✠ The Imperial Law ✠

Hadrian Empire

Hadrian Empire

Member

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Issued by:
DIEDERICK-GOBEL VON LICHTENFELTS
Marketday 14, Starfall, 1539 A.F.S.

Edit:
FRIEDERICH VON BERGWALD-HOLSTEIN, MARKVART VON HERDORF
Marketday 30, Rainswrath, 1549 A.F.S.

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INTRODUCTION
I. LAWS OF THE PEOPLE
II. LAWS OF THE LANDS
CHAPTER II.I - CIVIL LAW
CHAPTER II.II - CRIMINAL LAW
II.III - MISDEMEANORS
II.IV - FELONIES
II.V - CAPITAL FELONIES
II.VI - RELIGIOUS LAW
II.VII - ARCANE LAW


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"A court of law? You call that a court of law? Looks like the invention of a deranged Dunkelelf!"​
- Diederick-Gobel von Lichtenfelts reviewing a usurper's reform demands.​

"The Imperial Law is a cornerstone on the path of order. To stay on this path of light is an eternal battle, a battle we can only win if we stay walking on the line of Alder's guidance."
- Vater Constantine, last Vater of Attia.​

By the proclamation of our beloved Kaiser and lord of the Imperial realm, Diederick-Gobel von Lichtenfelts, the attention of the citizenry of the Empire is to be drawn to the revised Imperial law as published by the lawmakers' office. This revision aims to uproot the openings for corruption and usurpation left behind by the commoner's council of the usurper lords of Hadria.

It is now that the Imperial lawmaker's office released this revised lawbook to the public with pride in the hopes of creating clarity among the citizenry and act as a guide to ensure the Imperial Citizens remain on the rightful path of Alder's light. Laws of the people exist for the citizenry of the Hadrian Empire. These protections are given to the citizenry, and in return, there are certain rules that the citizenry must obey. This combination forms the basis of a system of mutual protection for the good of all people and the Empire.

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I. LAWS OF THE PEOPLE
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I.1 Legal Protections
  1. All lawful citizens of the Hadrian Empire will find protection and safety within the Hadrian borders.
  2. All citizenry, and foreigners in the Hadrian Empire shall be held to the letter of the law accordingly.
    • They will be subject to the legal authority of the representatives of the Hadrian law. All punishments must therefore be executed in either the Regional or Imperial courts.
  3. All lawful citizens of the Hadrian Empire will find that their rights extend to other lands.
    • A citizen's rights cannot be taken away by any worldly power and the Hadrian Empire will use all its might to ensure these rights abroad.
I.2 Freedoms of the Citizenry
All lawful citizenry of the Hadrian Empire will find their freedoms to be protected, including:
  1. The right to own property.
  2. The right to commerce.
  3. The right to own, and deal in weapons and armaments.
    • The right to own weapons does not give citizenry the right to form ‘mobs’ or practice vigilante justice.
  4. The right to practice the arcane.
    • Must follow all arcane laws.
I.3 Promises to the Empire
The entire citizenry of the Hadrian Empire upholds a responsibility to the Empire to be lawful. They must not:
  1. Blaspheme.
    • Slander the name of Alder.
    • Worship of chaotic entities.
    • Public worship of false idols.
  2. Commit treasonous acts.
    1. Attempting to overthrow the Hadrian Empire or levy war against the Empire.
    2. Incite rebellion through vassal states.
    3. Speak of, or commit actions that would be against the Kaiser and his Council.
    4. Attempting to circumvent the authority of the Kaiser or the Imperial Diet through unlawful means.
    5. Give aid or comfort to enemies of the Hadrian Empire, which includes:
      • Declared criminals of the Empire.
      • Citizenry or officials of states at war with the Hadrian Empire or its allies.
    6. Terrorism.
    7. Espionage.
  3. The Empire’s laws take precedence while in the Hadrian Empire.
    • Dual citizenry follow the laws of the Hadrian Empire first.
    • This applies to international incidents.
      • Criminals can be tried twice if breaking laws in more than one nation.
      • If apprehended in Hadrian lands, the accused must be tried in Hadrian lands first.
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II. LAWS OF THE LANDS
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Laws of the land exist for all citizenry and non-citizenry within the Hadrian Empire. Within this section, different branches of law exist. Within these branches, crimes and punishments are listed accordingly. The laws apply to all equally and fairly-- it is the only way to bring justice to all people. To ensure justice is carried out, the court conscribes individuals to carry out it's laws. These lawmen of the Imperial Court of Law carry a parchment giving them the right to arrest, to obstruct them in their work would be a criminal offense.


