culture Codex Justinianus - Law Codex of Athalia

[Ragnio 510]

 

Codex Justinianus

 

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Foreword,

Every person within the Realm of Athalia and all of its appendages, including vassalized states and the surrounding lands are bound by this codex. While the law is derived from the Crown of Athalia the Crown itself, the Ministries, the Oracle, and the Royal Family are also bound by this codex. No alterations or exceptions are to be made to this codex unless voted and agreed upon by the Privy Council and the Crown itself.

 

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Table of Content

 

1. Legally Important Titles and Terms

 

A. Nobility

1. The Crown
2. The Royal Family
3. The Grand Prince
4. The Oracle
5. The Ministers
6. The State Secretary
7. The Lords
8. The Archdukes
9. The Dukes
10. The Counts
11. The Viscounts
12. The Barons
13. Honorary Titles

 

B. Rights of Nobility

 

C. Duties of Nobility

 

2.  Laws of Athalia

 

A. Acts of Violence

1. Battery
2. Murder
3. Manslaughter
4. Mutilation
5. Torture

 

 B. Acts of Vandalism

1. Burglary
2. Robbery
3. Vandalism
4. Arson
5. Trespassing
6. Poaching

 

C. Acts of Theft

1. Theft
2. Robbery
3. Fraud

 

D. Acts of the Dark Arts

1. Forbidden Arts
2. Resurrection
3. Demonology

 

E. Acts against the State

1. Treason
2. Sedition
3. Contraband
4. Obstruction of the State
5. Tax Evasion
6. Absconding
7. Bribery of State Officials
8. Extortion
9. Perjury
10. False Doctorate

 

F. Acts against Morality

1. Kidnapping
2. Dafamation
3. Impersonation
4. Indecency
5. Deviancy
6. Fornication
7. Adultery
8. Consanguinity
9. Disturbance of the local Peace
10. Racism

 

3.  Trials and Punishments

 

A. Trials

1. Right to have a fair trial
2. Roles
3. Procedure of trials
4. Mutilation
5. Torture

 

B. Punishments

1. Punishments
   1. Light Punishments
   2. Average Punishments
   3. Average Punishments
   4. Heavy Punishments
   5. Critical Punishments

 

C. Written Exceptions

 

4.  Taxation

 

A. Taxation Costs

1. Class C Home
2. Class B Home
3. Class A Home
4. Mansion
5. Shops

 

B. Tax Exemptions

 

 

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Legally Important Titles and Terms

 

The Nobility is defined as the body of all individuals holding heredity or honorary noble or lordly titles, typically holding land in tenure to the State or other members of Nobility. As such one may be ascending to Nobility, while  are others are Nobility from blood.

 

Nobility

 

Nobility, as stated before, can be obtained through two possible ways, either by birthright or through ascending into Nobility. As such Nobility is often a given right and can also be taken away, depending on one’s action or the actions of a family as a whole. While this applies to most ranks of Nobility others are excepted from such rule, including the Royal Family and unique titles, as those can solely be removed by the Crown itself or through the Privy Council as a whole.

 

The Crown
The Crown is defined as a sovereign or monarch of a kingdom, above the royal family and is to be referred to as His or Her Majesty or as My King or My Queen.
 

The Royal Family
Members of the Royal Family are defined as siblings or offsprings of the Crown and are carrying the Titles of Princes or Princesses, excluding the Grand Prince or the Grand Princess.
 

The Grand Prince
Being the direct and first offspring of the Crown the Grand Prince or Grand Princess is to be seen as the future monarch of the kingdom, as such the future ruler of the land. The Grand Prince or Princess   to be referred to as His or Her Serene Highness.
 

The Oracle
Known as the spiritual leader of the kingdom the Oracle is known to act on their visionary sight and are often seen guiding members of different religions, while also maintaining peace within the kingdom. The Oracle is commonly referred to as His or Her Holiness.
 

The Ministers
Each Minister is leading a specific aspect of the kingdom, as such, they are also known to manage and control said aspects while maintaining a proper workflow between Ministries. As such they are often referred to as His or Her Ministerial Grace.
 

