Short # 76 - ST Next Gen 2.9: The Measure of a Man

Wherein Justice and Andy pass judgement on "The Measure of a Man," the ninth episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation season two. In this episode, Data is on trial for his rights and existence, with Picard acting as his defense and Riker as (forced) prosecution. This episode is an analog for many of the differnet kinds of rights under threat today, such as civil rights, trans rights, and the rights of the differently abled. All can be read at least partially through Starfleet's pursecution of Data. Why does Riker feel the need to so flagrantly violate Data's person in his prosecution? Why is this an exclusively military matter rather than a civil one? Why does Picard act like a quitter so early? And why is Captain Louvois stupified by everything that happens in her courtroom?