CHAPTER II.I - CIVIL LAWS
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This is the branch of law that deals with non-criminal activity. Civil law includes disputes between one or more persons/parties/institutions. Most civil law is carried out by use of lawsuits in personalized cases overseen by representatives.

II.I.1 Lawsuits
Any citizen has the right to request an audience with the Herr or Dame Richter(in) if they feel another has wronged them in a way that does not fall under criminal law. The court will decide the solution. Both parties must be present in court to defend and explain their cases. Typical solutions include:

  1. Financial compensation.
    • The amount of compensation will be on the Herr or Dame Richter(in) discretion, based on the given facts.
  2. Legal ramifications.
    • These ramifications will find their place within Chapter II.II Criminal Law.
  3. A binding agreement between both parties.
    • Must be written down and signed by the Herr or Dame Richter(in)
II.I.2 Family Law and Inheritance
II.I.2.1 Familial Rights
  1. All children are those under the age of 16.
    • A child’s well-being and responsibilities are managed by their parent or guardian.
  2. A parent or guardian must send their children to school.
  3. Children and relatives are entitled to inheritance.
    • Laws for inheritance can be found in subsection II.I.2.4 of Civil Laws.
II.I.2.2 Marriage and Noble Marriage
  1. Trueborn children can inherit titles and land from their parents.
    • Laws for noble inheritance can be found in subsection II.I.2.4 of Civil Laws, and the individual document: 'The Hadrian Law of Succession'.
  2. Two people cannot enter a marriage and gain claims on title or land; only their trueborn child will hold a claim.
  3. Proposing to nobles must be done through normal cultural means.
    • Procedures for noble propositions can be found in the individual document: 'The Hadrian Law of Succession'.
II.I.2.3 Adoption and Bastard Children
  1. Adoption: the formal process by which an adult or family takes in a child and legally claims them as their own.
    • This child will take on their family name and have all familial rights bestowed to them.
    • Adoption papers must be filled out and signed by a Herr or Dame Richter(in), if not the adoption is not lawful and therefore null and void.
    • In the case of a noble family, adoption is unlawful, and therefore not possible.
  2. Legitimization: the formal process by which an adult or family recognizes a bastard child and claims them as their own.
    • This child will take on their family name and have all familial rights bestowed to them.
    • Legitimization papers must be filled out and signed by a Herr or Dame Richter(in).
    • Noble families may request legitimization from their de jure liege, e.g a Markgraf to their Herzog and a Herzog to the Kaiser.
II.I.2.4 Inheritance
Inheritance deals with the passing of goods and properties after a person has passed away. Inheritance applies equally to both citizenry and nobles. Inheritance laws shall always apply unless the deceased person leaves a will stating otherwise. For a more detailed explanation of the Hadrian law of succession, see this addendum.

  1. The estate goods (physical possessions, items, etc.) shall be split accordingly between spouses and children.
    • If the deceased person was unmarried or without children, the head of the family shall gain possession of these goods.
    • If the deceased person was the head of the family, the next eldest sibling shall gain possession of these goods.
    • If the deceased person had no family, spouses, or children, then the Empire will repossess their goods.
  2. Titles and land shall always go first to the eldest child of the deceased person.
    • If the eldest male child is incapable of taking on such land and titles, these goods pass down the line of children, males taking precedence.
    • If the deceased person had no children, then the title and land will fall first to the head of the family, and then to the eldest sibling of the deceased person.
    • Finally, if this is not possible, then the land and titles shall pass down to the next eldest sibling, and so forth.
    • If the deceased person had no family or children, the Empire would repossess these lands and titles and distribute them once more.
      • Noble titles and lands shall never fall to the spouse of the original holder of such a title.
II.I.3 Housing Laws
  1. The addition of expansions to pre-existing buildings, such as the building of basements, new extensions, or additional floors, require the approval of the regional steward in accordance with the ErzTreasurer.
    • If the building’s size is changed beyond its original, its designation and tax price will be adjusted to reflect this.
  2. The acquisition of new or additional land is to be processed by the ErzTreasurer.
    • The construction of new buildings on newly purchased or already owned lands must be approved by the bank. The size of this building will determine the tax price for it.
    • Farms with farmable land as given by the State must remain within these boundaries. If they are found to be outside the set boundaries, they will be subject to the Law of Land Grabbing and will be fined per the permissible fines from the bank.
    • To acquire or resettle the boundary of the given land, change in cattle or animals of grazing, or change in type of crops, the individual who owns the land must make arrangements with the bank.
II.I.4 Bounty Laws
When enacted, it must be investigated by ranking officials in the Empire to be ratified.
  1. This will include a reason why the bounty is posted, the terms, and the ability for the individual with a bounty placed to turn themselves in.
  2. If the court of law declares that the bounty is not lawful, it cannot be pursued in the Empire and will be held accountable to our aggression laws.
  3. Once a bounty is approved, ‘Bounty Hunters’ are allowed to go out and return the person(s) listed.
  4. If there is a reward, such will be given immediately to those who bring in the person.
  5. Any bounties turned dead and not recognized under the Empire are to be considered premeditated murder as per II.V.1.1 of the Imperial Lawbook.
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CHAPTER II.II - CRIMINAL LAW
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Criminal Law is the branch of law that occurs when persons, parties, or institutions break the rules and laws organized by the Empire. These laws and their punishments are most often carried out by the judiciary staff of the Empire, for example, a Richter or Richterin.

