Post by Chanticleer on Feb 25, 2021 23:08:25 GMT -5
*OOC Note: The following are intended to serve as guidelines for role-playing matters of law and justice in the City of Trinsic. These laws were approved by the Governor and can be amended under the Governor’s authority. All RP matters and consequences related to the arrest, incarceration, punishment, and jailbreak of player characters are subject to discussions between the players of the characters affected and impacted*
I. Preamble
Under the authority of the elected Governor of Trinsic, this code of laws is enforceable throughout the territories of the city, and shall apply to any individuals or entities that are physically, magickally, or spiritually present in its jurisdiction.
II. Right of Trial
Any individual accused of a crime in violation of Trinsic’s Code of Law possesses a legal right to defend themselves against the charges, in one of three manners.
A. Right of Trial by Judge and Jury
For all Major Crimes, an Accused denying the charges shall possess a Right of Trial by Judge and Jury. Trials shall be held publicly at the Trinsic Meeting Hall, unless security concerns necessitate otherwise. Under these circumstances, a new trial location shall be selected by the Governor.
i. The Judge, an official appointed to serve in this capacity by the Governor of Trinsic or otherwise sanctioned by the crown, shall preside over such proceedings and possess authority over all procedural matters related to the case. Should the jury vote to convict the Accused, the Judge shall determine the punishment.
ii. A Jury of three peers, defined as citizens of Trinsic, shall observe the trial, weigh all of the evidence and testimony presented, and determine guilt. A verdict is determined by a majority vote of the jury.
iii. A Prosecutor, the individual appointed by the Governor of Trinsic, shall prosecute the case by presenting evidence and witnesses related to the charges.
iv. The Accused is entitled to present evidence and witnesses related to the charges filed. They may self-represent or choose a legal representative at no cost to the city.
v. Trial Procedure: Unless expressly agreed upon by all parties and the Judge, all trials in the City of Trinsic shall be conducted as follows:
a. Opening Statement of Prosecutor
b. Opening Statement of the Accused
c. Prosecutor Presents Evidence and Witnesses
d. Defendant Presents Evidence and Witnesses
e. Closing Statement of Prosecutor
f. Closing Statement of Accused
g. Seclusion of Jury to Determine Guilt
h. The Jury Announces the Verdict
i. If the Accused is Convicted, the Judge Determines Punishment
vi. Examination of Witnesses: Each witness presented shall be examined by the party who presents them, followed by a cross-examination by the opposing party.
B. Right of Trial by Judge
For all Minor Crimes, an Accused denying the charges shall possess a Right of Trial by Judge. Trials shall be held publicly at the Trinsic Meeting Hall, unless security concerns necessitate otherwise. Under these circumstances, a new trial location shall be selected by the Governor. A Trial by Judge shall be conducted in the manner set forth in Section II(A) of this Code, except for:
i. The Judge, an official appointed to serve in this capacity by the Governor of Trinsic or otherwise sanctioned by the Crown, shall preside over such proceedings and possess authority over all procedural matters related to the case. The Judge shall also observe the trial, weigh all of the evidence and testimony presented, and determine guilt and the associated punishments.
C. Right of Trial by Honorable Duel
In lieu of a Trial by Judge and/or Jury, an Accused denying the charges may request a Trial by Honorable Duel. This right is hereby codified in accordance with the city’s traditions. Trial by Honorable Duel is not available for the following crimes:
1. High Treason
2. Espionage
3. Murder
4. Raping
5. Foul Sorcery (Major)
i. Requesting a Trial by Honorable Duel: Upon accusation of an eligible crime, either the Accuser or Accused may request to resolve the controversy by Trial by Honorable Duel to one of the following officials: Governor, Champion, Guard Captain, or any sworn and ranking paladin of Paladin Isle recognized as such by the Governor. Before approving this request, the official must obtain consent from the Accuser and the Accused, and the official must also agree to oversee the duel. Neither the accused nor the accuser is permitted to serve as the official authorizing and overseeing the duel.
ii. Governing Rules of the Duel: In conjunction with both parties, the official will establish any and all rules as related to weaponry, prohibitions, and the size of the battlefield. If agreeable to both parties, either can name a champion to fight the duel on their behalf.
iii. Outcome of the Duel: Should the Accused lose the duel, then the Accused is deemed guilty of the crime accused and subject to the appropriate punishment under the laws of Trinsic. Should the accused win the duel, then the accused is deemed innocent of the particular crime accused and in the eyes of Trinsic, and may freely depart.
