Issued and averred by
Their Majesties
the CODEX of SAINT GODWIN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART ONE
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE HEARTLANDER CONFEDERATION
Article I - Declaration of the Constitution
I. Declaration Of The Constitution
II. On The Replacement Or Destruction Of The Constitution
III. On The Alteration Of The Constitution Article II - The Heartlandic Council
Article III - On the Faith of the Confederation I. The State Religion II. The Covenant of Horen
Article IV - The Monarchs Of The Confederation
I. The Authority of the Crown II. The Inheritance of the Crowns
Article V - The Garmont Assembly
I. The Powers Of The Assembly
II. Royal Assent
III. The Grand Speaker Of The Garmont Assembly
IV. The Members Of The Garmont Assembly
V. Elections
Article VI - The Election Of The Chancellor
I. The Nominations Of The Chancellor
II. The Chancellor Debate
III. The Chancellor’s Election
IV. Nomination Requirements
V. The Term Of The Chancellor
PART TWO
THE LEGAL CODE OF THE HEARTLANDS
Article I - Of Banditry
I - On The Definition Of Bandits
II - On The Bandit Clause
Article II - Of Justice And Trials
I - On Justice Without Trial
II - On Justice With Trial
III - On Punishments Within Trial
IV - On Specifications Of Crimes And Trials
Article III - Of Crimes Against The Heartlands
Article IV - Of Crimes Against The Person
Article V - Of Crimes Against Property
Article VI - Of Crimes Against God
Article VII - Of Crimes Against Honour
~ PART ONE ~
– the CONSTITUTION of the HEARTLANDER CONFEDERATION –
ARTICLE I,
DECLARATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION
I. Declaration Of The Constitution
With the merging of the Commonwealth of the Petra and the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun, a new constitution to guide the joint nation forwards became necessary. The Code of Saint Godwin shall guide the Heartlandic people to a new, stronger sense of unity. It is the belief of both John I and Catherine I that a constitution and legal code must be implemented to best represent the current needs and beliefs of the Heartlands.
II. On The Replacement Or Destruction Of The Constitution
To replace or destroy the Constitution of the Heartlander Confederation, it must be done through the power of the Reigning Monarchs.
III. On The Alteration Of The Constitution
To alter the Constitution of the Heartlander Confederation, it must either be done through the power of the Reigning Monarchs, or through 2/3rds majority vote of the Garmont Assembly with assent from the Reigning Monarchs.
ARTICLE II,
THE HEARTLANDIC COUNCIL
Appointed to guide and run the Heartlander Confederation, the Heartlandic Council are the most trusted Councillors of the Confederation. Tasked with guiding their respective offices, advising the Crown, and handling matters of State. The Heartlandic Council shall be made up of the following positions;
The Chancellor, who shall serve as president of the Council and head of the Monarch’s Government;
The Vice Chancellor, who shall serve as the second to the Chancellor, and assist them in matters of state;
The Speaker, who shall serve as the head of the Garmont Assembly, to run and moderate the legislative body of the Confederation, and oversee elections of representatives to the Assembly;
The Chamberlain, who shall ensure that the Paradisian is properly run and maintained in order to be utilised for festivities, events, and cultural gatherings within the Confederation;
The Commissioner, who shall be in charge of managing the Confederation's diplomatic relations, pacts, and treaties.
The Treasurer, who shall ensure proper use of the Confederation’s treasury and collection of its taxes and to properly document and track the income and expenditures of the Confederation;
The Court Chaplain, who shall be a spiritual guide to tend to the spiritual needs of those of the Council and Crown.
The Royal Confessor
ARTICLE III,
On THE FAITH OF THE Confederation
I. The State Religion
The state religion of the Confederation shall be One True Faith of Canonism, and all things written within the Codex of Saint Godwin shall endeavour to abide by Canon Law.
II. The Covenant of Horen
All sons and daughters of Horen within the Confederation shall be bound by the Covenant of Horen and be Canonist. Those of non-human descent are free to practise their separate faiths, provided that they respect the One True Faith, do not proselytise, and tread about life virtuously.
