The defense is the one being charged, and thus is rather forced to respond in some way anyway or else they are almost guaranteed to be found guilty, due to the fact that they would not have defended themselves. That's usually the way any trial system works - if you would rather we do all trials
in abstentia, I'm sure your client would be thrilled.
And I'm not quite sure what you've been reading, Polts, but this sure looks like a response to me...
DD:
My apologies. College started recently and has been taking a majority of my time. I have always let real life take precedence over an internet one. The Jury will be assembled today if all goes well.
I will be selecting the Jury randomly and there are no kangaroos here.
Presumably the honorable justice is demonstrating proper responsibility and taking his RL concerns before NS, or else some unforeseen circumstances prevented his access.
Patience, grasshopper.