The State Secretary
The individual who holds this tile is formally responsible for the completion of documents passed by the crown while having a general overview of the economic and financial policies. The State Secretary is often referred to as His or Her Honorable.
 

The Lords and Ladies
Being a given title the lords and ladies of the kingdom earned their titles through years of hard workmanship and often through aiding the kingdom in events of wars and danger. As such they are often granted bigger landmasses by the Crown and are also able to create vassals underneath them. Their titles are either His Lordship or Her Ladyship.
 

The Archdukes and Archduchesses
Archdukes is a title given through the hard work of a duke that wishes to gain a higher title and has shown a stronger devotion to the state more than anyone else.
 

The Dukes and Duchesses

Dukes are known to have been working for the crown with such devotion that they have been granted lands which come together to form a duchy, they are beneath Archdukes but higher than counts.
 

The Counts and Countesses

Counts are known as a higher form of Nobility for those who transcend to higher expectations from the crown, usually granted more adequate lands which form their county.

 

The Viscounts
Viscounts are known as the form of Nobility given to Barons and Baronesses that have served the crown loyally and upheld them in great stature. They typically have more land than Barons which form their Viscounty.
 

The Barons and Baronesses
Barons are known as the lowest form of Nobility, holding their titles mostly as vassals to lordships or dukes. As such they are often only holding smaller pieces or land, but more often none at all.
 

Honorary Titles
One of the possible honorary titles is known as the title of Knight or Dame. Such title is given through the laborious work and fealty to the crown while it is often granted through the privy council. Typically holding the non-hereditary title of Ser or Dame and given land in tenure to the state or other lords.

 

 

The Rights of Nobility

 

While Nobility is often a given right, those with such special right are also given unique exceptions in regards to the law. As such they are holding unique rights and a person is also to be given such rights if ascending into Nobility or stripped away if removed from Nobility.

 

1. The right to hold a noble title within the kingdom and to be referred to by their respective titles.
2. The privilege to hold land within the boundaries of the kingdom, which was assigned by the Crown itself.
3. The right to hold estates within the city of Athalia and on their assigned land outside of the walls of the city.
4. The right to manage and steward the allotted land as seen fit.
5. The right to organize a force of armed men within their estates, to train and fit their militia as seen fit, and to protect their estates with their militia.
6. The right to organize marriage between their houses with their peers.

 

 

The Duties of Nobility

 

The Duties of Nobility is for them to manage their lands and businesses, creating job opportunities while also giving valuable resources to the state for growth. They have sworn to the monarch that if any hostile forces were to present themselves to the state, they would raise arms in order to protect all that dwell within the borders of Athalia. They are to uphold the laws that are enacted to protect all, while also keeping loyalty and hope in the state for future generations. Ignoring such duties is often seen as treason against the state and will result in punishments.

 

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Laws of Athalia

 

The laws of Athalia were created to ensure the safety of each citizen and also of the state as a whole, as such they are the guideline which every person within the lands of Athalia shall follow. Breaking such laws will result in heavy punishments, reaching from fines to executions.

 

§1 Acts of Violence

 

§1.1 Battery

Known as an intentional act of violence Battery is forbidden within the lands of the kingdom. Breaking such law will result in an average-classed punishment.
 

§1.2 Murder

Murder describes the intentional act of taking someone’s life and is as such forbidden within the kingdom, with the exceptions of official executions. Breaking the law will result in a high-classed punishment.
 

§1.3 Manslaughter

Manslaughter is known as the crime of killing a being without malice aforethought, or in circumstances not amounting to murder. Breaking such law will result in an average-class punishment.

 

§1.4 Mutilation

Mutilation, or also called Maiming, is the act of violently damaging the body part of another being to the stage of it being permanently damaged or even fully removed. Breaking such will result in a high-class punishment within the kingdom.
 

§1.5 Torture

Causing long-term damage to the body and/or mind over a longer period of time is known as Torture. As such Torture is forbidden within the whole kingdom and will be punished with a high-class punishment.

 

§2 Acts of Vandalism

 

§2.1 Burglary

Burglary is defined as the tried entering of a building, often with the intention to do a robbery. Doing so is forbidden within the kingdom and will result in an average-class punishment.