ARTICLE IV,
THE MONARCHS OF THE Confederation
I. The Authority of the Crown.
The Crowns of the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun, and the Kingdom of the Petra are the only sovereign of which shall sit upon the thrones of the Heartlander Confederation, and hold paramount authority within the Confederation. Alongside this authority, they are tasked with upholding the expectations that come alongside this Constitution, the protection of the Confederation and the people therewithin.
II. The Inheritance of the Crowns
1. The heir to the Kingdom of the Petra shall be Adalia Morgana Temesch of the Petra, as decided by the Petran selective inheritance.
2. The heir to the Apostolic Kingdom of Aaun shall be Charles Reman Alstion, as decided by the Aaunic primogeniture inheritance.
3. Once the two lines merge, the Crown shall automatically follow primogeniture inheritance, though the Monarch may choose to use selective inheritance should a sign from God dictate a more suitable or God-preferred heir.
4. Once the two lines merge, only those with the blood of both Alstion and Temesch of the Petra, descending from that married pair, shall hold the right to inherit the crowns of Aaun and Petra.
ARTICLE V,
THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY
I. The Powers Of The Assembly
The Garmont Assembly, the Legislative Body of the Kingdom of the Heartlands as overseen by the Grand Speaker, shall have powers to advise and counsel the sovereigns and their government and propose changes to the Codex of Saint Godwin. The Garmont Assembly may:
1. Counsel the sovereigns on any such matter of governance as pertinent to the realm, with the exception of sensitive executive matters, and move resolutions comprising their advice concerning these affairs;
2. Propose candidates to the sovereigns for the office of the Chancellor, and move resolutions on these proposals;
3. Summon the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet for a report, so as to maintain transparency on the realms affairs;
4. Impeach the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet in the context of investigations of misconduct;
5. Propose alterations to the Codex of Saint Godwin;
6. Submit an official piece of guidance to the crowns on matters relating to the Confederation;
7. Begin motions and debates through discussion within the Assembly
II. Royal Assent
1. All bills require assent from both Sovereigns of the Kingdom of the Heartlanders to be put into effect.
2. The Sovereigns reserve the right and ability to deny any bill or motion they see fit, for any reason they see fit.
III. The Grand Speaker Of The Garmont Assembly
1. The Garmont Assembly shall be led by the Grand Speaker.
2. The Grand Speaker shall be an impartial overseer of the Garmont, to lead, plan, and mediate the assembly.
3. The Grand Speaker shall be elected from the Garmont Assembly, and confirmed by the Crowns of the Heartlands.
4. The Grand Speaker has full control over keeping the peace in a session of the Garmont Assembly.
i. Should a member of the Assembly have poor conduct, the Grand Speaker may have them removed.
ii. Should a member of the Assembly repetitively have poor conduct, the Grand Speaker may suspend their seat in the Garmont.
IV. The Members Of The Garmont Assembly
1. Each Landed Noble Family shall be entitled to a singular seat on the Garmont Assembly.
2. Titular Nobility shall not be entitled to a seat, but will not be barred from running for elected seats.
3. The Lord-Mayor of each Province’s capital shall be entitled to a seat on the Garmont Assembly
4. Two citizens shall be elected from the Province of Aaun to represent the people of the Province.
5. Two citizens shall be elected from the Province of the Petra to represent the people of the Province.
6. A chosen representative from the Legion of Saint Godwin.
V. Elections To The Garmont Assembly
1. Elections shall be held no more often than every 8 saints weeks.
2. Nominees must be at least 16 years of Age.
3. Nominees must be in good standing with the Codex of Saint Godwin.
4. Nominees must be a resident of the Kingdom of the Heartlands.
5. The official running the election may add or decide other requirements when election nominations are posted.
6. Requirements may not be changed for that election cycle once the nominations have been posted.
7. Nominations and Voting must be open for a minimum of 24 saints hours each, but is standardised to 48 saints hours each.
ARTICLE VI,
THE ELECTION OF THE CHANCELLOR
I. The Nominations Of The Chancellor
1. Three Nominee’s shall be put forth, from the Garmont Assembly, a meeting of the Realm’s Knights, and from the Heartlandic Council.
2. The names of the Nominees shall be given to the Crowns, who shall approve or decline a Nominee should they have concerns of integrity, honesty, intent, or if they believe the Nominee will work poorly with the Crowns.
