Chapter 1: The First Trial
The dimly lit courtroom in Gotham's lower district was packed beyond capacity. Journalists, legal analysts, and civilians had all gathered to witness a case that had no business being heard in such a small court—Wayne Enterprises vs. Gotham Environmental Agency.
At the defendant's table sat representatives of Wayne Enterprises, backed by some of Gotham's most expensive lawyers. On the other side, a man stood alone, dressed in a sharp black suit, his tie perfectly aligned. Ibrahim Al-Farooq adjusted his cufflinks before looking toward the judge.
This wasn't just another case. This was the beginning.
Gotham had never been a city of justice. It was a city of fear, ruled by crime syndicates in the underworld and corrupt elites in the daylight. The law? It was nothing more than a tool for the powerful.
Ibrahim had learned that the hard way. Born in the Narrows, where crime and poverty went hand in hand, he had grown up watching criminals walk free, their cases dismissed before they even reached trial. But unlike those who chose guns or fists to fight back, he had chosen something far more powerful—the law itself.
The problem wasn't just criminals like the Falcone family or the Black Mask. It was the system that allowed them to exist. The judges who could be bought, the police who turned a blind eye, and even the heroes who, despite their good intentions, caused destruction with no accountability.
Today, that system would face its first challenge.
"Your Honor," one of the Wayne Enterprises lawyers began, standing with confidence. "This case should be dismissed immediately. The Gotham Environmental Agency lacks the legal standing to file such a case."
Ibrahim smirked. He had been expecting this.
"With all due respect, counselor," he said, standing up, "you are mistaken. Under the Gotham Environmental Act, any citizen or organization affected by corporate pollution has the right to sue. This agency is not just legally allowed to file this case—it is obligated to."
The judge, an older man known for his neutral stance, nodded slowly. "Continue."
Ibrahim stepped forward, placing a thick legal document onto the table.
"This is a report from the Gotham Health Department detailing the increased cases of lung disease in districts near Wayne Enterprises' new power plant. In the past year, pollution levels have exceeded federal and state limits, directly violating both city and national environmental laws."
Murmurs filled the courtroom. The Wayne lawyers exchanged glances, realizing that dismissing the case wouldn't be so easy.
"And let's not forget," Ibrahim continued, "that Gotham's own constitution guarantees the right to clean air and water. Wayne Enterprises may be a powerhouse in this city, but even it must answer to the law."
As the case continued, Ibrahim could feel the weight of the battle he was beginning. Taking on Wayne Enterprises was one thing. But in the weeks ahead, he would be facing much worse—the Court of Owls, Lex Luthor, Amanda Waller, and even the Justice League itself.
And then there were the real threats—gods and cosmic beings like Darkseid, Trigon, and the Spectre. How could mortal law hold such beings accountable?
That was a question he would answer in time.
For now, the courtroom was his battlefield, and every ruling in favor of the people was a victory.
As the trial continued, he knew one thing for certain—this was just the beginning.
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