The Laws and Policies of The Aristios Ministry of Judgement

= The Laws and Policies of The Aristios Ministry of Judgement =
=== Preambulatory Clause ===
These Statutes established by the Ministry of Judgement’s Highest Power are made with the People in mind, and for them to abide therein. In the Blade of Judgement do we trust our Lives and Prosperity, for Order to manifest hitherto and beyond. In the name of our Great Commonwealth we begin...
=== Publication Details ===
Version 1.0
All laws are subject to adjustment and change. Bills passed are outlined in the “Bills” section of the Constitution document and will not be listed here often.
Verified and Stamped with the Minister of Judgement’s Seal of Approval.
-**𝓩, Judgement
== Compliance with the State Act ==
“People failing to comply with lawful requests of the state are subject to prosecution by court.”
As a passed bill, the “Compliance with the State Act” is restated in “The laws of the Aristios Ministry of Judgement” as a reminder that all laws written here are legally binding and must be upheld by every aristii citizen.
== Current State Certified Lawyers in Aristios ==
TomAVest (2 Months Remaining)
ExoAceTwo (2 Months Remaining)
Saintsbury (2 Months Remaining)
CanadianOak (2 Months Remaining)
Logui (2 Months Remaining)
SoupError (2 Months Remaining)
Floop (2 Months Remaining)
== Business, Economy, and Taxes ==
=== Section 1 ===
A)	The Minister of Finance along with their Ministry of Finance shall work alongside local governments to protect the interests of All Aristii businesses, with favor towards any over another serving as grounds for impeachment.
B)	Upon the start of a business, a week’s period free from taxation shall be implemented. The only tax a business isn’t exempt from is that of the landowner- who may impose a tax they see fit.
C)	Local Governments may tax Aristii businesses to a maximum of 15%, except when an exemption is in place.
# Exemptions may be assigned by the Ministry of Finance but require a reason to be approved by the Minister of Judgement and the current-sitting Chancellor to ensure no corruption takes place.
D)	For a contract to be legally binding, the involvement of a lawyer is highly recommended as they must endorse the contract. The contract must be submitted to the Ministry of Judgement to be reviewed and approved. The benefits of making a contract legally binding are as follows:
* The Ministry of Judgement stamps approval of the document and archives the approved version, stopping all tampering capabilities.
* A person unfulfilling of their contract terms may be sued and/or have action taken against by the Ministry of Judgement.
* A contract is made official for only 5% of the involved exchange and guarantees the integrity of the transaction. 
E)	No citizen or single government official may sell any land from Aristios to foreign governments, nations, or entities without the proper creation of a treaty or agreement that gets submitted and approved by the Senate.
=== Section 2 ===
A)	The Ministry of Judgement collects the fines mandated from court proceedings.
B)	The value of 25% of fines may be held onto by the Ministry of Judgement for its Ministry fund, to be utilized for a variety of purposes, which include but are not limited to:
# Paying groups and/or individuals to collect fined items and/or funds from non-compliant guilty parties. (Typically Aristii as to stimulate our economy).
# Paying salaries to officers and officials of the court. (as a means to help stimulate the Aristii economy further).
C)	50% of the Ministry of Judgement’s Ministry fund may be made available as a utility to the Senate in times of Immediate crisis. (I.E.: The nation runs out of money, the senate wants to pass a bill that may require funding beyond what’s in the national bank, etc.)
D)	The Ministry of Judgement’s Ministry fund balance can be made known to government officials with enough clearance to ask and must legally remain confidential otherwise. (Minister of Finance, Chancellor, and Emperor have clearance- outside of the Minister of Judgement and their judges).
== Terms Regarding Crimes ==
=== Section 1 ===
A) Terminologies defined in the next section operate as crimes and will be treated as such. Anyone in violation of these indicators are subject to prosecution and a sentence That changes between cases. If one citizen decides to sue another, the court will charge a 15% rate on the fine to be paid- should the other citizen be found guilty. This 15% will be sent to the Ministry Reserve.
