The Right of Statement was a privilege that the Romulan people offered to their enemies and criminals within their society as a final act before their execution. The Right allows the accused to make a full statement that explains their reasons for committing the action they had made against the state. The content of the Statement is not regulated and, as such, varies depending upon the individual.
Noted examples[]
- In 2268, Spock made use of the Right in order to stall Commander Charvanek in order to allow enough time for the USS Enterprise to transport him back to the Starfleet ship. (TOS episode: "The Enterprise Incident")
- In 2276, Leonard McCoy requested and was granted the Right after being sentenced to death in a show trial by the Romulan Senate. He spoke for hours on end on topics ranging from the fact that the trial was a kangaroo court to barbecue sauce recipes. This was a delaying tactic in order for Ael t'Rllaillieu and Enterprise crewman Dahai Iohor Naraht to mount a rescue. (TOS - Rihannsu novel: The Romulan Way)
- When being held by Sered and his Romulan support troops on Obsidian in 2296, Leonard McCoy attempted to "filibuster" about thoroughbred horse racing to forestall his execution. The Romulans interpreted this as a Right of Statement about warbeasts, and allowed him to speak at length. (TOS novel: Vulcan's Forge)
- This was likely intended as an inside joke referencing the above incident in The Romulan Way.
- Ruanek invoked the Right as a stalling measure against Commander Tomalak's forces during the Watraii conflict when his fleet prevented the USS Alliance from entering Vulcan space. The content included the history of the concept of Final Honor and its origins. (TOS - Vulcan's Soul novel: Epiphany)
Appendices[]
External link[]
- Right of Statement article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.