Subject: The Occitanian Compendium; Occitanian Law and Order Sun Jan 29, 2012 5:20 pm
Occitanian Law and Order
"You are found guilty of murder. May the Saints guide you in the afterlife." - Textbook conclusion of how to sentence a guilty murderer, detailed in the Judge Handbook
General Law; Peacetime
Spoiler:
In peacetime, the law houses of most states are open for business. Ever since the formation of the country, governments have been concerned with finding a new, proper way to sentence criminals. Ever since the abolition of slavery and persecution, new ideas have been put forward for gaols and courthouses to be set up to give criminals or the 'accused' the right to stand trial. Although the new institutions are inexperienced, they have recieved many cases in peacetime. Each courthouse is headed by a 'Justizmeister' (literally; Justice Master). Under him serve three councillors, or 'Richter' (literally; judges). When a case is presented, the three councillors must give their consent for the trial to run, and then they must submit their bill of approval to the Justice Master. The overall decision of whether to run the case or not lies with the Justice Master, and in some cases there have been hints of bribery and corruption, where no judge in the land has dared take a specific case, for any cost. Once a case is approved, the 'accused', the one who committed the crime, is given two defendants. The 'accuser' is also granted two (for lack of a better word) accusers also. When the day of the trial arrives, both sides must argue it out upon a stage of choice, in the presence of the court. The minimalistic approach is good for the large amount of crime that the Occitanian regions experience. Whichever side wins in the eyes of the three Judges win. The Justice Master may veto the votes of his lessers. To present a case to the court requires 500R (five-hundred Ronzmarks). Minor cases cost less, and the accused will stay in gaol if he loses the case. Major cases may cost more, and the accused will die if he loses the case. In most occasions, the accuser may state what he wishes to happen to the accused, but generally this is up to the Justice Master.
In peacetime, the council under the Justice Master is made up of three councillors, those selected from popular vote or by the Justice Master. The accused may not have any say in who makes up the council. This ensures that there is no dabbling in the affairs of the court and that there is a fair trial.
General Law; Wartime
Spoiler:
In war, the general premise is the same, except the council is chosen by the military power of the state at that time. This is usually comprised of three reputable generals, or three higher Officers without commissions. The Justice Master is chosen by the government of the state also, ensuring full control over the trial by the authority. The most severe wartime cases are those of desertion, manslaughter and those lost in battle to bloodlust. The last of these are dealt with harshly, and most recieve death. Military trials do not cost money, but can only be presented by soldiers or those represented by soldiers. As such, in wartime, only military trials are allowed to be presented.
Military trials do not need to be run inside courthouses, and evidence is allowed to be shown at these trials. The defendants or accusers bring their own evidence to support either side.
Court Pricings and Crimes [WIP]
Spoiler:
Minor Crimes Showing of the Bare Ankle 100R - A woman or man may not present their ankles at any given time. Such a thing is not respectable, and the perpetrator must be taken in. If the accused is unaware of the state of their ankles at the given time, such law is not applicable. However, one must take the duty to point out to the man that their trousers are at an unsavoury length.
Brandishing a Weapon Indoors 70R - One may not brandish their weapon indoors, be it sword, pike, halberd or any other firearm or weapon. The same goes for Magical Staffs. Mages are not exempt to this law, and must keep their staffs by their sides or supporting them. Any item wielded in an attempt to strike someone is classed as a weapon. This includes mops, brooms and other such items.
Discharging a Firearm Indoors 200R - Discharging of a firearm, be it pistol, arquebus or any other rifled weapon is not allowed indoors, by decree of the Fauerzeit Convention. Mistakes and accidents are included within this law, so treat every discharge as an act of breaking the law.
Discharging a Firearm Outdoors 180R - Discharging of a firearm, be it pistol, arquebus or any other rifled weapon outdoors is considered ungentlemanly. You are liable to be taken to court if this happens. Mistakes and accidents are included within this law, so treat every discharge as an act of breaking the law.
Intent to Harm 50R - Those with an intent to harm in any case are able to be given this charge on top of their current charge. This does not stack, but it costs the accuser more. The intent to harm must be proven by the accuser through evidence (in a wartime court) or through witnesses and accounts.
Insult of an Officer 70R - It is ungentlemanly and not within a citizens rights to insult an Officer and a sworn protector of the Occitanian regions. An Officer may take one of lower birth to court upon this charge, and in some circumstances he may also pick the council. In wartimes, this is not an applicable charge.
Theft and Robbery 400R - The charge of theft is one not lightly bestowed, and respected traders and merchants are most likely to bring up this charge. Witnesses are needed for this case, but the accuser may suggest terms of payment and reperations from the accused if he/she wins.
Speeding 1000R - Speeding upon the road is not allowed. This only applies to official escorts, convoys, carriages, baggage trains and traders. Sidans are not exempt from this law, regardless of their religion. Guards are to be advised not to fall for this trick again. To say the least, the last effort to try and catch speeding Sidans turned up to be quite an embarrassing one.
Heresy 100R - Heresy against the Saints is considered discrimination against race and belief. Such a thing is not permitted within Occitan, as bigots are unwelcome. It is the duty of every common citizen to uphold this law. This does not apply to those who worship the Talibarian Pantheon. All religions are welcome, but discrimination is not.
Promiscuity 550R - Sleeping with multiple men is chargable. If one is found to be having multiple relationships, the punishment will be a fine and discreditation of the family name. This can be charged at wartime, but only by reputable generals. Failure to present counter-evidence to the claims will end up with the accused being found guilty.
Disorderly or Inebriated Conduct 200R - Delivered as a fine on the spot, with very little point in allowing a court case, this penalty serves as a warning for the Occitanian man to know when he has had too much to drink. Often, if the inebriated conduct breaks other laws, this will be added on as additional punishment and may result in a jail sentence.
Bribery
Magical Usage Outdoors
Sexual Harrasment Prostitution 700R - To offer one's illicit and salacious services, or indeed to request such services yourself, is to incur a heavy penalty. Such conduct is incredibly unfitting of such a civilised nation, behaviour unfit for even a stable-tending commoner. Witnesses are not required for this case, but evidence must be given.
Major Crimes Fraud Arson Rape Murder Fratricide Manslaughter Assault Treason Waylaying and Unsavoury Banditry Poisoning Paedophilia Assault of an Officer Magical Usage Indoors Domestic Abuse
Severe Crimes High Treason Murder of an Officer Intent to Break the Fauerzeit Convention Discrimination of Race 300R - To violate the Harian Clause of the Fauerzeit Convention, through such means as inciting racial hatred o barrring a certain species from their rights, is to incur an incredibly serious penalty. It is often the case that those breaking this law are often sentenced to much longer punishments on top of their already existing fines. To violently attack someone on grounds of race is also considered a crime, and is the most common offence and reason for incarceration of a race discriminating criminal.
Discrimination of Gender Discrimination of Class
War Crimes Desertion Lack of Gentlemanly Conduct Lack of Leadership Looting
The Occitanian Compendium; Occitanian Law and Order
Sun Jan 29, 2012 5:20 pm
