Criminal Law of Venna
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A: Magistrates, Trials and appeals
B: Laws and punishment
C: Free Women Laws
D: Debt
E: Treason
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The City Laws when administrated, only citizens will be granted a trial. Anyone who is a resident or traveler will be seen by a magistrate or High Council Quorum and fate determined on the spot. If neither is available, if the person is Free, they will be jailed. If a slave, use your best judgment, after all they are property and to be punished by the Free at their whim. See slave laws for restitution of killed or damaged slaves.
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---- Magistrates ----
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1. Only official Magistrates appointed by the High Magistrate and approved by the council may make decisions in court and out of court.
2. If the case is severe enough the High Magistrate will over see the court for such a case.
3. Only the High Magistrate and or Council may approve of enslavement and or death. (See Appeals for more details).
4. Anyone making false claims of being a magistrate of Venna is guaranteed forced enslavement and or death. No exceptions.
5. If no Magistrate is present and the dire need of resolving a case, three Council members may form a quorum and over see the case.
6. All citizens have the right to a trial.
7: All residents and visitors will have an on the spot trial and a ruling to be made by a magistrate or High Council quorum
8. All citizens have the right to an appeal before sentence is carried out, especially involving enslavement or death.
9. All "challenges" that are not able to be resolved must go through the council or the courts.
10: Any Magistrate whom abuses their power for their own gain, will be punished. From being stripped of being a magistrate to being banished or impaled.
10A: You may bring your issues to the Head Magistrate and or the High Council.
11: All members of the Caste of Musicians are NEVER enslaved. They may be fined, put in jail, exiled, put to death and etc.
11A: If the member of the Caste of Musician SUBMITS in their own free will(with proof given to a magistrate), they waive this right.
12: It is a magistrate's duty to make all recordings of trials, testimony, ruling and etc to the High Magistrate to be archived for the High Council.
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--------Trial Law---------
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1. Those seeking relief under the law shall present evidence and allegations of criminal activity to a member of the city guard, magistrate or a member of the High Council.
1A: All accusations shall be investigated before a warrant is issued to the city guard by a magistrate.
1B: All Free are allowed to have an advocate of their choosing.
1C: All accused are considered innocent till proven guilty, the final determination being made by a Magistrate or the high Council.
1D: All Free are allowed to present evidence to prove their innocent.
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2. All Free whom are accused of a crime and are a run risk, will be jailed either in a cell or their home. They will not be put into cages.
3: It is a crime, to lay false witness with a hefty fine and or jail/pillory time, and up to being exiled.
4. All Free, unless caught in the act of the time, will have a warrant for arrest issued by a Magistrate or by the order of the High Council when in quorum.
4A: If the Free is caught in the act, the warrior caste or city guard may be called to the spot to make an arrest and all involved are to make a formal report to the Magistrate ASAP.
5: Every ruling made by a Magistrate or City Council will be recorded and archived by the Record Keeper for the High Council.
6. Avoidance; Avoidance is when a magistrate or High Council puts out an order or warrant to bring someone for questioning, warrant and etc and either avoids or refuses, will be detained by the city guard or the warrior caste. The city or person is not responsible for any damages to you or your property.
7. Only a Magistrate or a quorum of the High Council may demand any free person held within detention to be released immediately and they will submit their reason to the High Council by the way of documentation to be reviewed and archived.(This is only if they aren't a run risk)
8. The High Council or the High Magistrate may reduced any sentence passed by themselves; Only if new evidence has been brought up. Reduction does not absolve the crime.
9. Slave testimony may be only used under tortured, at the discretion of the magistrate.
10. All executions, will be only used for serious crimes. The High Magistrate will determine it's approval with the backing of the High Council. All executions will be stayed at hand while the High Magistrate determines if it is warranted and put into writing for the High Council.
11: Only the High Council and or the High Magistrate may hand out pardons(when in quorum), with guidance from the High Magistrate.
12: The City Council alone reserves the right to banish of any citizen found to have dishonored the Home Stone; with guidance of the High Magistrate.
12A: Those whom are banished have no Home Stone with Venna.
12B: Those whom are banished are removed from their caste for Venna
12C: Those whom are banished, if caught trying to re-enter may face death.
