Even my magic has limits.

[ Or so he says...

Either way, welcome to the murdergame genre, Chai.

Anyways, Merlin smiles mysteriously, which is always a good thing. ]

I think there's a vast difference in both situations. You see, when viewing one scenario, you can only see one, inevitable option:

One in which someone innocent dies.

Whereas, with the trial, you get at least more possibilities. The killer gets caught, the innocent avenged, and then it's time for our ugly hosts to stage a silly little execution to satisfy their needs~