobart helped Bob into the car.
"Uh, I think you can come up by yourself."
Hobart shook his head: "I will not negotiate with you in the absence of my client."
Defense attorney: "Okay, okay then. Bob, don't bring your stick; it'll poke through the car carpet!"
Baker, who was in the carriage, frowned as he watched Bob board the train. He then moved to the other side of the carriage, trying to distance himself from Bob.
The defense attorney produced a checkbook: "How about £150? That's practically Mr. Arnold's greatest mercy."
Hobart shook his head: "To me, Arnold's mercy is laughable! Gentlemen, a hunting dog is worth 50 pounds! Don't you think this little compensation is an insult to your dignity?"
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(End of this chapter)