The Doctor's trial (The Deadly Assassin)
In the Fourth Doctor's trial by the Time Lords the charge was the murder of the Lord President.
Leaving his companion Sarah Jane Smith on Earth, (TV: The Hand of Fear) the Doctor received a telepathic summons from Gallifrey which, unknown to him, was sent by the Decayed Master. Coming to believe the president was in danger, the Doctor attempted to prevent the assassination but was instead framed for the act. As it was Presidential Resignation Day and the president had not named his successor there was political turmoil which led to potential candidate Goth quickly pushing through to get the business dealt with before a new president came into office.
At the trial, Goth was judge with Borusa also present and a number of other Time Lords surrounding them. Hildred and Runcible both gave evidence as witnesses leaning to the idea the Doctor was guilty. A third Time Lord testified that he heard the Doctor say "Let me go. They'll kill him." after which Goth asked him if he could have misheard the sentence and that the Doctor actually said "I'll kill him." to which he thought was possible.
The Doctor's last words before a sentence was pronounced was to claim the right of Article 17 which was the right to run for presidency. It was also a guarantee of liberty. Goth stated the article did not apply to murderers but Borusa reiterated he had not been sentenced guilty. With this, the court was immediately adjourned until the election was over.
Before the trial could recommence, Goth was revealed as the one who killed the president under the influence of the Master. After the affair was concluded, Borusa assured the Doctor the charge against him would be dropped on the condition he leave Gallifrey that night. (TV: The Deadly Assassin)
Despite the fact the candidacy was from a previous election, when the Doctor returned to Gallifrey, and found it without a president, he claimed his right for the position and was briefly the 407th president, although he soon left. (TV: The Invasion of Time) Additionally, the Fifth Doctor later discovered this term had been stricken from the record. (AUDIO: Time in Office)