 

§2.2 Robbery (Within a facility)

Robbery is the crime of taking or attempting to take anything of value by force, the threat of force, or by putting the victim in fear within the facilities of another person. Such criminal acts are forbidden and will be punished with high-class punishment.

 

§2.3 Vandalism

Known as the intentional destruction of buildings or other structures Vandalism is not accepted within Athalia and will result in an average-class punishment.

 

§2.4 Arson

Arson is known as the act to set a building or structure aflame, causing permanent damage to the building and often destroying such. Breaking such law will result in a high-class punishment.

 

§2.5 Trespassing

Entering the ground, house or structure owned by another person without their consent is known as Trespassing and is not allowed within the kingdom of Athalia. Acting against this law will result in an average-class punishment.

 

§2.6 Poaching

Poaching has been defined as the illegal hunting or capturing of animals within the kingdom, which is already in possession of another citizen or noble. Poaching an animal will result in an average-class punishment and the replacement of the animal by the culprit.

 

§3 Acts of Theft

 

§3.1 Theft

Theft is known as the act to take someone's belongings without them noticing or without their consent. Doing so and being caught will result in an average-punishment and all of the stolen goods shall be returned by the culprit, else they are forced to do labor to repay for the stolen wares.

 

§3.2 Robbery (Of a Person)

Robbery is often classified as the violent attempt to take someone’s belongings, often by creating fear within a person through the usage of weaponry. Attempting Robbery is forbidden and will result in a high-class punishment and the returning of all stolen goods. If the goods can’t be returned the culprit will be forced to do labor to repay for the stolen wares.

 

§3.3 Fraud

Fraud is the intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain or to deprive a victim of a legal right. Such acts include scamming and also blackmailing and will result, if performed, in an average-class punishment.

 

§4 Acts of the Dark Arts

 

§4.1 Forbidden Arts

Classified as forbidden arts are the following forms of magic; Blood Magic, Dark Shamanism, Necromancy, Shade Magic, Mysticism, Thallassos Magic, Strength of the Abyss, Frost Witch Magic, Paladinism (of Xan) and other forms which affect a person physically or meta-physically. If performed, taught or in any other way used within the kingdom one will be punished with a critical-class punishment.

 

§4.2 Resurrection

Bringing the dead back alive, in any way or form, is forbidden in any possible way within the kingdom of Athalia, this includes the usage of Necromancy, the usage of any relicts, or any other way. Bringing a dead person back will result in a critical-class punishment and the destruction of the undead being.

 

§4.3 Demonology

The usage of demons and creatures related to demons is forbidden in the kingdom of Athalia, including their summoning, usage of their demonic powers and the worshipping of such beings. Exceptions can be made by the Crown itself and only after a long-term trial. Breaking the law will result in a critical-class punishment.

 

§5 Acts against the State

 

§5.1 Treason

Treason has been defined as the act of disloyalty intended to undermine the authority of a government official or taking action against the state in order to harm it, knowingly aiding an enemy of the state shall also be classified under this crime, a critical-class punishment is to be given.

 

§5.2 Sedition

Sedition is the activity of speech which is used to incite people to rebel against the government's authority, If committed a average-class punishment is to be given.

 

§5.3 Contraband

Contraband is formally known as the possession, production, and auction of illegal items which include and are not limited to, literature, substances, weaponry, et cetera. If perpetrated a average-class punishment is passed on.

 

§5.4 Obstruction of the State

Obstruction against the state includes the interference and or delay of an investigation conducted by government officials which could be a criminal activity or anything else listed as illegal actions, A critical-class punishment is to proceed.

 

§5.5 Tax Evasion

Tax Evasion is when an individual isn’t able to provide full payment in a timely manner, whether it be a civil tax or wartime tax the individual is to be given possibly an extended amount of time before a average-class punishment is passed.

 

§5.6 Absconding

Absconding is the act of intentionally refraining to hand oneself over to the custody of government officials at the proper time, an average-class punishment is to be given.

 

§5.7 Bribery of State Officials

Bribery is typically the act of persuading individuals or giving temptation with gifts for them to act unlawfully, dishonestly, et cetera. This crime is to be appointed a punishment based on the given circumstances, It could range from an average-class punishment to a critical-class punishment.