B)	Individuals found guilty of these crimes are also subject to loss of government positions, loss of state license to practice law, and banishment from Aristios and all affiliated subsidiaries. (This may not always apply, only if the circumstances are deemed fit by the Judge overseeing the case).
C)	In the case where the Minister of Judgement is overseeing a trial or court case, and a citizen makes an appeal through their lawyer, the Ministry’s 4 judges alongside the Minister of Judgement will all review the case together, vote amongst themselves, and deliver the final verdict on the case.
D)	When a person commits a crime, they may be charged on multiple counts, depending on how many times the crimes were committed. The degree of the crimes committed can be ranked into varying degrees. Degrees of crimes committed change per crime, with a lower number establishing a lesser crime up to first degree, the highest-ranking crime. Crimes gain degrees based on how many subsections of each definition they fall under, alongside the weight of the crime committed- to be determined by a sitting judge. “Conspiracy” to commit any of these actions also warrants the increase of the degree of the crime.
E)	Military participants and officials are held to a higher standard in Aristios and if convicted of any crime degree 2 or higher of a crime with at least 4 degrees, will be dishonorably discharged from the Aristios military.
F)	Information within any channels that are locked off to the public is considered classified unless no longer in use. Furthermore, information becomes declassified when announced in an official manner (I.E.: Proposed bills that have been voted on, pass and are added to the constitution).
G)	Aristios military members will not be charged with griefing (and/or Arson), theft, and kidnapping when done outside of Aristios during times of war.
=== Section 2 ===
A) Corruption” is a term defined as but not limited to in actions:
# The exchange of something of Value for votes.
# A person in a position of authority uses their power to acquire benefits or abuse power for their personal gains.
# Conspiring to be involved in any form of illegitimate activity within or outside of the State.
# Extortion or Embezzlement.
B) “Treason” is a term defined as but not limited to in actions:
# Violation of the “Compliance with the State Act.”
# Betrayal of the State.
# Attempting to overthrow the government.
# Betrayal of one’s people as an authoritative figure for the purpose of personal gain.
# Leaking the contents of The State Law Exam.
C) “Griefing” and/or “theft” are terms defined as but not limited to in actions:
# Destruction of another person and/or entity’s property without their consent.
# Stealing of another person and/or entity’s property without their consent.
# Being inside of another person and/or entity’s building without their consent.
# Going into and/or through Another person and/or entity’s chest without their consent.
# “Arson” is a form of griefing involving fire and/or TNT, which may be punishable to a higher degree.
# Doing any of these aforementioned explanations towards the State.
# Doing any of these aforementioned explanations to farmland without the consent of the farm owner. (Farmers hired by landowners are implied to have consent from their employers).
D) “Falsifying evidence” is a term defined as but not limited to in actions:
# The production of material in court that’s fabricated to push a narrative or make an argument.
# The usage of fabricated material in order to lie about and/or cover up a circumstance.
# Lying to the court can carry an additional charge of “Perjury” which also adds to the degree of falsification of evidence.
E) “Cheating” is a term defined as but not limited to in actions:
# Attempting to get and/or getting external help on The State Law Exam. This document may be referenced during the exam, though, taking it with others or asking people for help is considered a violation.
# Utilizing hack clients or game cheats. (To be reported to server staff and have server banishment instated).
# Lying on a legally binding contract and/or not keeping one’s word on a contract agreement.
F) “Banishment” is a term defined as but not limited to in actions:
# Being banned from Stoneworks will have you removed from Aristios and all subsidiaries of the State. (This will not have a trial and be implemented immediately).
# Furthermore, any and all government positions held by an individual banned from Stoneworks must be released and re-determined. If unbanned from Stoneworks, an individual may re-join Aristios. However, they are barred from participating in the government whatsoever. (This may be determined on a case-by-case basis).
G) “Murder” is a term defined as but not limited to in actions:
# Killing another citizen or non-citizen inside our borders without their consent.
# Killing a citizen or non-citizen’s animal or set of animals inside our borders without their consent.
H) “Espionage” is a term defined as but not limited to in actions:
# The leaking of classified information from the federal government unless to bring to light an illegal activity and/or unconstitutional practice- defined as “Whistleblowing.”
