Crawford's smile faltered. "What is the standard for admissibility of evidence under the Federal Rules?"
"Rule 401 defines relevant evidence as having any tendency to make a fact more or less probable than without the evidence, and the fact is of consequence in determining the action. Rule 403 allows exclusion if probative value is substantially outweighed by danger of unfair prejudice, confusion, or misleading the jury. Speaking of which, your corrupted video evidence fails both standards. It proves nothing and exists solely to prejudice."
The gallery was riveted. Someone whispered, "She's destroying him."
"Define the Brady doctrine," Crawford demanded, desperation creeping into his voice.
"*Brady v. Maryland* established that suppression of evidence favorable to the defendant violates due process where evidence is material to guilt or punishment. The prosecution has an affirmative duty to disclose exculpatory evidence. You've already violated Brady by failing to disclose the multiple key card entries I mentioned earlier."
Judge Whitmore intervened. "My turn. Miss Thompson, what are the elements required to prove grand theft in Michigan?"
"Under Michigan Compiled Laws 750.356, the prosecution must prove: first, the property belonged to another; second, the defendant took it without consent; third, there was intent to permanently deprive; fourth, the property exceeded $1,000 in value. Additionally, for the breaking and entering charge under MCL 750.110, they must prove unlawful entry with intent to commit a felony or larceny."
She paused, then added, "They've proven none of these elements. My father had lawful access via his employment. No property has been recovered to establish taking, and they have no evidence of intent beyond speculation."
"Explain the concept of chain of custody," the judge continued.
"Chain of custody requires documentation of evidence handling from collection through presentation at trial. Each transfer must be recorded to prevent tampering or contamination. The supposedly corrupted video files have no documented chain. We don't know who handled them, when they were discovered corrupted, or who had access to the systems."
Brewster finally spoke up, perhaps realizing how badly he was being shown up. "What about double jeopardy protections?"
Maya turned to him with barely concealed disdain. "The Fifth Amendment prohibits trying someone twice for the same offense. Jeopardy attaches when the jury is sworn in a jury trial, or when the first witness is sworn in a bench trial. It doesn't apply here yet, Mr. Brewster, but I'm sure you knew that from your extensive ten-minute preparation."
The gallery laughed. Even some court officers were hiding smiles.
Judge Whitmore asked several more questions about Miranda rights, search and seizure, and burden of proof. Maya answered each one perfectly, often adding case citations and explaining how they applied to her father's situation.
Finally, Crawford tried one last desperate attack. "This is all theoretical knowledge! She has no practical experience, no understanding of how real courts work!"