 

§5.8 Extortion

Extortion is known to be the crime of threatening another individual for benefits that could perchance allow them to rise in station. This includes money, titles, and land, punishment is to be given through extensive understanding of the situation.

 

§5.9 Perjury

Perjury occurs when an individual intentionally deceives or withholds relevant information from government officials and during the course of a trial. This crime is to be given a critical-class punishment.

 

§5.10 False Doctorate

The work of doctors and nurses are known to be fairly hard ones, requiring intense knowledge on the medical base. As such only licensed doctors, which hold a license from the Minister of Health and Medicine, are allowed to treat patients. If one fakes such doctorate or claims to be a licensed doctor, despite not holding a license they are to be given an average-class punishment.

 

§6 Acts against Morality

 

§6.1 Kidnapping

Kidnapping is the act of abduction, restraining, or confining another individual against their will the possibility of physical violence, et cetera. This crime is to be treated with critical-class punishment.

 

§6.2 Defamation

Defamation is when an individual knowingly proclaims false information about another individual with the usual intent of harm upon their name. This is to be given a average-class punishment unless the situation calls for something stronger.

 

§6.3 Impersonation

Impersonation is a crime typically used for personal gain as It could lead to the harsh punishment of said person the individual is impersonating, this is to be given a critical-class punishment.

 

§6.4 Indecency

Indecency is when an individual dress in such an obscene manner, shall it be sexual or otherwise this is to be given a average-class punishment.

 

§6.5 Deviancy

Deviancy is were a individual acts in an unusual standard, usually in political and social behavior. This is to be given a average-class punishment.

 

§6.6 Fornication

Fornication is when an unmarried individual fornicates another individual in a public or private setting and would be given a punishment based on the further insight of the situation.

 

§6.7 Adultery

Adultery occurs when a married individual intentionally fornicates with another who is not their spouse, this is to be given a average-class punishment.

 

§6.8 Consanguinity

Consanguinity is were a individual fornicates or has immoral relations with one’s close family, namely with a father or mother, siblings, et cetera. This shall be given a average-class punishment.

 

§6.9 Disturbance of Peace

Disturbance of Peace is where an individual purposely interrupts the common peace within the state by unruly public behavior which ranges from fighting, preaching of false information, immoral acts, et cetera. A heavy-class punishment is passed onto the individual who commits this sort of crime.  

§6.10 Racism

Racism of any kind is unwanted within the kingdom of Athalia. Each person is to be seen as equal, despite their race, color, origin or other aspects. Breaking such simple law through the usage of racism will result in a average-class punishment.

 

 

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Trials and Punishments

 

Trials and Punishments are part of every kingdom and their lawful codex and rules. As such the following section is focusing solely on trials and the punishments which are to be given out.

 

Trials

 

Right to have a fair Trial

Unlike in many kingdoms, Athalia is giving each citizen the right to be given a trial, unless their wrongdoings were causing little to no actual damage, in which the time and energy to hold a trial would be pointless. As such citizens are to be given up to average punishments without a trial by the guard forces. Any higher punishments can only be given out after a fair trial was held. A fair trial is often referred to a trial where either side is given a possibility to talk, bring forth evidence or take actions against claims while being judged by a jury or judge. Until the acclaimed culprit is found guilty he is to be seen as innocent, while still being limited in his powers and rights until the trial is concluded (Example: Right to roam the kingdom freely -> Can be limited to the city or a cell alone).

 

 

Roles at a Trial

 

Victim
The Victim is a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action. They can be a singular person, group or even the state/kingdom itself and are required to be represented at a trial.

 

Accused Culprit
A culprit is a person accused to be responsible for a crime or other misdeed. They are the ones being charged by the victim and prosecutor for crimes within the kingdom of Athalia. They need to be present at the trial, else will face the full punishment and are seen as guilty in the eyes of the judge or jury.

 

Prosecutor
The prosecution is the part of the victim's party, responsible for presenting the case in a criminal trial against an individual accused of breaking the law. They can talk on behalf of their clients and can represent the victim.