D. Right of Appeal: There shall be no right of appeal from the verdict lawfully decided by a Trial by Judge and Jury, Trial by Judge, or Trial by Honorable Duel. As described in Section V of this Code, anyone convicted of a crime may petition the Governor of Trinsic requesting a pardon of their conviction or commutation of their sentence.
III. Criminal Code
A. Major Crimes
This is a list of crimes classified as Major under Trinsic’s Code of Law. Unless explicitly stated, this code shall apply the commonly held definitions of each crime. Except in the case of murder or slaughter, the attempt or conspiracy to commit one these crimes is considered of legal equivalence to the commission of the underlying crime.
i. Crimes Against Trinsic:
a. High Treason: Committed by a Trinsic citizen, guard, or official against the city.
b. Espionage: Committed by a Trinsic citizen, guard, or official against the city.
c. Oath-Breaking: Of any oath sworn in service to the city.
d. Obstruction: Of an official or guard’s performance of their lawful duties.
ii. Crimes Against Persons:
a. Murder
b. Slaughter: A reckless killing without malice or intent.
c. Raping
d. Assault (Major): The infliction of serious injury.
e. Unlawful Capture or Detainment
f. Foul Sorcery (Major): The use of magicks, spells, potions, or artifacts, to commit any crimes categorized as major crimes or mental manipulation.
iii. Crimes Against Property:
a. Piracy
b. Theft (Major): Of property valued at greater than 25,000 of Britannian currency.
c. Destruction of Public or Private Property: Of property valued at greater than 25,000 of Britannian currency.
B. Minor Crimes
The following are deemed Minor Crimes under Trinsic’s Code of Law. Unless explicitly stated, this code shall apply the commonly held definitions of each crime. The attempt or conspiracy to commit a crime is considered of legal equivalence to the commission of the underlying crime.
a. Assault (Minor): Without the infliction of serious injury.
b. Theft (Minor): Of property valued at less than 25,000 coins of Britannian currency.
c. Destruction of Public or Private Property: Of property valued at less than 25,000 of Britannian currency.
d. Foul Sorcery (Minor): The use of magicks, spells, potions, or artifacts, to commit any crimes categorized as minor crimes.
e. Indecency: Any behavior performed in public of a drunken or lascivious nature that is deemed offensive by community standards and a majority of witnesses present.
C. Punishments
This is an exhaustive list of punishments deemed acceptable under Trinsic law. Judges of Trinsic shall consider any relevant factors when determining sentence, and ensure that punishments are proportionate to the crimes committed, and in accordance with the virtues of Honor and Justice.
i. Execution: For the crimes of Treason, Espionage, and Murder.
ii. Banishment: For any Crimes against Trinsic, as well as the crimes of Murder, Raping, Foul Sorcery (Major), and Piracy. The duration of said banishment can range from six (6) months to permanent. Any single violation of a banishment automatically doubles the terms of the sentence, and any additional violations will subject the violator to a term of imprisonment under Section(C)(iii)(a) of this code.
iii. Imprisonment: A period of incarceration in the Trinsic Jail, or other suitable location.
a. Major Crimes: A sentence of one month to life imprisonment.
b. Minor Crimes: A sentence of one day to three months imprisonment.
iv. Servitude: Performance of a public service to the city, in the form of a specific task or a set period of time.
v. Branding: A mark permanently branded upon the flesh of a convicted criminal, with an image that is related to the crime committed.
vi. Fine: While there are no minimum or maximum amounts, fines shall be proportionate to the crime committed and deposited directly into the city treasury.
IV. Enforcements of Laws
No individual may execute enforcement of the laws enumerated under this Code, unless they serve as the Governor, Champion, Guard Captain, City Guard, or any other official appointed for such purpose by the Governor. This includes any sworn and ranking paladin of Paladin Isle recognized as such by the Governor. Unlawful or unauthorized enforcement of these laws shall constitute the crime of obstruction under Section III(A)(i)(d) of this Code.
V. Governor’s Unique and Extraordinary Powers
The Governor possesses certain unique and extraordinary powers, as they are deemed necessary for the safety and security of the City of Trinsic.
A. Pardon: Upon petition by an individual accused and convicted of violating any of the laws enumerated in this code, and only under circumstances that would be considered unique and extraordinary, the Governor of Trinsic may pardon said individual of their crimes, or in the alternative, commute the terms of their punishment.