3. Should a Nominee be denied, the body that Nominated them shall have one chance to choose a new Nominee.
i. If both Nominees get denied, or if they re-nominate the originally declined Nominee a second time, the election shall proceed without a Nominee from that body.
4. Nominees are allowed to decline their nomination and should let the Crown or the Nominating Body know before the Chancellor debate has taken place.
i. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination after the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the Nominating Body may not postpone to choose a new candidate.
ii. If the Nominee pulls out, or declines the Nomination before the Chancellor’s debate has taken place, the election and debate may be postponed to allow for a new candidate to be put forth.
II. The Chancellor Debate
1. An election may only go forward with a debate being held.
2. The Chancellor’s debate must allow for citizen questions.
3. A complete and accurate transcript must be kept and posted at least 12 Saints hours before the polling for the Chancellor begins.
III. The Chancellor’s Election
1. All citizens that qualify with the voting guidelines may vote for the Chancellor of the Confederation.
2. The polling for the Chancellor must be open for exactly 48 Saints Hours, and any votes cast past that must be disqualified.
3. A Nominee must have at least half of the votes to gain the seat of the Chancellor.
i. If no Nominee gains over half of the votes, the lowest Nominee shall be removed from the poll, and the voting shall begin again, where the seat will go to whoever gains the majority.
IV. Nomination Requirements
In order for a Nominee to be put forth, they must fit all requirements put forth.
1. A Nominee must have been a Citizen of the Nation for at least 10 years.
2. A Nominee must have been actively working within the Nation for at least 5 years.
3. A Nominee must be in good standing with the Codex of Saint Godwin.
4. A Nominee must be in good standing with the Canonist Church.
5. A Nominee must be willing to run in the Chancellor’s Election.
V. The Term Of The Chancellor
1. Once Elected, a Chancellor shall remain either until their own willful retirement, or their removal by the Crown.
ARTICLE VI,
THE ELECTION OF THE LORD-MAYORS
I. The Duties Of The Lord-Mayors
1. The provinces of Aaun and Petra will each hold a single Lord-Mayor to govern their capital city, elected by the citizenry of that Province.
2. The Lord-Mayor will be responsible for ensuring the rights and dignities of the citizens within the capital of their Province are maintained.
3. The Lord-Mayor may add laws to the city code of their capital, though these laws may be repealed by the Heartlandic Council.
i. The Lord-Mayor is expected to have changes to the city code that overlap with duties of the Heartlandic Council signed off by the relevant member or members of the Heartlandic Council.
4. The Lord-Mayor may preside as a judge for crimes committed within the capital of their Province, barring Crimes Against the Heartlands.
5. The Lord-Mayors will each hold a seat on the Garmont Assembly.
II. Requirements To Run For Lord-Mayor
1. A Candidate for Lord-Mayor must have been a Citizen of the Province they are running in for at least 5 years.
2. A Candidate for Lord-Mayor must be in good standing with the Codex of Saint Godwin.
3. A Candidate for Lord-Mayor must be in good standing with the Canonist Church.
4. A Candidate for Lord-Mayor must be at least 18 years of age.
III. The Mayoral Debates
1. A capital’s election may only go forward with a debate being held.
2. Mayoral debates will be overseen by the Speaker of the Heartlandic Council.
3. Mayoral debates must allow citizen questions.
4. A complete and accurate transcript must be kept and posted at least 12 Saints hours before the polling for the Lord-Mayor begins.
IV. The Elections Of The Lord-Mayors
1. All citizens of a province that qualify with the voting guidelines may vote for their Lord-Mayor. Citizens in the Province of the Petra cannot vote for the Lord-Mayor of the Province of Aaun’s capital, and vice-versa.
2. Nominations and Voting for Lord-Mayor must be open for a minimum of 24 saints hours, but is standardised to 48 saints hours.
3. The Candidate with the majority of votes will receive the title of Lord-Mayor, unless vetoed by the Sovereign of their Province.
~ PART TWO ~
– the LEGAL CODE
of the HEARTLANDS –
ARTICLE I,
OF BANDITRY
I. On The Definition Of Bandits
1. A bandit is any person who attacks or threatens others to gain gear, knowledge, garner fear, monetary gain, or to take another hostage.
2. A political bandit is a member of an aggressive state that participates in the above for the purposes of political or war gain.