12D: Those whom are banished lose all responsibilities, titles and etc.
12E: The Record Keeper shall maintain a permanent record of all banishments.
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---- Laws -----
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General laws are the laws that are considered misdemeanors, unless repeated offenses have occurred.
1. No Free shall be punished of the same crime unless it is proven to be a repeat offense.
Example: A Free Woman bad mouthing the warrior caste and their honor, a magistrate sets her pillory for such offense. None shall punish her again unless she decides to do it again.
Example 2: A man assaults a Free Woman(hits her), he is punished. None shall punish him again unless he assaults a Free Woman again.
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2. Outlaws
A: Any Free whose found residing within the city of Venna without having a Home Stone that can not be verified will be questioned and impaled.
B: All Panthers are considered outlaws and subject to immediate enslavement. Period.
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3. Direct Order of Safety
A: Any Free whom ignore the direct order of safety by the Warrior Caste and or Magistrates will result in the following.
3B: If the Free is a woman, these are the punishments to be listed.
1: A fine of no more than a silver.
2: A public whipping and a fine of no more than a silver.
3: Enslavement especially in times of raids or times of crisis because of slave like behavior of wanting to be captured.
3C: Any Free whom is male and not a defender
1: A fine of no more than a silver.
2: Imprisonment and a fine of no more than a silver
3: Forced Labor.
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4: Submission of a Free Person
A: Any Free may choose to submit to a person, slave house or the city kennels without trial.
1A: It must be done in the presence of two free witness of good reputation within the city.
2A: Any free who submits to those of the warrior caste are allowed to kill the now-submitted slave without repercussions due to their codes.
B: Any Free Person may choose to do a contract submission. Proper documents must be submitted to a magistrate for approval and must contain the following.
1: Dates of when the enslavement will begin and when it will end.
2: Any and all details of what the contract will hold.
1: Such as if the slave is to be belted and not to have sex with the person they are contracted to.
2: Any and all agreed upon fees which will be held till the person is once again freed and be given the money.
3: The free whom is to be enslaved will not be branded unless the person is to be a slave permanently.
4: The free whom was enslaved will be asked if they want to extend the contract or make it permanent with magistrate approval and papers drawn up.
5: The collar upon the slaves neck will be of the city's with an intricate locking system that will be nigh impossible to pick. Will be removed by city official rather the person is freed or enslaved.
6: You, the person who is the temporary owner, are subjected to your honor. If it is brought up that you broke your contract you can be subjected to fines and barred from holding anther contract submission.
7: Once the contract is over, the Free person may resume the duties and their caste work without fear or repercussions.
8: The enslaved will not be sold out of the city or to anther Free within the city or maybe subject to punishment.
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----Enslavement of a Free Woman citizen-----
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No citizen may take it upon themselves to collar a Free Woman of Venna without approval of the Magistrate or the City Council.
5: Enslaving of a Free Woman Citizen
A: These are the conduct of unbecoming of a Free Woman
1. Public display of lust
2. Vagrancy
3. Prostitution
4. Dressing as a slave in public
5. Performing slave dances in public.
6. Conducting a gesture of Submission before a Free Person.
7. Being shown to have a brand mark but no manumission papers(Will be confirmed if possible).
8. Theft
9: Refusal or inability to pay debts
10: Repeated public drunkenness or nudity.
11: Couching Law
12: Her Words
1: Public displays of lust is showing of a heat of a slave like behavior.
Example: Flashing of breasts, genitalia, openly discussing sexual actions or favors(IE: Discussions of very blatant sex acts) or public displays such as deep kissing(Example: French Kissing).
2. Vagrancy
Any Free Woman whom is found to be home less, without caste protection or work and is declared she-urt will be enslaved to the kennels.
3. Prostitution
Any Free Woman who sells her body in any means, will be immediately enslaved to the kennels.
4. Dressing as a slave in public.
1: Any Free woman caught enjoying the touch of silk, wearing silk and the like will be subjected to punishment.
2: Any Free woman caught in disguise as a slave will be immediately enslaved.
5. Performing slave dances in public.
Any Free woman caught dancing will be subjected to punishment.
