The Second of Ophus, 2719
To:Sergeant Rhys Valentin - Their Majesties’ Seventen
From: Basil Ambrose Shrikeweed, esq - Deputy Chief for Policy Analysis
Subject: Pursuant to Valentin vs d’Arthe
Sergeant Valentin,
The Consular Select Committee on Oversight and Legal Reform (Hereafter the Committee) has tasked my department (Office of Legislative Affairs - Department of Policy Analysis. Hereafter the Department) with compiling a dossier of case studies upon the efficacy, or lack thereof, of certain statutes within its remit. In preliminary document research and collection of case materials pursuant thereto, matters concerning the irregular application of 19 ACC § 25/B - Abuse of Public Office have risen to the attention of the Department as a particular and significant line of inquiry.
Documents pertaining to Docket Number 9:18-VCC-20614-V/P (Valentin vs d’Arthe) have been requisitioned from the Archives per this review and we find a number of irregularities in same. Foremost among these is the relegation of what should have been a criminal trial, even under private prosecution, to the civil courts. Further, the assignment of Low Judge Ogden to the case for the initial hearing is highly usual and contrary to the usual applications of either the Civil or the Criminal code. Were this a final appeal, no concerns would be manifest. It is the preliminary assessment of the Department that these, and other, irregularities are of significance to its inquiries.
Initial review of documentation found a number of redactions and lacunae in the initial complaint along with an usual number of redactions in the evidentiary documents and attendant affidavits. Again, such redactions are unusual. Subpoenas are outstanding for the complete records. However, a lack of context surrounding the matter has placed these subpoenas under additional review and the courts have not been forthcoming in unsealing these records of review by either the Department or the Committee.
As principal party to the prosecution, the Department puts forward a non-binding request to conduct an interview with you regarding these matters. Though the transcripts of this interview will be maintained and entered into the official record, no oaths shall be required as this is not a formal deposition.
If you would see fit to aide the Department in its inquiries, we respectfully request your response to this letter with the dates within the first two weeks of Ophis, 2719 on which you are available for said interview. All communications pursuant to this matter will be maintained in the strictest of confidence.
I remain, sir, your most humble obedient servant,
Basil Ambrose Shrikeweed, esq