 

Defendant Attorney
A defendant attorney is part of the culprits' party, specializing in the defense of individuals and groups charged with criminal activity. They are to bring forth evidences, which show that the accused culprit isn’t guilty of any crimes.

 

Lay Witness
Lay Witnesses are witnesses, which saw the actual crime taking places or which otherwise may hold information or evidence against an accused culprit. They are being called forth by the judge or the prosecutor and are to answer correctly at a trial.

 

Expert Witness
Expert Witnesses didn’t witness the crime, yet, have extensive knowledge in a matter relevant to a crime, including magical knowledge, knowledge about weaponry and many more topics. They are to be called forth by the judge.

 

Secretary
The Secretary keeps an eye on the time each person is allowed to talk, while also keeping track of any pieces of evidence, noting such down on an official document. They are to be present at any given trial and are required to send all finished documents to the crown, so that they may be preserved for the future.
 

Judge

A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a jury. Judges are to be impartially and are to conduct each trial, giving out punishment or announcing that a culprit is not guilty. They need to be present at any trial which takes place within Athalia.

 

Jury

A jury consists of a judge and several individual state officials, which are given the right to conclude a trial. However, a jury is only been called forth if a citizen of nobility is being trialed.

 

 

 

Procedures of a Trial

 

The purpose of the trial is to present all relevant admissible evidence to the court. The jury will decide the guilt or innocence of the accused person. All trials within Athalia gives full rights to all people of different races, social background, and religious beliefs. The Procedure of the Trial is listed below:

 

1. The accused appears in the dock and a document known as an ‘Indictment’ is presented by the prosecutor. The Indictment details the alleged offence. It is read by the Secretary to the accused who is asked to then plead ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ to the accused crimes.
2. The prosecutor starts with an address to the judge or jury, outlining the case against the accused, and then calls witnesses to give evidence, who the defense can cross-examine. After the cross-examination has finished, the prosecutor may re-examine the witness. The defense case follows the same procedure.
3. After all the evidence has been presented, the prosecution and the defense review their cases in final addresses to the judge.
4. The judge will afterwards review all of the documents and decide upon the verdict of the accused individual, either pleading them as ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’.

 

Punishments

 

Forms of Punishments

Within Athalia, four different levels of punishments are to be given out, classified as light, average, heavy and critical punishments. For most crimes a culprit is being charged with laws, which result in average punishments, yet, depending on the crime they may also receive a critical punishment.

 

 

Light Punishments
 

• Fines
  A fine is of lower grade sentencing, considered the utmost minimal punishment possible. When a fine is sentenced, the criminal must pay the fine within one elven-week from the day the fine was announced/recorded. If they do not, they face graver punishment.
   
• Detention
  A detention is of lower grade sentencing, which results in the rights of free movement to be limited to a certain area, often a cell. The criminal has to stay within their confinement, else will receive graver punishments.

 

Average Punishments

 

• Forced Labour
  If a criminal did thievery or can’t pay a fine they are to be forced to physical labor, either for the state or for the victim. Such labor can range from easy work as a salesman or to harder work, as the work of a coal miner. The criminal will be under permanent observation until he repaid his debt.
   
• Branding
  Branding is of average grade sentencing, considered the procedure to take when a criminal must be identified for their crime in the future. This punishment is done in private. When branding is sentenced the branding will be placed in a clear location, usually the head, neck, wrists or palms
   
• Public Torture
  Public torture is of average grade sentencing, considered the go-to sentencing for medium to severe or recurring criminals. This is the procedure when a criminal is found for charges that require more than the light sentencing but must be dealt with efficiently. Public torture can be sentenced, like light punishments, regardless of a trial. This includes public branding or lashings. Lashings are the most common in public torture, a strict form of punishment dealt with conservative numbers.

 

Heavy Punishments

 

• Revocation of Citizenship
  Revocation of citizenship is of heavy grade sentencing, considered the way to punish a criminal and force them into rehabilitation by earning society’s trust once more, usually through gaining a career record and then after repenting for their crimes appealing to the royal court.
   
• Castration
  Castration is of heavy grade sentencing, considered the answer to male sexual violence. It is the private removal of a male’s genitals, and falls under the act of dismemberment but does deserve its own punishment title due to the common occurrence of it.
   
