LAWS & LEGAL SYSTEM OF WATERDEEP

In Waterdeep, justice is swift and sure

Life in WATERDEEP falls under the jurisdiction of its legal system and adventurers in the city must be aware of its laws, more so than in rural or wilderness areas where, perhaps, the law of 'survival of the fittest' prevails. Justice in the city is swift and can be harsh. Regardless the motive, punishments for many crimes are severe and apply to all (or at least they do in theory). 
Individuals engaged in criminal behaviour can expect to be brought to task by the THE CITY WATCH OF WATERDEEP; arrested, processed and brought before a city magister to face their charges. Depending on the severity of the crime, the guilty can be sentenced with fines, exile, hard-labor, imprisonment or even death. So it behoves those who dwell within its walls to have more than simply a fleeting knowledge of Waterdeep Code Legal. Obviously, individuals who choose to resist their initial arrest will be dealt with harshly and will often find themselves in a fight-or-flight situation; no matter how this plays out, the accused will now be a fugitive from the law and should expect even harsher judgments upon their subsequent tracking down and arrest. In Waterdeep, the wisest course of action is simply to listen to the Watch when they give you directions.
For those with money or connections there exists access to professional advocates, who can use their knowledge or oratory skills to help the accused reduce their sentence or even avoid punishment entirely. However, such experts in the law do not come cheap and use of a barrister is but one of the benefits that can be gained from good standing within the ranks of a guild or organisation, such as THE LORDS' ALLIANCE.

THE CODE LEGAL OF WATERDEEP