Jump to: Evidence | Arrest | Detainment | Interrogation | Prosecution | Sentencing | Misc

EVIDENCE

When suspected of a crime within the kingdom, the accused is investigated if sufficient evidence against them warrants it. Evidence may be gathered by scrying, divination, or other magical means, as well as verbal interrogation and covert observation. Official kingdom investigations are conducted by authorities under the jurisdiction of the Sumerian church, although naturally the royal palace, governors, or territory lords may initiate local investigations as well.

ARREST

Law enforcement representatives of any nature usually have the power of arrest, be it a local town watchman, territory sheriff (often called a 'wardsman'), or Royal Guardsman. Bounty hunters belonging to certain recognized guilds also have official powers of arrest, as do certain Sumerian clerics and paladins. Private guards employed by citizens may capture lawbreakers caught in the act, but they cannot officially arrest suspects, and they must promptly summon police or take captives immediately to the nearest authorities.

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DETAINMENT

Prisoners are held in a secure facility. In a small village or outpost this may be just a locked cellar or grain silo, but in most towns of any size there will be a simple jail building or watch tower. Prisoners are shackled as a general rule, and those suspected of magic skills may have their hands and/or mouths bound to prevent casting. Most city prison towers have special cells with anti-magic wards to prevent magically-assisted jailbreaks as well. Prisoner transports are usually large jail wagons constructed specifically for their purpose. Especially dangerous criminals may be magically held or otherwise immobilized, either in cells or wagons.

Prisoners may be granted "restriction" by a Warden or Monitor officer on a case-by-case basis. This allows them to be conditionally released from detainment prior to a trial, but they're usually required to stay within an area. Restricted suspects are magically and physically marked with temporary identifying sigils.

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INTERROGATION

Suspects are interviewed by Monitor Priests, lawful neutral church investigators trained in detect lie spells and divinations, and equipped with magical items that determine the alignment, intent, and honesty of suspects. Innocence or guilt is determined solely on the findings of the Monitor Priests. This interview takes place usually within a few days of the suspect's arrest in a city, but prisoners in a small town or isolated village may have quite a wait before a trained Monitor Priest can make rounds through the territory. A Court Scribe records all the interview evidence and proceedings. (This scribe is not a priest of the Sumerian temple, by royal law.)

Accused natives of other nations or races may have a representative of their people present during an interview, but the kingdom isn't responsible for contacting those representatives and doesn't recognize any sort of diplomatic immunity for suspects. These representatives have no official influence over the case or interview; they are merely allowed to speak on the suspect's behalf. Other witnesses may be called by the defendant or prosecuting party, if the Monitor allows it.

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PROSECUTION

Evidence against suspects is presented by a kingdom bailiff on behalf of the government, or by an attorney (barrister) in civil cases. All evidence and accusations against a suspect must be presented in front of the suspect, the Monitor Priest, and the Court Scribe together.

SENTENCING

The Monitor Priest's findings are turned over the highest-ranking penal officer in whatever jurisdiction the crime was committed. This officer decides sentencing and punishment for the convicted. While there are general guidelines for sentencing, the officers have authority to impose any punishment they see fit as circumstances dictate. In cities, this officer is a Warden, the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in the kingdom. In more rural territories, the lord of the land or his sheriff or marshal may impose sentences. Of course, any sentence within Ceryth Taybor may be overridden by a city governor or on order from Royal Palace Perayn.

Below is a rough guide to kingdom crimes and sentences:

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FINAL NOTES

The judicial system in Ceryth Taybor is Lawful Neutral. An accused suspect will be scrutinized to the full extent of available resources in an effort to protect the kingdom and its citizens from any threat, with the good of the nation taking precedence over the suspect's personal rights. This isn't to say that the system is ruthless, just thorough. Prosecuting parties and the Sumerian clerics must still find defendants guilty of a crime before they'll be convicted, but a guilty party will usually be discovered simply enough by the effective judicial system methods.

Once convicted, a criminal has no options for appeal or retrial unless allowed by a governor, lord, warden, or royal edict under highly compelling circumstances.

COMMON KINGDOM LAW ENFORCEMENT/ JUDICIAL POSITIONS

• Militiaman (town guard)
• Wardsman; Sheriff
• City Guardsman (Soldier, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain)
• Royal Guardsman (Guard, Sergeant, Master, Marshal)
• Monitor Priest
• Bailiff; Barrister
• Jailer
• Warden

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