II.II.1 Guidelines for Criminal Law
  1. Stacking Charges.
    • All ‘offenses' written down in Chapter II.II Criminal Law must occur on separate occasions, and do not stack in the same event. See II.II.1.2 ‘Willfull disobedience’ for criminals unwilling to conform to Imperial Laws.
  2. Willful disobedience.
    • Ignoring a direct order of a legal arresting force, or refusing to comply with a punishment of a charge given.
    • Willful disobedience only applies in the same event and the charges stack.
      • First Offense: Addition of a minor Fine.
      • Second Offense: Addition of a moderate Fine and additional jail time. Any legal arresting force may use additional, non-lethal force in an ongoing arrest.
      • Third Offense: Any legal arresting force may begin an arrest and place the criminal in holding until judiciary staff can enforce the original sentence and the additional charges for Failure of Compliance.
  3. Fines.
    • Minor fine: 100 Andros.
    • Moderate fine: 250 Andros.
    • Major fine: An uncapped amount starts from 500 Andros, depending on the severity of the offense.
  4. Brandings.
    • Brandings are officially represented as a griffin wearing a crown, and brandings are placed on the chest.
  5. Three Strike Rule.
    • Any person who has accumulated 3 Felonies will be faced with banishment.
    • Upon accumulating 3 Misdemeanors, a major fine will be applied, with the size of the fine being determined by the local or Imperial court.
  6. Noble’s Clause.
    • Any crime committed against a Noble of the Empire shall be taken under consideration during criminal trials; and is an additional felony.
    • When the Noble’s Clause is applied, punishments range from maiming to execution, depending on the severity of the crime.
II.III - MISDEMEANORS
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II.III.1 Animal Laws
  1. Illegal Parking/abandonment of livestock or animals in the city .
    • All illegally left animals must be removed from the city. Any unruly, unkempt, or unnecessarily large animal will fall under this category.
      • First Offense - Verbal warning.
      • Second Offense - Minor fine.
      • Third Offense - Moderate fine.
  2. Abuse.
    • In instances where an animal, either wild or domestic, is found to be abused by an individual, the individual will be detained under the authority of law. Individuals who abuse animals are believed to exhibit unstable behaviour with the potential to turn into further issues.
      • First Offense - 10 Lashings & mandatory temple attendance.
      • Second Offense - 20 Lashings, 2 days jail.
      • Third Offense - 40 Lashings, 3 days jail.
  3. Naming.
    • All male pigs that are born in the Empire must be granted the name of ‘Friederich’ within the first month of their life.
    • The name ‘Diederick’ is however prohibited by law, if not followed a fine will be installed per pig.
      • Owners are fined 10 Andros per pig in transgression of the naming law.
II.III.2 Dueling Laws
  1. Anyone may challenge another to a duel, but the opponent has the right to decline.
    • Duels can be until yield, first blood, or to the death.
    • Both parties must agree to the terms of the duel in the presence of a third party.
    • Deadly weapons and legal magic may be used in a duel if agreed upon explicitly by both parties.
  2. Continuing a duel after it is over.
    • The offending party will be arrested.
    • Murder in a non-to-the-death duel.
      • This will be counted as murder in hot blood, in accordance to II.V.1.1, with the additional sentence of banishment.
  3. The duels must take place outside of the city limits, or within designated dueling zones, so that the peace is not disturbed.
II.III.3 Civilial code
  1. Battery.
    • Verified ‘fisticuffs’ outdoors are legal. Indoor fisticuffs are illegal.
    • Verified fisticuffs always become illegal after one party has surrendered or fallen unconscious. Continuing to fight afterward follows under law II.III.2.4.
    • Fighting without the use of a deadly weapon indoors or without prior agreement between both parties also follows under law II.III.2.4.
      • First Offense - Moderate fine.
      • Second Offense - 20 Lashings.
      • Third Offense - 40 Lashings.
  2. Trespassing.
    • Entering somebody’s property. This includes any property grounds, balconies, roofs, etc.
    • Trespassing into military installations or private lands of nobility will always carry an extra punishment, as per the Noble’s Clause.
      • First Offense - Moderate fine.
      • Second Offense - Moderate fine, 10 lashings.
      • Third Offense - 3 Days in jail.
  3. Public Nuisance.
    • Disturbing the peace.
    • Singing within taverns is considered unlawful starting at dawn until midday.
      • First Offense - Minor fine.
      • Second Offense - Minor fine and 1-day tavern ban.
      • Third Offense - Permanent tavern ban.
  4. Public Indecency.
    • Any act involving nudity or improper public behaviour.
      • First Offense - 1 Day in jail.
      • Second Offense - 3 Days in jail and a moderate fine.
      • Third Offense - Local banishment and a major fine.
  5. Impersonation.
    • The act of impersonating another person through disguises or regalia.
    • Impersonation of a Noble, wearing a suit of armour with regalia of an Order or House of which you are not affiliated with is considered impersonation.
      • First Offense - 10 Lashings and confiscation of armour/regalia.
      • Second Offense - 30 Lashings and confiscation of armour/regalia.
      • Third Offense - Local banishment and confiscation of armour/regalia.
  6. Urination in cities .
    • The act of relieving oneself within city walls.
      • All offenses: Minor fine.
  7. Mugging.
    • Theft of a person's property from their person.
      • First Offense - Removal of fifth digits.
      • Second Offense - Removal of ‘offending’ hand.
      • Third Offense - Local banishment.
  8. Obscuring of Face and Character
    • A person’s face and form may not be concealed or made invisible within the city. Guards may ask a person with an obscured face or form to reveal themselves to ascertain they are not a threat.
    • These forms of concealments may be made permissible through notes acquired through the Adelsburg Medical Clinic or the office of the Richter(in).
      • First Offense - Minor fine.
      • Second Offense - Major fine.
      • Third Offense - 2 days Jail, minor fine.
  9. Slander
    • The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person's reputation.
      • First Offense - Public denunciation, minor fine.
      • Second Offense - Public denunciation, major fine.
      • Third Offense - Public denunciation, 3 days jail, major fine.
  10. Obstruction of Justice
    • Interference with the orderly administration of law and justice.
    • This includes but is not limited to, perjury, making false statements to officials, witness tampering, destruction of evidence & undermining legitimate authority.
      • First Offense - Minor fine.
      • Second Offense - Moderate fine.
      • Third Offense - 2 Days jail, major fine.
II.IV - FELONIES
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II.IV.1 Felonies
  1. Assault.
    • Fighting with the use of a deadly weapon.
      • First Offense - 3 Days jail.
      • Second Offense - 40 Lashings.
      • Third Offense - 60 Lashings & local banishment.
  2. Damage to Property.
    • First Offense - Major fine, 3 days jail, and criminals must pay for damages incurred.
    • Second Offense - Major fine, criminal must pay for damages and receives local banishment.
  3. Kidnapping.
    • Kidnapee rescued unharmed.
      • Major fine and banishment.
    • Kidnapee rescued but harmed.
      • 60 Lashings, major fine, banishment.
    • Kidnapee dead/unrecovered.
      • Execution by hanging from the neck/banishment.
  4. Burglary.
    • Theft of property from one’s house or owned lands.
      • First Offense - Removal of ‘offending’ hand.
      • Second Offense - Removal of the dominant hand, or other hand if the ‘offending’ hand was the dominant hand.
      • Third Offense - Branding, 30 lashings, and local banishment.
  5. Adultery.
    • The breaking of marital vows through intimacy with a person who is not one’s spouse.
    • Should a spouse be found guilty of adultery, the begrudged spouse is owed 75% of their partner’s assets, with the exception of titles and lands, and is given the option to divorce.
    • The Janczyk Clause.
      • Should a child be born following an act of adultery.
        • If male, the perpetrator will be castrated through the usage of a hot knife.
        • In the case of a female perpetrator, a specialized potion is to be used.
      • The issue born from the act of adultery is to serve in the clergy for life.
        • Males are sent to the Cult of Mortius.
        • Females are sent to the Cult of Alda.
  6. Extortion.
    • Using blackmail/leverage to harm another.
      • Punishment is specific to the crime.
  7. Conspiracy to commit Murder.
    • The act of conspiring to commit a murder.
    • When applied to a noble this crime will count as a treason charge.
      • Minimum of 3 years in clergy.
      • Reparation payments to the victim.
  8. Attempted Murder
    • The instance in which a physical attempt to murder was made but failed.
    • When applied to a noble this crime will count as a treason charge.
      • Banishment.