# Spying and/or gathering information on Aristios for the purposes of gaining an upper hand over the country in any way, shape, or form. (Typically but not limited to- on behalf of another government and/or organization).
I) “Kidnapping” is a term defined as but not limited to in actions:
# The stealing of another person’s animals without their consent.
# The stealing of another person and/or holding another person hostage.
J) “Fraud” is a term defined as but not limited to in actions:
# Interfering with the voting procedure to manipulate the outcome.
# Coming to an agreement among others to manipulate the outcome of a vote for personal gain(s).
# Making an agreement and/or deal with an individual and/or group to have them vote on your behalf in exchange for anything of value.
# Making an agreement and/or deal with an individual and/or group to vote on their behalf in exchange for anything of value.
# Coercing another into voting for you and/or against you against their will.
K) “Squatting” is a term defined as but not limited to in actions:
# Residing within the land of Aristios without authorization from the government.
# Residing within the land of Sylvania without authorization from the government.
== Court Procedure ==
=== Section 1 ===
A) An individual may not be prosecuted by the same individual and/or State twice (for the same crime) without sufficient new evidence that brings to light new elements of their transgressions. (I.E.: Person gets acquitted on Charge 1, suddenly now there is an additional Charge that can be added and also prove Charge 1, the person is put on trial again for both Charge 1 and Charge 2).
B)	All citizens must establish a contract with a lawyer in order to sue another. Lawyers and volunteer lawyers are considered officers of the court while they complete their duties and are paid based on the circumstances of the situation in which they are participating.
C)	Citizens are allowed to represent themselves when being prosecuted by another or by the state- however, it is heavily advised to contract a lawyer.
D)	In the case where a citizen sues another citizen and/or local government and/or federal government-
# The amount for expected pay must be stated by the lawyer on behalf of the prosecuting citizen.
# When a final verdict is reached, this pay may change due to situational circumstances as decided by the judge overseeing the case.
# The amount will be paid to the lawyer, who is legally obligated to split the money with their client as per an established contract between the lawyer and client beforehand.
# A lawyer who lost a case may be entitled to compensation by the court depending on the circumstances.
E) In the case where the State sues a citizen and/or local government-
# A State Prosecutor will speak on behalf of the state. (If unavailable, The Minister of Judgement or a sitting Judge of Aristios may take the place of a State Prosecutor).
# The amount for a fine may change based on the crimes committed and is subject to reveal at the end of the trial.
# When a final verdict is reached, a payment plan for a fine may be organized by the Ministry of Judgement, if the guilty party is unable to pay the fine in full.
# The fine will be paid to the judge overseeing the case, then transferred to the Minister of judgement to be added to the Ministry’s fund. (The fine can also be transferred directly, but notification of the judge overseeing the trial is mandatory to ensure everyone stays on the same page).
=== Section 2 ===
A) Anyone, a citizen of Aristios or not, is allowed and eligible to become a state-approved and licensed lawyer in the country:
# The State Law Exam must be passed with a minimum 90% score in order to qualify for a State Law License in Aristios.
# The State Law Exam is subject to change per every edition.
# Citizens of Aristios must pay $1500 to take The State Law Exam.
# Non-citizens or dual+ citizens whose main living place is outside of mainland Aristios must pay $3000 to take The State Law Exam.
# All funds collected from The State Law Exam go into the Ministry of Judgement’s Ministry Fund.
B)	The State Law Exam consists of a mixture of multiple-choice and written answer questions.
C)	Those who pass The State Law Exam will have their name at the beginning of this document.
D)	The State Law Exam will be opened on the 10th of every gregorian calendar month (January, February, March, April, etc...) for 24 hours.
# Citizens need to retake The State Law Exam every 2 months. If a citizen is already a licensed lawyer in the state, the price is reduced to $750. If a citizen has lost their license to practice law, they may need to wait a period of time before having eligibility to become a lawyer again- paying the full $1500 all over again to start from scratch. Additionally, a lawyer must be contracted to draft an appeal to re-instate eligibility at the end of the time allotted.