6. Conducting a gesture of submission
Conducting a gesture of submission is kneeling rather clothed or naked, arms crossed above the head and submitting rather it is stating "Master or Mistress" or "I submit to you Master, Mistress or the Free's name"
1: The gesture MUST BE DONE IN PUBLIC and in front of witnesses to be a provable offense.
2: Again as stated earlier, anyone who submits to a warrior is subject to death by their codes if the warrior denies their submission.
3: Any Free Woman who does this and is not taken in by a non-warrior will be sent to the city kennels.
4: Repeated reports and abuse of this will be subjected to punishment.
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7: Being reported to have a brand.
A: All physicians are required to report any Free Woman of being branded, this is done in private.
B: If you have a brand, you are legally obligated to give your manumission papers to the Magistrate to save headaches. This is done in private.
C: If any magistrate or scribe abuses this information will be subjected to punishment.
D: If have no papers or verified papers, you will be immediately be enslaved by Magistrate or Council's decree.
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8: Theft
1. Depending on the value of the stolen goods.
2. More than one offense.
3. See below for punishment scale.
9: Refusing or inability to pay debts
1: Refusing to pay debts will force the Magistrate to order the liquidation of any and all property or businesses.
2: If you are unable or still refuse, you could be subjected to other punishments up to enslavement.
10: Repeatedly becoming public drunk or nude can be subjected to punishments and up to enslavement
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11: Couching Law
Any free women who couches with another’s slave, or readies herself to couch with another’s slave, becomes herself a slave, and the slave of the slave’s master.
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12: Her words
A Free Woman, while free and able to speak as she wishes. She must be tactful and crafty. Questioning one's honor, lying, slandering and the like can have punishments up to being enslaved. This also includes aggressive words.
Example: Telling everyone about your companions sexual conduct rather good or bad, he's "gay".
Example 2: Talking about how a man rather your companion or not, can't "pleasure a slave".
Example 3: Ignoring direct orders that would be of benefit and telling someone off.
Example 4: Shouting or screaming insults at a man over being enraged at him(them).
Free Women are supposed to be calm and intelligent, not screaming insults like some drunkard.
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13: Any Free woman who has sex(includes oral sex) with anther Free Man that isn't her companion or is single, will be immediately on proof be enslaved.
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--------Punishments for a Free Woman that has been unbecoming-----
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When a Free woman is found to be unbecoming these are the steps depending on the severity of the case.
1. Pillory and mocked
1A: When a woman is put into a Pillory she will be displayed and having a sign near her so all may publicly shame her. She is not to be harmed or sexually touched.
2. Public Flogging
2A: She will be caned or whipped(gorean whips leave no marks unlike earth whips) no more than fifth-teen times
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3. Fines
3A: She, her companion or her Father(Guardian) will be fined of no more than one silver.
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4. Punishment Collar
4A: She will wear a punishment collar, she is not a slave but it will serve a warning. She will work the inn, tea house or bakery for a time set by the magistrate.
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5. Jail Time
5A: She will be placed in jail for no more than a hand.
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6. Enslavement.
6A: Repeat offenses or offenses that are severe(Such as submitting and being refused being claimed a slave) will be subjected to this.
7: Any and all magistrates when enslavement is to be the punishment will turn over the case to the High Magistrate and or the Council to decide.
7A: Any and all punishments can be used in tandem such as being fined, public flogged etc etc. The only time it will not be mixed depending on the severity is enslavement.
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------Enslavement Clauses---------
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Enslavement can only be brought before a magistrate if it is a citizen of Venna.
Any Free wandering around that is not a citizen can be subjected to enslavement(within reason, see reasons below) without a trial or a magistrate.
1. Any and all Caste of Musician can not be enslaved. Any Free whose caught within the walls of being enslaved will be severely punished.
1A: If a Caste of Musician submits to someone, they void their protection from this clause.
1B: Musicians can and will be punished in other ways depending on their crime should they chose to commit one.
2. Any and all Free whom submits will spend one year(six months) in said collar.(They MUST ACTIVELY RP), to prevent any submissions to avoid punishment.
