Judge Edward, after listening to the local committee member's description, had Nai'er translate Mr. Aiv's plea, and then reviewed the documents from the local orphanage and the caregiving institution that had refused to admit the little girl.
The case was actually quite clear with strong evidence. The girl indeed had a guardian, but her mother had run away with her father's mining compensation after he died in a mining accident.
The laws of the state were very clear: unless a guardian engages in violent, abusive, or threatening behavior (including psychological control), the state government had no right to remove a ward from their guardian's care. Even if the guardian was unable to provide basic living necessities!
This clearly embodied the principle of "the wind can enter, the rain can enter, but the king cannot enter." It represented the protection of independence and freedom, even if it meant the family might starve together. The government would firmly uphold their right to independence and freedom.
So, theoretically, Mr. Aiv's lawsuit against the Brooke County Administrative Committee was bound to lose. However, in America, there was something called a jury, and Mr. Aiv likely hoped the jury would show some compassion and rule in favor of the county's loss, allowing the girl to enter the orphanage.
But what he didn't anticipate was that this time, there was no jury set up for the case. Since Brooke County didn't have any significant cases requiring long lawsuits, most trials followed a simplified or fast-track procedure unless prior notice had been given.
After reviewing the statements of both the plaintiff and defendant, and in accordance with the state's laws, the judge made a ruling that adhered to the Constitution of the United States.
Edward, after thinking for a brief moment, firmly struck his gavel, signaling the courtroom to be quiet.
Mr. Aiv lost the case!
As expected, Nai'er sighed inwardly. However, the spectators outside the court didn't share his sense of inevitability. In their simple understanding, the little girl was effectively an orphan. If the government didn't care for her, was it just letting her starve to death?
"With one hand holding the Bible and the other the Constitution, this is how you deal with your people?" they murmured. If the townsfolk could find the girl's mother, they wouldn't need to sue the county. The child would have already been sent off!
But now, after all options were exhausted, they were left with no choice but to turn to the government. And yet, not only did the government fail to act, but they also shifted responsibility elsewhere. It was well-known that the county officials were blind to such matters, but now the state was showing the same incompetence.
"We fled Ireland to build America, and this is what we've built?" they grumbled.
No way!
Discontent spread among the crowd, with some even blowing whistles to express their extreme disapproval of the ruling. Was this really the kind of law that forced people to the edge, leaving them to starve?
When the crowd erupted, even the judge's gavel could no longer restore order. And considering this was a coal mining county, the workers were known for their strong fighting spirit. If things escalated, the National Guard might be called in.
"Silence! Silence! Silence!" Judge Edward shouted.
Why did he wait until now?
Nai'er shrugged. As an Irishman, he figured the uproar wouldn't harm him, so he had some time to look at Mr. Aiv and the little girl. When he saw the girl's face fall as the verdict was delivered, she gripped Aiv's hand tightly, unable to hold back her tears.
Poor girl, she had no hope of entering the orphanage now.
Aiv could only comfort her softly as the county police escorted them to leave.
Aiv was just a forty-year-old miner, uncertain of tomorrow. If he were to meet his end in the mine, the little girl's fate was clear.
Nai'er, feeling sympathetic, couldn't bear to watch. He stood up and, turning to Judge Edward, quickly spoke to him amidst the noisy crowd.
"Mr. Aiv, Miss Carla, the court can offer you another option!"
Huh? A change? Aiv and the little girl, Carla, who had already left the plaintiff's seat, looked incredulously at each other. The verdict had already been delivered—what other option could there be?
When the crowd heard that the court might reverse its decision, a hush fell over them. They saw Nai'er, an Irishman, talking to the judge. Who knew, maybe he said something persuasive.
"According to Miss Carla's baptismal record and birth certificate, you are twelve years old?" the judge asked.
"Yes," Carla responded timidly.
"Given this, the court suggests, Mr. Aiv, that you may marry Miss Carla. This would resolve all the issues, and Miss Carla's livelihood would be ensured. If you are willing, the court can issue a marriage certificate immediately."
The two were left stunned. The spectators murmured, and then voices of approval rang out. Many people thought this ruling was appropriate, claiming that a forty-year-old man marrying a twelve-year-old girl wasn't necessarily wrong. Besides, even if Aiv died in the mine, Carla, as a widow, would receive the $1,500, enough to live independently.
"Mr. Aiv, Miss Carla, if you are willing to accept the court's suggestion, you may kiss each other now."
After a brief exchange, Aiv lifted Carla up, standing on a chair in front of the entire town and the court officials. They shared a quick kiss.
"Good! This court hereby announces the marriage of Mr. Aiv and Miss Carla!"
Everyone cheered, and soon a handkerchief with lace was brought forth and draped over Carla's head, while a bouquet of flowers was handed to Aiv. They had just gotten married, surrounded by the cheers of their fellow townspeople.
"Your Honor, I believe we can end today's proceedings here," Nai'er suggested as he noticed Judge Edward wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.
"Yes, yes, I should go issue their marriage certificate now." Judge Edward, relieved that no trouble had arisen, looked at the swiftly changing expressions of the spectators and sighed in relief.