• Dismemberment
  Dismemberment is of heavy grade sentencing, considered the procedure to remove the criminal’s ability to repeat a crime. In the case of sexual violence, castration is necessary, though in the case of murder, a hand might be removed, and in the case of repeated disrespect, slander and harassment, a tongue might be torn out. All sentences of dismemberment are specific to the crime and precisely which body part can be removed to prevent the criminal from ever committing such a crime again. This can also be the go-to for recurring criminal acts if public torture does not stop them.

 

Critical Punishments

 

• Banishment
  Banishment is of critical grade sentencing. When a criminal has gone so far that they can no longer be rehabilitated into society, nor can they be trusted to be forced into labor and not commit further crimes, they will be banished from Athalia. They are to be thrown out into the wilderness with no supplies where they are forgotten and doomed to die or live a nomadic lifestyle for years to come, never legally to return.
   
• Execution
  Execution is of critical grace sentencing and is used when a criminal has gone so far that they must be eliminated in public to be made an example of. The main objective behind execution is knowing that there is no other viable punishment and no rehabilitating option for the criminal.

 

 

Written Exceptions

Known as licenses or, more commonly, as exceptions to the common law those, often uniquely handed out by Ministers or the Crown itself, documents are placing a specified person above parts of the law. Most commonly such exceptions are given out to trustworthy individuals, which served Athalia for years, or to those which are needing said exceptions for their work, mostly doctors and nurseries. Each exception needs to state the name of the holder, the specified law exception and also the signature and sigil of the Minister, which handed out said exception.

 

 

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Taxation

 

Taxation Costs

Within every kingdom taxes are a fairly important part, as they provide the kingdom with resources for their treasury, which in return can be used to buy building resources, animals, weaponry and much more for the citizens. As such each house owner needs to pay their taxations costs at the local taxation center, where the taxes are collected at the beginning of each elven week.

 

Class C Home

A Class C Home is often described as a small house, often containing a singular floor and around 8x5x4 cubic blocks of space. Said houses are often fairly cheap, as citizens often need to pay only 100 Minas to move in and are asked to pay 50 Minas per week as taxation, making those places affordable for any kind of person.

 

Class B Home

Unlike the Class C Home the Class B Home is known to be more spacious, often holding two floors, each with the approximate sizing of 10x6x4 cubic blocks of space. Due to the amount of space those houses are a bit more pricey, but still affordable for most people, pricing at around 200 Minas to move in and holding a taxation of 100 Minas per week.

 

Class A Home

Class A Homes are often referred to as the most spacious of all homes, besides manors, as they often hold a fairly big amount of space. Most commonly whole family's are living in such homes, as they are given those houses preferable instead of a singular person. Class A Homes are known to hold up to two floors, each floor holding approximately the size of 12x8x4 cubic blocks, which makes the purchase fairly price, standing at 300 Minas, which a weekly taxation of 200 Minas per week.
 

Manors

Reserved for Nobility Manors are the most spacious of all homes, allowing nobles to create their own little paradise. However, while Manors are reserved for Nobility not all nobles are granted a manor, either due to the limited amount or due to their actual title. Manors are known to hold 15x10x4 cubic blocks of space and are often having two or three floors altogether, making them rather ginormous. Yet such space comes to a fairly big price, as the purchase alone costs 500 Minas, while holding a weekly taxation of 400 Minas.

 

Shops

Shops are unique areas, either stalls or buildings, which are allowing a person to sell their wares. As they are granting a steady income they are often less pricey when firstly purchased, yet, hold a higher taxation cost. Normally shops hold around 6x5x4 cubic blocks of space, yet, some may be bigger or smaller, depending on their location within Athalia. The first purchase costs normally 150 Minas and their weekly taxation is placed at 150 Minas.

 

Tax Exemptions

Sometimes granted by the Minister for Interior Affairs or the Crown itself a Tax Exemption is removing someone’s weekly taxation, making their purchase a one-time-deal. Most commonly tax exemptions are given out to specific title holders or to people, which aided Athalia for a long time, allowing them to live without any bigger worries within the city.