The Court

a building associated with crime or justice Every settlement has a place they call the court. Local courts are surprisingly similar the world over. There will be one elevated seat with a full front desk or table for an authority to sit and listen to the proceedings. There will be a place on the right-hand side of the authorities seat where selected members of the community are asked to sit and listen for their opinion to the authority. A table or sitting place will be in front of and on the left-hand side of the authorities seat where the people being brought for justice must sit. Another seat or table will be in front and to the right-hand side of the authorities seat where a local noble or legal representative of the injured group must sit. After the basic layout, the rest of the items present will vary based on the age, size, and traditions of the local communities. Across the world, there are appointed judges that travel around a specific set of communities to act as judgment authority for the alliance. Every community in the alliance nations is guaranteed a visit by a judge at least once a month. Judges are always very knowledgeable in the alliance and local laws. Outside of an official court proceeding they are considered minor nobles regardless of their family status (higher nobility or commoner) and addressed as with the title of Honorable Sir or Lady. If a region grows to need more judges they are appointed and the routes are updated. Interestingly if someone wants to challenge a judge's decision the judge has to allow it. If the judge refuses to allow it their decisions are final. In rare instances, an immortal will appear and take a seat next to the judge becoming the highest authority.

Trial Process

All trials follow the same processes. 1. They start with a local priest invoking the gods to witness the proceedings, bless the judge, and representatives with good health. 2. The judge will read or pronounce the reason for the trial. This includes listing all crimes. The judge's opening will end with a summary of the total associated penalties at risk. 3. The accused or their representative is given a chance to defend themselves including calling witnesses and showing evidence. 4. A short break is provided for the opposition to prepare based on the presented case. 5. The local representative or opposition is then given a chance to refute the defense claims and prove their cause with the same rights as the defense. 6. If the judge has appointed local representatives to assist in making a decision they will all leave for a private space discussion of the case. 7. The judge will declare the results and then declare any associated actions or punishments to be done. 8. The judgment is given two days to be appealed. 9. The judge declares the case closed or referred to another judge if another judgment is requested and agreed to by the judge. 10. The judgement is imposed by local authorities. If the accused is declared guilty, they are given two days to consider the results and make any final appeals to the judge. The judge may require them to be imprisoned or not during their consideration time. During the two-day appeal period, anyone may lodge an appeal for or against the defendant. After the appeal period is over the judge declares the case closed, signs and seals the records, and then it is left to the local authorities to impose the penalties.

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Type

Courthouse