II.V - CAPITAL FELONIES
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II.V.1 Capital Felonies
  1. Murder.
    • In Self Defense: No Punishment.
    • In Hot Blood: 30 Lashings & Minimum of 1 year in Clergy.
    • Premeditated: Execution by hanging from the neck.
  2. Commit acts against the state and crown - Treason.
    • Attempting to overthrow the Hadrian Empire or levy war against the Empire.
    • Incite rebellion through vassal states.
    • Speak of, or commit actions against the Kaiser and his Council.
    • Attempting to circumvent the authority of the Kaiser or the Imperial Diet through unlawful means.
    • Give aid or comfort to enemies of the Hadrian Empire, which includes:
      • Declared criminals of the Empire.
      • Citizenry or officials of states at war with the Hadrian Empire or its allies.
    • Terrorism.
    • Espionage.
    • Should an individual be found guilty of any of the acts described above, the punishment is clear and concise.
      • Execution.
      • Approved methods are hanging, beheading, and the final burning of the body. Ashes are disposed of at an undisclosed location.
  3. Return from Banishment.
    • Returning within the area of your banishment after having left its borders.
      • One warning will be provided.
      • If the criminal does not immediately comply with the guards while being escorted from the city, they will be executed immediately.
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CHAPTER II.VI - RELIGIOUS LAW
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Religious laws exist to protect the Empire and its citizenry from unholy creatures and their followers. Upholding Religious Law is essential to the Empire, and breaking Religious Laws comes with heavy consequences.

