“The court in Juisys made it clear that executive authority to classify information is not absolute. It must be balanced against the public’s right to know and the fundamental principles of transparency in a democratic society.”

She turned slightly, addressing the jury directly. “Moreover, the Juisys decision specifically cautioned against the dangers of over-classification - the very issue at the heart of this case. When the government classifies information not to protect national security, but to hide its own wrongdoing or avoid public scrutiny, it undermines the very principles it claims to defend.”

Juniper’s voice rose with passion as she continued. “This is precisely what’s happening here. The government is attempting to use classification as a smokescreen, to deny these individuals their fundamental rights under the guise of national security.”

She took a step back, her hand coming to rest on the polished wood of the counsel table. “But the law is clear. Under Executive Order 13526, Section 1.7, classification cannot be used to conceal violations of law or to prevent embarrassment to the government. The very order Mr. Roma cited actually works against his argument.”

Juniper’s eyes flashed with determination as she pressed on. “Furthermore, the government’s position runs counter to well-established principles of intellectual property law. Under 17 U.S.C. § 106A, moral rights - the very essence of creative ownership - cannot be separated from their creators.”