3. Repeated offenders who collar hop/submit repeatedly between Free or enslaved will be forced into enslavement.
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4. Any Free who is enslaved because of a crime, will be forced to be that. No rerolling without the admin's/High Council's approval.
4A: This is to prevent from people rerolling to avoid punishment.
4B: Abuse of this will result in being banned OOCly.
4C: You must actively RP it, the admin/High Council are the only one who can approve a release RP to become a Free.
5. Any and all people whom are enslaved lose their caste and all titles. They must re-earn them and be approved by the Head of Caste. This includes all retraining.
--------Children-------
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1: A child status as a slave or free is determined by the status of the mother at the time of birth.
1A: Children of slaves are themselves are slaves and property of the mother's owner.
2B: Children of a Free Women is a free child, subject to the law of it's Father.
2: Birth of out Companionship
2A: Children whom are born to a mother outside of a free companionship which has failed, father was killed, enslaved or lapsed will be subject to the wishes of the Father or direct relatives of the Father.
2B: Should the Father or his male relatives do not desire the child, they will be left to the care of the Mother.
3: Any Free Man may disown any child by publicly stating before two witnesses of good reputation of the city and be filed with the magistrate.
3A: Disowned children remain members of their caste.
3B: Disowned children no longer may lay claim upon the estate of the father or mother upon the death or enslavements of the parents.
3C: Disowned daughters become protectorates of the city unless a protect of the record is registered with the scribes.
-----Name changes----
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1: Any Free may petition to the city council to change their names
1A: Any name changes will be kept with the record of keepers of the scribes.
2B: Does not nullify any crimes if they change their names.
Example: If you commit a crime as Joe Schmoe but change your name to Bob Bobbery, the crime you committed as Joe Schmoe is still on your record.
3C: It is the Free's responsibility to resubmit all papers of ownership rather slaves, property and etc to the scribes to update the records.
-----------Free Companionship-------------
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The Contract
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1: City of Venna recognizes the institute of Free Companionships between one man and one woman only.
1A: Companionships only last one year(Three months IRL), it is the duty of the Free to renew their vows.
2B: Visitors of the City, residents and new citizens whom have a companionship must show proof.
2: The Father, protector and or guardian must consent to the free companionship for it to be legal.
2A: The Free Man man who lies or elopes with a woman will be subject to publicly whipped and put into a pillory. Constant abuse will bring harsher punishments.
2B: A Free Woman who lies or elopes with a Man will be subjected to publicly whipping and up to enslavement.
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3: Rights of a Free Companion
3A: Within the contract are terms and conditions that outline what is and what is not acceptable. When signed, both are honor and duty abound to abide by it.
3B: Neither the man nor woman may step into their role, even if they share caste to take their place on the voting sea if he or she is on the city council.
4: A man may punish their companion within reason, if he is abusing her will be subjected to the discretion of two Physicians and a Magistrate.
4A: Abuse outlines to extreme bruising, broken bones, unable to do their caste work, and death.
4B: Abuse also includes if the Free Woman decides to poison their companion, stab him(Unless self defense and fear of life or limb) and etc.
5: Bride price
5A: Bride Price is paid by the man to the Father, protector or Guardian of the woman he's taking as a companion.
5B: Such amounts shall be mutually agreed by both parties. In the event that a female companion refuses to renew the companionship, the bride price will be paid out within two hands.
6: Renewal of the Contract
6A: If the contract is not renewed by the date of their contract, the contract is null and void and the Free Woman is to move back to her Father, guardian or protector's estate. If she has none and becomes guardian of the city. She will move into a home designated by the council.
7: Termination of the Contract
7A: The companionship will only terminate if either partner dies, enslaved or not renewed upon the anniversary. Companions may also petition a magistrate to dissolve their companionship if there is evidence of why said companionship should be dissolved. However dissolution should be only granted under specific circumstances.
7B: High counsel or magistrate can determine when a companion is lost/dead. Proof of lack of contact must be shown. Once this is enacted it cannot be reversed and a new companion contract must be made. (For repeat offenders see Number 9 of Companionship law)
8: Life Long Contracts
8A: After three renewals, a citizen of Venna may go into a life long contract with anther citizen.