B. Banishment: In order to preserve the security and civility of Trinsic, the Governor reserves the right to banish any individual, citizen or not, deemed to threaten its safety, from the city and all territories that rest under its jurisdiction. Such banishments shall be temporary in nature, and not to exceed a period of more than one month without any criminal charges properly filed against the individual.
C. Martial Law: In the event of disaster (natural or otherwise), invasion, or insurrection, the Governor may declare martial law and temporarily suspend any rights or privileges afforded by law to any individual present within Trinsic’s jurisdiction. The initial term of this declaration shall not exceed two weeks, but may be extended in increments of two weeks at a time by a majority agreement by the Governor and Trinsic officials.
VI. General Prohibitions
Under Trinsic law, and by order of its Governor, the following are banned from the city and its territories:
A. Demons: This includes the worship and summoning of demonic entities.
B. Necromancy: This refers solely to the practice of the art, not to the practitioners.
C. Socialism: The practice and promotion of the ideology promulgated by the Sosarian Socialist Party, and any and all related individuals or organizations is forbidden.
D. Undead: All forms of undead, including vampires, are forbidden from entering the city and shall be destroyed on sight if encountered within its territories.
By the order of the Governor of Trinsic, under no circumstances shall the individual known as Roberto be considered undead for purposes of this subsection.
VII. Recognitions and Extraditions
A. Recognitions: The City of Trinsic recognizes and gives full faith and credit to the laws and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Britannia, its member city-states, and their respective territories, with exceptions made for the following:
i. Cove: Trinsic does not recognize the Thessian Empire as a legitimate authority.
ii. Moonglow: Trinsic does not recognize the legitimacy of undead governors.
B. Extraditions: With the exception of any city-states, jurisdictions, or territories indicated under Section VII(A) of this Code, Trinsic recognizes the right of the crown and its fellow city-states to prosecute any criminals in violation of their laws.
Unless it stands in violation of the principles and traditions of honor and justice, Trinsic will detain and permit the extradition of any accused criminals for which the crown or fellow city-states have issued an arrest warrant for, and only under such circumstances.
VIII. Retroactivity
These above laws, pronouncements, and prohibitions shall be considered in effect as of the date of the Code of Laws’ publication. They shall not, however, absolve, negate, or nullify any individual or criminal misdeed committed before their enactment.
Trinsic’s Code of Laws
I. Preamble
Under the authority of the elected Governor of Trinsic, this code of laws is enforceable throughout the territories of the city, and shall apply to any individuals or entities that are physically, magickally, or spiritually present in its jurisdiction.
II. Right of Trial
Any individual accused of a crime in violation of Trinsic’s Code of Law possesses a legal right to defend themselves against the charges, in one of three manners.
A. Right of Trial by Judge and Jury
For all Major Crimes, an Accused denying the charges shall possess a Right of Trial by Judge and Jury. Trials shall be held publicly at the Trinsic Meeting Hall, unless security concerns necessitate otherwise. Under these circumstances, a new trial location shall be selected by the Governor.
i. The Judge, an official appointed to serve in this capacity by the Governor of Trinsic or otherwise sanctioned by the crown, shall preside over such proceedings and possess authority over all procedural matters related to the case. Should the jury vote to convict the Accused, the Judge shall determine the punishment.
ii. A Jury of three peers, defined as citizens of Trinsic, shall observe the trial, weigh all of the evidence and testimony presented, and determine guilt. A verdict is determined by a majority vote of the jury.
iii. A Prosecutor, the individual appointed by the Governor of Trinsic, shall prosecute the case by presenting evidence and witnesses related to the charges.
iv. The Accused is entitled to present evidence and witnesses related to the charges filed. They may self-represent or choose a legal representative at no cost to the city.
v. Trial Procedure: Unless expressly agreed upon by all parties and the Judge, all trials in the City of Trinsic shall be conducted as follows:
a. Opening Statement of Prosecutor
b. Opening Statement of the Accused
c. Prosecutor Presents Evidence and Witnesses
d. Defendant Presents Evidence and Witnesses
e. Closing Statement of Prosecutor
f. Closing Statement of Accused
g. Seclusion of Jury to Determine Guilt
h. The Jury Announces the Verdict
i. If the Accused is Convicted, the Judge Determines Punishment
vi. Examination of Witnesses: Each witness presented shall be examined by the party who presents them, followed by a cross-examination by the opposing party.