3. Bandits generally wear dark clothes or un-marked armour, with covered faces.
II. On The Bandit Clause
1. Bandits are considered below the Law of the Confederation and if caught in the act of banditry, and their lives are forfeit if they are undeniably bandits.
2. Any person may kill an active bandit within the Confederation without trial, as long as they can prove that they were undeniably a bandit.
ARTICLE II,
OF JUSTICE AND TRIALS
I. On Justice Without Trial
1. The Crown and Councilors may enact justice without a full trial under certain circumstances.
2. These officials may enact justice in their own right should a criminal be unquestionably guilty, or caught in the act of their crime.
3. Should there be any doubt of their guilt, a trial must be held.
II. On Justice With Trial
1. Any member of the Heartlandic Council may preside over a trial as a Judge of the Confederation.
2. The Monarchs and the Chancellor may appoint citizens of the Confederation as ‘Judges of the Heartlands’ to also hold the power to preside over trials.
III. On Punishments Within Trial
1. Judges have nearly free reign over the punishments given at trials they oversee, however if a punishment is seen as unfit they may be overruled by the Heartlandic Council or Monarch, and may face punishment themselves for corruption or lack of honour.
IV. On Specifications Of Crimes And Trials
1. Crimes Against The Heartlands may only be judged by a member of the Heartlandic Council, or the Monarchs themselves.
2. Crimes against the Person and Property may result in death.
3. Crimes against God should be consulted on with a Bishop presiding over a part of the Realm.
4. Crimes against Honour may not result in death unless paired with another crime.
ARTICLE III,
OF CRIMES AGAINST THE HEARTLANDS
I. Treason
The act of betraying the Heartlander Confederation, its Sovereignty, or the Crowns.
II. Invasion
The act of taking up arms against the Heartlander Confederation to vassalize, destroy, or otherwise harm the sovereignty of the Confederation.
III. Corruption
The act of an official putting their own gain above the needs of their nation and station, forsaking their own integrity and the integrity of their position.
IV. Obstruction
The act of purposely obstructing righteous judgement, medics from providing aid to the wounded, or the ongoings of the government.
ARTICLE IV,
OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON
I. Assault
The act of taking up arms against another to cause non-fatal harm to their person.
II. Murder
The act of killing another person, be it intentional or by mistake.
III. Kidnapping
The act of taking and holding another against their will.
IV. Harassment
The act of purposely causing issue for another person or continuously bothering them with the intent to cause non-physical harm.
V. Defamation
The act of unrightfully harming a person's reputation by spreading false information or rumours.
VI. Enslavement
The act of holding another's freedom and treating them like owned property, generally for labour.
ARTICLE V,
OF CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
I. Theft
The act of taking items that belong to another without permission.
II. Vandalism
The act of damaging the land or buildings maliciously and without permission.
III. Arson
The act of lighting buildings or property on fire to damage it.
IV. Trespassing
The act of entering a personal residence, restricted or otherwise off limits area without invitation or permission, or refusal to leave.
V. Environmental Vandalism
The act of harming the nature, land, environment and plants within the Confederation.
VI. Horse Slaughter
The act of killing a horse with no valid cause, a dishonourable act. A valid cause would be putting an injured animal out of its misery, or in dire circumstances.
ARTICLE V,
OF CRIMES AGAINST GOD
I. Forsaking Mankind
The act of assisting, or becoming a creature of Iblees.
II. Adultery
The act of betraying the sanctity of marriage by laying or having relations with another.
III. Witchcraft
The act of learning and using dark magics.
IV. Cross Breeding
The act of laying with another outside of their descendant race.
V. Heresy
The act of publicly practising non-approved doctrines of Canonism.
VI. Heathenism
The act of publicly practising a religion that believes in a God or religion outside of Canonism.
ARTICLE VI,
OF CRIMES AGAINST HONOUR
I. Perpetuating Harm
The act of neglecting the suffering of others, be it ignoring corruption, or standing by during the assault on an innocent.
II. Refusal of Assistance
The act of denying assistance to those that require it, be it leaving an injured with no help, or a distressed child alone.
III. Disrespect of the Dead
The act of allowing the desecration or disrespect of the dead, be it allowing the mutilation or a corpse, or denying a person a proper burial.
