The Star Beast by Robert A. Heinlein - The Heinlein Prize

more to restrain Lummox. Greenberg then dismisses all the damages that aren’t real,
and pays the court costs from his Department.
He then raises the issue: is Lummox a possession, or a sentient, free being?
Greenberg is going to investigate that very point. He places Lummox under the control
(and responsibility) of the local authorities while he investigates.
The question of who will pay the damages then arises. They had expected to sell
Lummox, and get the money that way. Greenberg puts that question off, but states that
he thinks Lummox may be government property, if Lummox isn’t a free being. John
Thomas is confused and upset; Betty tells him to be quiet, as they are ahead.
John Thomas then insists that he himself will be paying the damages. He insists
that he, and he alone, owns Lummox. Greenberg insists none of this is binding. John
Thomas offers his education trust as payment. John Thomas then refuses to allow
Lummox to be examined by strangers. He says Lummox is sick, and has had too much
excitement.
Lummox then picks that moment to come looking for John Thomas. He then
hears John Thomas making this speech, and that people are being mean to him, so
Lummox breaks into the courthouse.
Greenberg looks on in fascination.