II.VI.1 Religious Law
  1. Religious Worship.
    • The worship of Alder is the only permitted worship within the Hadrian Empire.
    • Worship of false idols, as well the bastardization of Alderist worship, falls into the hands of the Clergy and the Law. The Vater maintains a priority on the handling and punishment of crimes regarding Religious Law and will take the place of the judge in such cases. In such circumstances, he is free to delegate such responsibilities at his leisure.
  2. Heretical Worship.
    1. Faith that encompasses the public worship of false idols or other inherently wicked paths that strive to corrupt an Alderist’s core beliefs.
    2. The handling and punishment of any heretical worship practices will fall under the jurisdiction of the Clergy and the Court.
    3. If an individual seeks repentance for their wicked ways, the Clergy and the Court once more takes precedent in these cases to determine whether a heretic is able to be reformed. However, the Kaiser and his Imperial Council maintain the final say on whether this individual is welcome back into the Empire.
  3. Foul Arts.
    • The Practice of Voidal Magic.
    • If found to be a wielder of Voidal Forces, the person shall be immediately executed unless awaiting trial for the conduction of other crimes. Compliances shall lose their dominant hand.
    • The Jespro Clause.
      • All detained Voidal Spellcasters who are on trial for related or unrelated crimes are to be restrained and chained to the stand.
        • If suspected of capabilities in Voidal Spellcasting, they are to be frisked, disarmed, and restrained. When restrained, their dominant hand is to be bound behind their neck and their nondominant hand to be restrained against their lower back. This restraint is to remain while held in detainment.
    • Any voidal spellcasters who are executed are to be done so in the presence of either the Herr or Dame Richter(in), the Vater, or the Kaiser. Upon execution, the head and body are to be separated, burned, and buried in separate locations.
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CHAPTER II.VII - ARCANE LAW
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Arcane Law applies to all supernatural abilities. Arcane law exists to regulate those with dangerous abilities and protect those without.

II.VII.1 Use of Abilities
Unpermitted use of any supernatural abilities will be punished.
  1. Vigilante law
    • Using supernatural abilities to circumvent law and order and to dole out punishment according to one's personal beliefs.
    • In conjunction with other laws. Using supernatural abilities as a tool for any additional civil, criminal, religious, or other law. Using supernatural abilities in conjunction with any other crime will impose further punishment.
      • First Offense - An additional moderate fine.
      • Second Offense - An additional major fine.
      • Third Offense - Additional jail time.
  2. Using these abilities to sow discord, manipulate citizenry, or cause grief, suffering, or bodily harm to a citizen is illegal.
    • First Offense - 2 Days Jail, minor fine.
    • Second Offense - 3 Days Jail, major fine.
    • Third Offense - Temporary banishment dependent on the degree of harm.
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