IV. Lack of Honour
The act of behaving dishonourably or disingenuously. Lying, breaking one’s word, cheating, or acting without common respect to another.
Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Princess of Abrana, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Viscountess of Mies, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, Hrenthorne, Resmore, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty
His Apostolic Majesty, John I, by the Grace of GOD, Apostolic King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Count of Whitespire, Enswerp and Florentine, Baron of Blanchet, Protector of the Realm
Issued and averred by Their Majesties THE REFORMATION OF THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY With the newly formed Heartlander Confederations, it is the belief of both Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, and His Apostolic Majesty, John I, that the Heartlandic people deserve the ability to guide the direction of the nation. Originally built within the Commonwealth of the Petra, the Garmont Assembly is a body made up of both Noble Peerage, and Elected citizens of the Kingdom. Together, guided by the Grand Speaker of the Garmont Assembly, do the members of the Garmont present, discuss, and vote on bills and motions to suggest to the Crowns of the Heartlander Confederation. ARTICLE I - THE POWERS OF THE ASSEMBLY The Garmont Assembly, the Legislative Body of the Heartlander Confederations as overseen by the Grand Speaker, shall have powers to advise and counsel the sovereigns and their government and propose changes to the Codex of Saint Godwin. The Garmont Assembly may: 1. Counsel the sovereigns on any such matter of governance as pertinent to the realm, with the exception of sensitive executive matters, and move resolutions comprising their advice concerning these affairs; 2. Propose candidates to the sovereigns for the office of the Chancellor, and move resolutions on these proposals; 3. Summon the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet for a report, so as to maintain transparency on the realms affairs; 4. Impeach the officers of the sovereign’s executive cabinet in the context of investigations of misconduct; 5. Propose alterations to the Codex of Saint Godwin; 6. Submit an official piece of guidance to the crowns on matters relating to the Confederation; 7. Begin motions and debates through discussion within the Assembly ARTICLE II - ROYAL ASSENT 1. All bills require assent from both Sovereigns of the Heartlander Confederation to be put into effect. 2. The Sovereigns reserve the right and ability to deny any bill or motion they see fit, for any reason they see fit. ARTICLE III - THE GRAND SPEAKER OF THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY 1. The Garmont Assembly shall be led by the Grand Speaker. 2. The Grand Speaker shall be an impartial overseer of the Garmont, to lead, plan, and mediate the assembly. 3. The Grand Speaker shall be elected from the Garmont Assembly, and confirmed by the Crowns of the Heartlands. 4. The Grand Speaker has full control over keeping the peace in a session of the Garmont Assembly. i. Should a member of the Assembly have poor conduct, the Grand Speaker may have them removed. ii. Should a member of the Assembly repetitively have poor conduct, the Grand Speaker may suspend their seat in the Garmont. ARTICLE IV - THE MEMBERS OF THE GARMONT ASSEMBLY 1. Each Landed Noble Family shall be entitled to a singular seat on the Garmont Assembly. 2. Titular Nobility shall not be entitled to a seat, but will not be barred from running for elected seats. 3. The Lord-Mayor of each Province’s capital shall be entitled to a seat on the Garmont Assembly 4. Two citizens shall be elected from the Province of Aaun to represent the people of the Province. 5. Two citizens shall be elected from the Province of the Petra to represent the people of the Province. 6. A chosen representative from the Legion of Saint Godwin. ARTICLE V - ELECTIONS 1. Elections shall be held no more often than every 8 saints weeks. 2. Nominees must be at least 16 years of Age. 3. Nominees must be in good standing with the Codex of Saint Godwin. 4. Nominees must be a resident of the Heartlander Confederations. 5. The official running the election may add or decide other requirements when election nominations are posted. 6. Requirements may not be changed for that election cycle once the nominations have been posted. 7. Nominations and Voting must be open for a minimum of 24 saints hours each, but is standardised to 48 saints hours each. Her Royal Majesty, Catherine I, By the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Viscountess of Mies, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Eagles Peak, Brasca, Hrenthorne, Resmore, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows, Defender of Liberty His Apostolic Majesty, John I, by the Grace of GOD, Apostolic King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Vienne, the Lowlands, Balemena and Corazon, Count of Whitespire, Enswerp and Florentine, Baron of Blanchet, Protector of the Realm