8B: Both parties will AGREE to the terms set out by the law.
8C: If one or both parties wish to dissolve the contract will be punished.
8D: If a man dissolves the contract he will wear a chasity belt and silks for his shame for two hands.
8E: If a woman dissolves the contract, she will be put into a pillory to be mocked.
8F: The only time this contract ends if one of the two shall die or be enslaved.
8G: If the contract is dissolved, neither party may companion nor will see outside companionship to be legal for two gorean years(Six months)
8H: The only time this contract can be legally dissolved under HEAVY AND EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES based on the ruling of the High Council and or High Magistrate.
8I: If the dissolution is because one or both broke the terms of their contract, the offending party(s) will be punished as above.
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9: If either party, abuses being enslaved or "was assumed lost or dead" will be subjected to punishment for trying to get out of their companionship. Punishments based on the High Council and or Magistrate.
10: Companion to a non-citizen
10A: Companioning a citizen to a non-citizen does not make the non-citizen a citizen.
10B: If the male is a citizen, the child shall be a citizen.
10C: They will not be allowed to be companioned for life unless both are citizens.
11: Dividing the Assets to Parties
In the event that the companionship terminates for any reason. Both companions are entitled to those assets and monies they brought into the companionship and those which they purchased for themselves.
Additional assets, property(including slaves) and estates purchased during the companionship contract as to division of assets shall be determined by the magistrate.
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12: Parental Authority
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1: Upon the death or enslavement of a man of the City of Venna. His assets and estate shall be transferred to his eldest son.
1A: If there is more than one son, the assets shall be divided equally amongst them.
2: If no offspring can be found, the estate and assets shall be transferred to the nearest living male relative by blood.
3: If no such relative can be found, it shall be transferred to his companion at the time.
4: If none of these exist, then the assets shall be transferred to his eldest daughter
4A: If more than one exist, then it shall be divided amongst them equally.
5: Free Woman who die or are enslaved shall have their assets transfered transferred to their companion at the time.
6: If the Free Woman has no companion, it shall be transferred to her eldest son.
6A: If there are more than one son, it shall be divided equally.
7: If she has no companion or children, then it shall be given to the nearest male relative.
8: If both a man or woman has no companion or offspring then all assets, estates and property shall be held for three hands, if none come forward and have no proof or a will. Then it shall be given to the city and all slaves owned by a man or woman, will be put into the city kennels.
9: If any Free wishes to have their assets divided in a way that they wish, they will seek a scribe and magistrate to make a legal will for them.
9A: If you are companioned, and a woman, the man will have to sign it in agreement to your wishes.
9B: The will will only trump situations if the will was made before any companionship and will only subject to assets and property she or he had before the companionship.
9C: If in a life long companionship or in a yearly one, both must be present and sign to have their assets before and during the companionship divided the way they wish.
10: Children from a companion contract, will be trained in the Father's caste, till they are of age and they may make their own decision
11: A Free Woman may take the caste of their companion.
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--------Trademarks, crests and patents--------
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Any citizen or resident may petition the scribes to protect the following:
1: Family crests and emblems.
2: Business emblems and names.
3: Business secrets.
Note: Protection of these are only within the city of Venna and surrounding land.
Note 2: If an infringement is made but the person is outside of the city, and tries to make a claim. It will not be honored.
Note 3: Becoming a citizen or resident does not suddenly make you able to file a claim unless it happened after you are registered.
-------Crime---------------
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1: Theft
Theft is considered taken any property, assets or money, without paying. Which includes the following.
1. Using a belted slave without permission.
2. Red Silking a white silk slave.
3. Stealing from a person, business or the city.
4. Money stolen.
5. Selling a slave that you do not own.
5A: Includes selling slaves that were bought before and during companionship.
6: It is not a crime if a person who purchases a slave does not know the slave was stolen by the seller.
2: Punishments:
1: First Offense: Ears notched.
2: Second Offense for a Free Woman: Determined by a magistrate for a Free Woman to be enslaved
3: Second Offense for a Free Man: Non-dominate hand cut off.
4: Third Offense for a Free Woman: If not enslaved, will be enslaved.
5: Third Offense for a Free Man: Their other hand cut off.