B. Right of Trial by Judge
For all Minor Crimes, an Accused denying the charges shall possess a Right of Trial by Judge. Trials shall be held publicly at the Trinsic Meeting Hall, unless security concerns necessitate otherwise. Under these circumstances, a new trial location shall be selected by the Governor. A Trial by Judge shall be conducted in the manner set forth in Section II(A) of this Code, except for:
i. The Judge, an official appointed to serve in this capacity by the Governor of Trinsic or otherwise sanctioned by the Crown, shall preside over such proceedings and possess authority over all procedural matters related to the case. The Judge shall also observe the trial, weigh all of the evidence and testimony presented, and determine guilt and the associated punishments.
C. Right of Trial by Honorable Duel
In lieu of a Trial by Judge and/or Jury, an Accused denying the charges may request a Trial by Honorable Duel. This right is hereby codified in accordance with the city’s traditions. Trial by Honorable Duel is not available for the following crimes:
1. High Treason
2. Espionage
3. Murder
4. Raping
5. Foul Sorcery (Major)
i. Requesting a Trial by Honorable Duel: Upon accusation of an eligible crime, either the Accuser or Accused may request to resolve the controversy by Trial by Honorable Duel to one of the following officials: Governor, Champion, Guard Captain, or any sworn and ranking paladin of Paladin Isle recognized as such by the Governor. Before approving this request, the official must obtain consent from the Accuser and the Accused, and the official must also agree to oversee the duel. Neither the accused nor the accuser is permitted to serve as the official authorizing and overseeing the duel.
ii. Governing Rules of the Duel: In conjunction with both parties, the official will establish any and all rules as related to weaponry, prohibitions, and the size of the battlefield. If agreeable to both parties, either can name a champion to fight the duel on their behalf.
iii. Outcome of the Duel: Should the Accused lose the duel, then the Accused is deemed guilty of the crime accused and subject to the appropriate punishment under the laws of Trinsic. Should the accused win the duel, then the accused is deemed innocent of the particular crime accused and in the eyes of Trinsic, and may freely depart.
D. Right of Appeal: There shall be no right of appeal from the verdict lawfully decided by a Trial by Judge and Jury, Trial by Judge, or Trial by Honorable Duel. As described in Section V of this Code, anyone convicted of a crime may petition the Governor of Trinsic requesting a pardon of their conviction or commutation of their sentence.
III. Criminal Code
A. Major Crimes
This is a list of crimes classified as Major under Trinsic’s Code of Law. Unless explicitly stated, this code shall apply the commonly held definitions of each crime. Except in the case of murder or slaughter, the attempt or conspiracy to commit one these crimes is considered of legal equivalence to the commission of the underlying crime.
i. Crimes Against Trinsic:
a. High Treason: Committed by a Trinsic citizen, guard, or official against the city.
b. Espionage: Committed by a Trinsic citizen, guard, or official against the city.
c. Oath-Breaking: Of any oath sworn in service to the city.
d. Obstruction: Of an official or guard’s performance of their lawful duties.
ii. Crimes Against Persons:
a. Murder
b. Slaughter: A reckless killing without malice or intent.
c. Raping
d. Assault (Major): The infliction of serious injury.
e. Unlawful Capture or Detainment
f. Foul Sorcery (Major): The use of magicks, spells, potions, or artifacts, to commit any crimes categorized as major crimes or mental manipulation.
iii. Crimes Against Property:
a. Piracy
b. Theft (Major): Of property valued at greater than 25,000 of Britannian currency.
c. Destruction of Public or Private Property: Of property valued at greater than 25,000 of Britannian currency.
B. Minor Crimes
The following are deemed Minor Crimes under Trinsic’s Code of Law. Unless explicitly stated, this code shall apply the commonly held definitions of each crime. The attempt or conspiracy to commit a crime is considered of legal equivalence to the commission of the underlying crime.
a. Assault (Minor): Without the infliction of serious injury.
b. Theft (Minor): Of property valued at less than 25,000 coins of Britannian currency.
c. Destruction of Public or Private Property: Of property valued at less than 25,000 of Britannian currency.
d. Foul Sorcery (Minor): The use of magicks, spells, potions, or artifacts, to commit any crimes categorized as minor crimes.
e. Indecency: Any behavior performed in public of a drunken or lascivious nature that is deemed offensive by community standards and a majority of witnesses present.
