I think the most damning piece of evidence against Baltar is going to be that execution order he signed. If he testifies, he will likely claim he signed under duress, but his testimony will likely be considered self-serving. Don’t think anyone can corroborate his version of events, either. Caprica was shot in the head before he actually signed, IIRC, and no one else present is likely to testify…they were all cylons I think…unless…was Gaeta in the room?
Gaeta is going to be a key witness. He saw the inner workings and betrayals. The execution order passed over his desk, after all. Give him total immunity and get him on the stand.
I don’t expect there is proof to substantiate it. I was merely responding to AndyPolley’s example that the circumstances described were a serious crime and not just being merely “duped”.
Think Gaeta is already covered under the general pardon Rosilyn issued…though it could be argued that the pardon is invalid, since she was defeated in the election, and not otherwise lawfully returned to office…
But did Gaeta actually see Baltar sign the order? As I remember it, he signed it in a conference room, surrounded by skinjobs, with an actual gun to his head after Caprica was shot. I don’t remember if Gaeta was present for that or not…
Irrelevant. His signature was on the document, which Gaeta saw, otherwise he wouldn’t have known to tell the Resistance. He can testify to that.
May I remind the esteemed Commisioner that the Cylon fleet was also aware of the location of the planet Kobol, as well as the location of the Tomb of Athena? The Cylons have shown that they know a great deal about us.
Agreed.
Perhaps we should re-examine the questions posed at the start of this commision.
1. What crime or crimes should Dr. Baltar be charged with?
So far it would seem Treason, Sedetion and Crimes against humanity.
**2. Should Dr. Baltar have access to all the evidence to be presented against him? **
I find it hard to limit the defense’s access to any but the most sensitive of material.
3. Who will be the trier of fact? Is this trial to be conducted before a jury, a judge, or a judicial tribunal?
It would appear that we are still undecided as to which is the best course of action on this point. It would seem difficult to gather an impartial jury of the former president’s peers. Perhaps a version of a judicial tribunal is in order.
**4. Should the testimony of Cylon witnesses be admissible? **
I think we agree that with the appropriate concerns addressed, and the proper dress code adhered to, that the answer to this question is yes.
5. Will the trial be open to the public?
I believe Commisioner Smapti’s view on this matter is the wisest course of action. With some percautions, yes it will.
Very relevant from a defense point of view. The guy had an actual gun, still warm from firing the round that “killed” Caprica, pointed at his head. Lawyers and law students talk about duress…and Baltar was clearly under extreme duress at the point that he signed the order. As fans, we know this is the way it happened. Proving it in Court is gonna be hard, if it is even possible. Baltar may not even take the stand…but if he doesn’t, and there are no other witnesses that can testify…then the Court will never have the opportunity to consider his strongest defense.
“To save my own worthless hide, I betrayed and condemned hundreds of others.”
Doesn’t sound like a very strong defense to me.
Well, it ain’t like he’s got much better to use. I’m willing to assume that the signature will be authenticated at trial. There must be plenty of documents he’s signed floating around for comparison purposes. If he can’t deny doing it, then he’s gotta explain why he did it.
$5 says
Gaeta comes to his defense with a line like “After signing the document under duress, Baltar told me about it and directed me to contact the Resistance to stop it.”
Gaeta is so Baltar’s bitch. 
If Six testifies, perhaps she will show that among the unusual talents of Cylons is the ability to immitate signatures. 
[…] We need a Cylon smiley.
Hmmm. Think I’ll decline the wager. If I were writing this, I think I would be strongly tempted to have Baltar be found not guilty, perhaps on a technicality. Lets Lee get over in a big way as his own man, out of his father’s shadow, keeps a very interesting character around for further use, and everyone expects a conviction/execution.
I agree Gaeta seems to have a crush on Baltar. I’m thinking he’ll be our first Gaylon…
Check out this link if you want speculation as to the season finale. Your last comment just brought this to my mind.
WARNING!!! Massive spoilers if true!!! Do **not ** click link if at all leery of spoilers!
Fellow Commissioners, this is why we need to space Baltar at once, without a trial. Even members of our own panel suspect that Baltar will escape on a technicality.
If those spoilers are true, RDM might get himself off my personal shitlist. That would be a hell of a ride…
I’ll pee in Ron Moore’s Scotch, I will! :eek:
Ya gotta admit, if true this will definitely be an “E” ticket ride.
I think “Who’s the Cylon of the Week” is a really stupid plot device.
That’s the kind of thing that makes me want to crucify producers upside down, melt down the DVDs I wasted recording their show, and pour in into their nostrils.
If it goes down as described, it would be a helluva way to blow off that angle. I would still not be pleased about the recent Big Thing They Did, but if they pulled it off well, it could save the season and rejuvenate the show…
I’m gonna find out where the wimp keeps his Scotch and drink a lot of beer.
Dude, kick RDM’s ass if you feel you must, but don’t ruin the Scotch.