“Yes!”

William Bolton said, “For Henry Walker, what he needs most right now is compensation, because this injury has already had a terribly negative impact on his future life. Without compensation, it would be no different from a slow death for him. Therefore, he hopes the law can uphold justice for him and compensate his losses.”

As he spoke, he immediately pulled out a piece of paper and said, “The details of the compensation are clearly listed here. I have not asked for a single coin more than necessary.”

Edward Foster exchanged a glance with David Harris.

David Harris immediately went down to take the paper and handed it to Edward Foster.

Edward Foster took a look, and his eyes nearly popped out of his head—how could it be so detailed? Truly a talented person!

Little did he know, William Bolton had actually done this kind of work at a law firm before, and this was in fact his first time defending a case in court.

After reading it, he passed it to Robert Clark.

Robert Clark took a look, and his expression was exactly the same—he had never seen such a detailed compensation list in his life.

There was no need to elaborate on the medical expenses.

Then there was the inconvenience caused to Henry Walker in his work due to the severed finger, and it even included Henry Walker’s future marriage prospects.

Given Henry Walker’s current situation, how much property would he need to have a chance at marriage again?

Nowadays, the amount of bride price the groom’s family should provide is all based on data, and William Bolton simply doubled it, since a disability would increase the bride price.

Now Robert Clark also understood why William Bolton accused Charles Bennett of causing injury, rather than fraud.

In fact, earlier they had been arguing whether Charles Bennett’s actions constituted fraud or injury; the injury charge was only cited as a lesser offense.

The reason lay in the matter of compensation.

If it were just fraud, the amount of compensation would never be this high, but if it was for injury, then much more could be claimed.

Robert Clark had nothing to say.

Seeing that Robert Clark had no objections, Edward Foster immediately delivered the verdict, ordering Charles Bennett to compensate Henry Walker with fifty mu of good farmland, and angrily rebuked him on the spot for violating filial piety, ordering him to go home and reflect.

At the same time, he also accepted William Bolton’s argument that Charles Bennett did not intentionally harm anyone, and that it was an unintentional mistake, so he was exempted from punishment.

But Charles Bennett, who had always loved money as much as his own life, fainted on the spot.

Outside the court, there was a chorus of cheers.

Upon hearing this, the citizens outside the door all hated Charles Bennett and felt great sympathy for Henry Walker.

It was truly pitiful.

“The prefect has judged with keen insight. On behalf of Henry Walker, I thank the prefect for standing up for us.”

William Bolton cupped his hands in salute.

Edward Foster looked at William Bolton with a meaningful glance, and William Bolton immediately returned a look of gratitude.

Edward Foster smiled and then got up and left.

Chapter 7: Reinvestigation of the Case

This was not only William Bolton’s first lawsuit in the Northern Song, but also the first lawsuit of his life.

He had little experience in court; during his internship, he mostly ran errands and did financial calculations.

But this actually gave him an advantage.

Because he had not yet developed a fixed mindset of procedural justice.

And when he studied ancient laws, he learned that the legal philosophy of ancient times pursued result-oriented justice, not procedural justice.

What is result-oriented justice?

Simply put, it means good is rewarded with good, and evil with evil.

Therefore, in court, he spent more effort portraying Charles Bennett as a villain, while on Henry Walker’s side, he played the sympathy card.

Rather than looking for loopholes in judicial procedure.

Judging from the reaction of the onlookers, it was clear that he was very successful.

Modern judges can deliver verdicts that everyone curses.

But officials today, especially upright ones, dare not do so.

Because they are more focused on result-oriented justice.

Of course, everything must still be based on the statutes, but the focus in litigation is different.

“Thank you, Brother Bolton, thank you, Brother Bolton!”

“Brother Bolton, we brothers will never forget your great kindness. If you ever need help in the future, we will not hesitate.”

...

After leaving the yamen, the The Walker Brothers wept with gratitude for William Bolton helping them get justice.

William Bolton, however, asked seriously, “Do you really mean that?”

The The Walker Brothers were stunned at first, then Thomas Walker suddenly patted his chest and said, “Brother Bolton, just give the word.”

William Bolton hesitated for a moment and said, “It’s actually not a big deal. I just need you two to help me as witnesses again. I have another case to fight.”

Thomas Walker asked, “What case?”

“It’s about John’s case.”

William Bolton said, “I told you before, John once saved my life, and I must repay her.”

Thomas Walker couldn’t help but look at his elder brother, feeling conflicted, since that woman was also their enemy!

Henry Walker was stunned for a while, then silently nodded in agreement.

After the debate just now, he no longer held such a grudge against John.

Just then, David Harris suddenly walked over and said, “Michael Bolton, the prefect wants to see you.”

William Bolton smiled and said, “What a coincidence, I also have something to discuss with the prefect.”

He then said to the The Walker Brothers, “You two go back to the inn first. When I return, we’ll talk in detail.”

With that, he followed David Harris back to the government office.

...

“Commoner Michael Bolton, pays respects to the prefect.”