Republic High Courts

The High Courts of the Republic represent the highest courts in the Galaxy. Most often, these Courts resolve disputes between the member-worlds of the Republic, but technically, any grievance may be brought to their attention if the decisions reached by the high courts of a citizen's member-world are deemed unsatisfactory in the spirit of the Republic.
In the old times, the summoning of a High Court was a matter of great importance. It happened infrequently, often at the behest of the Jedi Knights, to quell growing anger between worlds before such anger could spark violence.
Now the High Courts of the Republic are always in session and they are overflowing. Strange laws which are difficult to decipher are passed through the Galactic Senate, and when these laws are enacted citizens and the leaders of member-worlds come running to Coruscant to resolve issues which are beyond them.
The Courts would be busy enough if the only issues brought before them were untangling new laws and protecting the rights of Republic citizens, but in recent days frivolous disputes and distractions have mired the Justices of Coruscant in petty grudges.
Although the majority of Coruscant's Justices are wise and just, even some members of this august body have succumbed to corruption. As the ranks of Justices swell to meet the increased need, the problem is becoming worse.
===Procedure===
The Republic's judiciary follows an arcane procedure for its trials.
*I. Protonomy (Deposition & Discovery Phase)
**i. Legal counsel present themselves in Formal Mantles before the presiding Justice(s).
** ii. Evidence is presented to the court by a third party appointed by the Justice(s). Evidence may be objected to, but only the presiding Justice(s) may exclude evidence.
**iii. Witnesses and testimony are introduced; counsel may cross-examine the witnesses. This cross-examination is for fact-finding, and will not be used to argue the case.
*II. Aponomy (Post-Deposition Phase) 
**i. Motions for transfer or dismissal may be filed.
**ii. If none of the facts are in dispute, a summary judgement may be requested and handed down.
*III. Archonomy
**i. Plaintiff (Prosecutor) presents the prosecution's case.
**ii. Defendant attempts to rebut Plaintiff's case.
**iii. Plaintiff attempts to rebut the rebuttal.
** iv. Defendant attempts to rebut the rebuttal of the rebuttal.
**v. This continues until the Justice seems to be losing patience.
**vi. Plaintiff, and then defendant, make closing statements.
**vii. The Court renders judgement.
***a. Exonomous (innocent)
*** b. Endonomous (guilty)
***c. Heteronomous (case suspended indefinitely)
***d. Autonomous (defendant is beyond the Republic's jurisdiction)
===See Also===
Supreme Justice
Republic Law
Category:Politics
Category:Republic