Visit Dragon Moon Press's new download site. Download the first chapters of  Dragon Moon books for free! We only have a few so far, but we're committed to getting them all up there over the next few months. From now on, you'll be able to listen before deciding to buy a Dragon Moon book.  You can even sign up for an RSS feed, and have each chapter sent to you automatically, the moment we post it. NOT ONLY THAT, BUT-- Dragon Moon Press is offering a drawing for all readers and listeners who use the new site. The details are all listed below in the Contests section of the newsletter. We hope to see you there.

Jana Oliver, author of the award winning TIME ROVER series, now reporting from London.  
Most Americans do the touristy things when they’re in London: go see Big Ben, the Tower, Westminster Abbey. Not me. I went to a murder trial. That might seem odd until you learn that next book in the Time Rovers Series (MADMAN’S DANCE) includes a trial and a turn at the hangman’s noose. Research was needed.

I took a turn at the Old Bailey (Central Criminal Courts). Though our system of law is based on the English model, there are definite differences. A British courtroom isn't laid out exactly like ours. Though the judge is still at the front of the room and the jury is to the right, that’s when things differ. Directly in front of the judge, at about the midpoint of the room, is the dock, a raised area where the defendant sits. To the judge’s left is where the defence (British spelling) and the prosecutor reside, and behind them are their support staff. Note the defence counsel is not sitting with his client. That’s interesting.

In Britain they have two types of attorneys -- a solicitor (who does not plead cases in front of the court) and a barrister (who does). In this case the appropriate folks were wigged and gowned, including the judge. It adds a certain solemnity to the occasion which sometimes is missing in our courtrooms. Unlike our “All Rise!” they call “Be Up Standing!” when the judge enters the room.

Unlike our system, the judge is an active participant in the proceedings, not just a moderator between the defence and prosecutor. The judge will put questions to the barristers and to the witnesses. He will sum up the case at the end, adding his own thoughts on the issue at hand. Unlike the U.S., the British system does not require a consensus of the jury. 10-2 will get you convicted.

As with most American trials, they move at a snail’s pace. Perched as I was high in the spectator’s gallery just above the assistants’ tables, it was amusing to see one of them diligently working on a Sudoku puzzle. I suspect that happens more often than not, both in England and in the U.S. It appears we’re not that different after all.

Jana Oliver is the author of SOJOURN, VIRTUAL EVIL, and the upcoming MADMAN'S DANCE, available at Dragon Moon Press.

• The New Media Expo, 14th-16th of August at Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas Nevada

• DragonCon Aug 29-1 September, Atlanta, Georgia

• 7 pm August 20 at Barnes and Noble, 58 South 32nd Street, Camp Hill Mall, Camp Hill, PA

• 6 pm August 22 at Moravian Book Shop 428 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA

• 3 pm August 23 at Constellation Books, 303 Main Street, Reisterstown, MD

Join this exuberant pair anywhere in their travels, physical or virtual, and we'll predict you'll have a great time!