6: Fourth Offense for a Free Man: Banishment
Depending on the theft, one may skip ear notching to enslavement for a Free Woman.
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1: Murder
1A: It is a crime within to the City of Venna to take anther life of a Free Person who is a citizen of Venna.
2B: It is not a murder when you executing a death warrant issued by a magistrate and or City Council.
3C: It is not a murder if you are defending the Home Stone or the city from invaders.
4D: It is not murder if the warrior caste are in dispute with each other with a death duel.
4A: If a death duel is issued and used, it is reviewed by the Commander and or Ubar as well as the High Council/High Magistrate.
4B: If accepted, the duel will happen, the person who died, is dead. You will be re-rolling your character.
5F: It is not murder if a citizen must defend themselves, someone else, their property(not slave[See 7A) and fear of their life.
5A: Unless your slave is the property that is about to be stolen, then death happens, it is justifiable.
6: It is not murder if a Physician is within their duty of their caste using their full abilities and training and the patient dies.
6A: It must be proven with an autopsy by two elder physicians whom were not involved with the care of patient.
Punishments: If convicted, can expect to face enslavement, banishment and even death by impalement.
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1: Fraud and Slander
1: If a citizen is convicted of committed a fraudulent activities, such as falsifying documents, selling slaves without valid proof(Hair color and etc, see slave laws for more information)
Punishments for Fraud: Can be subjected to the removal of their caste, banishment, enslavement and even death.
2: Slander is someone talking about someone else or a business and spreading misinformation which includes fraudulent papers.
Example: Writing or talking about say a bakery is full of urts and is disgusting.
Slander Punishment:
1: Fines paid to whom they lied about.
2: Jail time and fines
3: Removal of Tongue
4: Banishment.
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Debt
-----Free Man----
1. If a Free Man is in debt, refuses to pay and or is unable to pay the following will happen:
1A: He will be forced to sell his possessions, businesses and other assets, including slaves.
1B: If he still owes money, his daughters will be sold into slavery.
1C: If he still owes money, his companion may be sold into slavery.
1D: If he some how still owes money, he will be forced to work his debt off.
-----Free Woman---
1. If a Free Woman owes money the following will happen:
1A: She will be forced to sell her possessions, businesses and other assets, including slaves.
1B: If she still owes money, she will be sold at auction to pay her debt.
1C: If a Free Man volunteers to pay her debt, he has the option of enslaving her and he has to make it known before hand to the woman and the courts before any debt is settled.
1D: Submitting to someone to escape debt, will be respected but abuse of it, maybe subject to banishment or death.
2: All debts must be paid to the courts and then disbursed to the creditor.
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Rape
1. It is illegal to force any Free into sexual activity. If found guilty, you will be impaled.
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Incest
1. If anyone is found to be having an incestuous relationship rather Free or enslaved, you will face banishment, if you return, you will be killed.
1A: Yes, when a family member is enslaved, they lose all ties to the family and it would be highly dishonorable to even acknowledge them or give them the time of day.
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------ Challenges -----------
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1: Canjelline - Slave Challenge
It is found to be dishonorable to challenge anyone of the same Home Stone or a non-warrior. It is up to the warriors to enforce their codes but if the courts have to step in, no one will be happy.
2: The only challenges recognized bny the courts of Venna are slave Canjelline, all other types of challenges must be approved by the courts.
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---Arson/destruction---
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1. It is illegal to demolish, burn, destroy and etc of anyone's property, including the city(see treason) property.
2. It is illegal to destroy your own business(Such as burning the building down).
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---Treason----
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Treason, is a high crime that will result in exile or impalement - no exceptions.
These are the acts of treason and or war, go as the following,
1. Making of maps of the city, it is considered an act of war or treason.
2. Impersonation of being part of a caste you do not belong to.
3. Impersonating a person.
4. Selling information of the city.
5. Forging Papers.
6. Aiding and abetting an enemy of the city
6A: It is not a crime for a Physician perform their caste duties.
7. Attempting to overthrow the governing body of Venna
8. Making false pledge to the Home Stone
9. Abusing power for self gain.
10. Destroying city property(not slaves).
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