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Author Topic: The Law of Layonara  (Read 459 times)

EdTheKet

The Law of Layonara
« on: October 13, 2004, 01:44:00 pm »
Crime & Punishment in Layonara
Ever since the Congregation of the Principium during the reign of Raklin Diamoniar, the Law on Layonara was governed by the churches of Toran and Rofirein.
However, when the Toranites withdrew, only the Rofireinites were left.

Organization of the law
The organization of the law in most realms is in the hands of the Church of Rofirein. Judges of courthouses in the larger cities are usually members of the church, as are most other staff working in a courthouse.
For the smaller towns, a judge is usually not a member of the church, but was trained there.

However, not all realms recognize the church as the sole body to set laws and dispense justice.
For example, a realm like Zuan Kingdom on Alibor only has the laws set by the whim of its ruler, whereas a more “civilized” kingdom like Brelin or Trelania or the realms on Corsain almost follow the law books of the Divine Court to the letter.

In realms where the laws of the Divine Court are recognized, and there is a difference in interpretation of the laws, then the church will have the final say in the matter of its interpretation for the case in question.

How the law Is enforced varies per realm, some nations have their militia do it, some have a special guard, and others hand it to the capable hands of the Rofirein church.

Principles of the Divine Court
•   Justice will be done in line with the dogma of Rofirein
•   Each individual has a right to a fair trial
•   Each individual is innocent until proven guilty
•   Each individual has the right to appoint a representative to speak for him on his behalf

 Anything not covered by these rights will be left to the discretion of the representatives of Rofirein on a case by case basis.

Classification of crimes
A crime and its punishment are ultimately decided upon by the judge. However, a rough classification can be made.

Crimes against the life of others and the order of society (punishable by death or life long imprisonment)
•   Murder in any shape or form
•   Conspiracy to overthrow a rightful government of a realm

Crimes against others or the structure of society, punishable by several years of imprisonment:
•   Manslaughter
•   Rape
•   Burglary and theft
•   Impersonating governmental officials or Rofireinites
•   Fraud
•   Arson

Other crimes, punishable by imprisonment for less than a year, forced labor, flogging, or community service:
•   Worshipping deities recognized to be evil
•   Assault
•   Vandalism
•   Slander
•   Aiding wanted criminals

The above is meant as a rough guide for crime and punishment. Ultimately, the punishment is up to the presiding judge.

Adherence to the law
While the idea behind the Congregation of the Principium and the Divine Court is that these laws are universal and applicable to the whole of Layonara, there are areas in the world where this law is not wholly supported, not supported at all or even mocked.
This is not to say that these areas are lawless, but that they can have a different set of laws.

Also, organizations such as pirates or guilds that operate outside of society will have their own codes of conduct and rules, that may or may not be in line with the above.

Good and evil
Not only beauty is in the eye of the beholder, good and evil can be as well. People interpret good and evil in different ways and in their mind something evil may be good and in those lands the law can, and often does, get tricky.
 

 

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