C. Punishments
This is an exhaustive list of punishments deemed acceptable under Trinsic law. Judges of Trinsic shall consider any relevant factors when determining sentence, and ensure that punishments are proportionate to the crimes committed, and in accordance with the virtues of Honor and Justice.
i. Execution: For the crimes of Treason, Espionage, and Murder.
ii. Banishment: For any Crimes against Trinsic, as well as the crimes of Murder, Raping, Foul Sorcery (Major), and Piracy. The duration of said banishment can range from six (6) months to permanent. Any single violation of a banishment automatically doubles the terms of the sentence, and any additional violations will subject the violator to a term of imprisonment under Section(C)(iii)(a) of this code.
iii. Imprisonment: A period of incarceration in the Trinsic Jail, or other suitable location.
a. Major Crimes: A sentence of one month to life imprisonment.
b. Minor Crimes: A sentence of one day to three months imprisonment.
iv. Servitude: Performance of a public service to the city, in the form of a specific task or a set period of time.
v. Branding: A mark permanently branded upon the flesh of a convicted criminal, with an image that is related to the crime committed.
vi. Fine: While there are no minimum or maximum amounts, fines shall be proportionate to the crime committed and deposited directly into the city treasury.
IV. Enforcements of Laws
No individual may execute enforcement of the laws enumerated under this Code, unless they serve as the Governor, Champion, Guard Captain, City Guard, or any other official appointed for such purpose by the Governor. This includes any sworn and ranking paladin of Paladin Isle recognized as such by the Governor. Unlawful or unauthorized enforcement of these laws shall constitute the crime of obstruction under Section III(A)(i)(d) of this Code.
V. Governor’s Unique and Extraordinary Powers
The Governor possesses certain unique and extraordinary powers, as they are deemed necessary for the safety and security of the City of Trinsic.
A. Pardon: Upon petition by an individual accused and convicted of violating any of the laws enumerated in this code, and only under circumstances that would be considered unique and extraordinary, the Governor of Trinsic may pardon said individual of their crimes, or in the alternative, commute the terms of their punishment.
B. Banishment: In order to preserve the security and civility of Trinsic, the Governor reserves the right to banish any individual, citizen or not, deemed to threaten its safety, from the city and all territories that rest under its jurisdiction. Such banishments shall be temporary in nature, and not to exceed a period of more than one month without any criminal charges properly filed against the individual.
C. Martial Law: In the event of disaster (natural or otherwise), invasion, or insurrection, the Governor may declare martial law and temporarily suspend any rights or privileges afforded by law to any individual present within Trinsic’s jurisdiction. The initial term of this declaration shall not exceed two weeks, but may be extended in increments of two weeks at a time by a majority agreement by the Governor and Trinsic officials.
VI. General Prohibitions
Under Trinsic law, and by order of its Governor, the following are banned from the city and its territories:
A. Demons: This includes the worship and summoning of demonic entities.
B. Necromancy: This refers solely to the practice of the art, not to the practitioners.
C. Socialism: The practice and promotion of the ideology promulgated by the Sosarian Socialist Party, and any and all related individuals or organizations is forbidden.
D. Undead: All forms of undead, including vampires, are forbidden from entering the city and shall be destroyed on sight if encountered within its territories.
By the order of the Governor of Trinsic, under no circumstances shall the individual known as Roberto be considered undead for purposes of this subsection.
VII. Recognitions and Extraditions
A. Recognitions: The City of Trinsic recognizes and gives full faith and credit to the laws and sovereignty of the Kingdom of Britannia, its member city-states, and their respective territories, with exceptions made for the following:
i. Cove: Trinsic does not recognize the Thessian Empire as a legitimate authority.
ii. Moonglow: Trinsic does not recognize the legitimacy of undead governors.
B. Extraditions: With the exception of any city-states, jurisdictions, or territories indicated under Section VII(A) of this Code, Trinsic recognizes the right of the crown and its fellow city-states to prosecute any criminals in violation of their laws.
Unless it stands in violation of the principles and traditions of honor and justice, Trinsic will detain and permit the extradition of any accused criminals for which the crown or fellow city-states have issued an arrest warrant for, and only under such circumstances.
VIII. Retroactivity
These above laws, pronouncements, and prohibitions shall be considered in effect as of the date of the Code of Laws’ publication. They shall not, however, absolve, negate, or nullify any individual or criminal misdeed committed before their enactment.