# Non-citizens or dual+ citizens whose main living place is outside of mainland Aristios need to retake The State Law Exam every month. If a non-citizen or previously defined dual+ citizen is already a licensed lawyer in the state, the price is reduced to $2250. If a non-citizen or previously defined dual+ citizen has lost their license to practice law, they may need to wait a period of time before having eligibility to become a lawyer again- paying the full $3000 all over again to start from scratch. Additionally, a lawyer must be contracted to draft an appeal to re-instate eligibility at the end of the time allotted.
# Province Governors and below may qualify to become lawyers. Any government official above the Province Governor role may have too many responsibilities and therefore is ineligible. Ex-government personnel may choose to take the exam so long as they weren’t removed forcibly from their position due to violating the law.
=== Section 3 ===
A)	Court proceedings will take place over Discord, occasionally with the usage of an “In-person” court in Minecraft on Stoneworks.
B)	People are assumed innocent until proven guilty.
C)	A sitting judge will be assigned to a case, moderate the conversation, and deliver a verdict.
D)	Trials must be conducted publicly unless a request is submitted by a prosecuting or defending party to have the trial be held in private. The prosecuting and defending party may discuss this matter with the judge before the trial is set.
E)	The defending party may submit a “guilty” or “not guilty” plead at the beginning of the trial. If they plead “guilty” on certain charges, they may have made a deal with the prosecuting party which is subject to review by the judge to be upheld by the law. If only certain charges are pled “guilty,” and others “not guilty,” the trial will take place regarding the “not guilty” charges.
F)	All evidence and a list of witnesses must be submitted to the judge overseeing the trial before the trial starts. Failing to do so or providing sudden, surprise evidence and/or witnesses is illegal and the party doing so may be subjected to fines, loss of Law license, and/or the complete dismissal and/or retrial of the case- all depending on the circumstances.
G)	Prosecuting and defending parties must prepare and deliver their opening statements regarding the trial to the judge.
H)	After opening statements, the prosecutor can begin to speak and call upon their first piece of evidence and/or witness. (The judge will allow the prosecution to begin making their case). If a witness is brought to speak, the defending party may cross-examine the witness. After the prosecution makes its case, a defending party may then attempt to make their points based on that case, and bring their own witness to stand or evidence to light. This process will repeat between the two parties until there is no more evidence and no more witnesses- where both parties will then deliver their final statements and the judge reaches a verdict.
I)	Interrupting a Judge or lawyer/participating party while they’re speaking (Unless you are the Judge- judges are allowed to interrupt at any given moment- within reason) is illegal and can qualify a fine of up to $3000 depending on the gravity of the interruption.
J)	If a defending party does not like their verdict, they may contract A lawyer to help them submit an Appeal to the Minister of Judgement who can consult the sitting judge and understand the situation- then re-evaluate the case if they see fit.
K)	If a local government decides to enforce a law, punishment, or fine upon its citizens, and they don’t like the verdict the local government gave, an appeal may be submitted (with the assistance of a lawyer) to the Ministry of Judgement and conduct a trial at the federal level- with the Ministry verdict overriding whatever the previous, local verdict was. However, the Ministry of Judgement may come to the same conclusion as the local government, should the situation be deemed fit. At that point, the Ministry verdict may be enforced up to two times as harshly as the local government’s. In similar regards, if a local government is found to be enforcing an unconstitutional or illegal verdict, the individual’s punishment can be driven up to triple as harshly upon the town, ruling in favor of the individual. If a fine is placed upon a town, the mayor and/or senators of the town must provide the fine payments- which can be negotiated into a payment plan, should it be necessary- as the same would be with a person. If a town cannot pay the fine, then the fine’s responsibility falls upon the mayor of the town. If a mayor then refuses or becomes difficult to reach within 24 hours, their town may be seized from them by court order.
Category:Eldham
Category:Aristios
Category:Traveler's Era