Department of Justice (DoJ)

Seal of the Circuit Court

## Mission Statement

The purpose of this system is to enact a fair, coordinated, and reliable system of judicial process for the State of New Elizabeth, by providing a modular, and scalable system.

## Structure

### Circuit Court of New Elizabeth

The Circuit Court of New Elizabeth is the highest trial court in the state and the court of final appeal. It convenes on an as needed basis to hear cases levied before it. It is the only court that may seat a jury, adn typically only does so in high-profile cases where the possibility of capital punishment exists. Additionally, the Circuit Court handles large civil claims. It is located in St. Denis at the DoJ Building and is headed by the Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court

### General District Courts

General District Courts (GDC) are the lowest level of courts in New Elizabeth and exercise jurisdiction over a designated Judicial District (AoP) in New Elizabeth. The following General District Courts exist;

* General District Court of Valentine - Township of Valentine and surrounding county of New Hanover and the Ambarino Mountains.
	+ Chief Magistrate: VACANT
	+ District Attorney: VACANT
* General District Court of Blackwater - City of Blackwater and surrounding county, including the counties of West Elizabeth, and New Austin.
	+ Chief Magistrate: VACANT
	+ District Attorney: VAVANT
* General District Court of Rhodes - Township of Rhodes and surrounding county of Lemoyne, including the City of St. Denis.
	+ Chief Magistrate: VACANT
	+ District Attorney: VACANT

The General District Courts exercise jurisdiction over a wide range of criminal and civil matters including, but not limited to; misdemeanors, minor felonies, marriages, divorces, petitions, small civil claims, adoptions, and wills.

### Roles

Judicial Officers

* *Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court (P.J.C.C.):* The Circuit Court Judge, also referred to as the State Judge, is the Chief Judicial Officer in the State of New Elizabeth and presides over the Circuit Court of New Elizabeth in St. Denis. He/She acts as the judge of final appeal in all criminal and civil cases in the state (excpet capital punishment). They oversee the smooth operation of all of the courts beneath it and are responsible for the appointment of Magistrates to those courts. They are directly appointed by the Governor of New Elizabeth and serve until death, removal, or retirement.
* *Chief Magistrate*: A Chief Magistrate oversees a General District Court in its entirety. In addition to any magisterial duties, they also act as supervisors and trainers for Magistrates appointed below them. They may preside over a General District Court outside their Jurisdiction, or the Circuit Court of New Elizabeth in the absence of the Circuit Court Judge so long as all other qualifications are met. They are appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court and serve until Death, Removal, or Retirement.
* *Magistrate:* A Magistrate, also called a lay judge or justice of the peace in other states, is a low level judicial officer who presides in a General District Court. They may hear cases that come before the General District Court and may issue warrants. They serve at the pleasure of the Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court and may be removed at any time for a lawful reason. Individuals may also be appointed as Magistrates for a specific time and purpose in which case would be referred to as a *Magistrate Pro Tempore*.

Officers of the Court

* *Attorney General of New Elizabeth (AG)*: The Attorney General is the Chief Legal Officer in the State of New Elizabeth and oversees all administrative operations of the Department of Justice. He/She acts as the State's chief attorney in all cases where it is a party to as well as levy state and federal charges against citizens and organizations in the state. He/She serves as the *Ex Officio* President of the State Board of Bar Examiners and is responsible for the screening and certification of all new attorneys. Additionally, they may hire, reassign, or remove District Attorneys under them. They serve at the pleasure of the Governor of New Elizabeth and may be removed at any time for a lawful reason.
* *Deputy Attorney General (DAG)*: The Deputy Attorney General is the principal assistant to the Attorney General. They may assume the role of Attorney General in their absence. The Deputy Attorney General may also be appointed to oversee any investigative activities that may fall under the Office of the Attorney General. They are appointed by the Attorney General and serve at his/her pleasure and may be removed at any time for a lawful reason.
* *Commissioner of Internal Affairs and Reporting*: The Commissioner of Internal Affairs and Reporting is licensed attorney who oversees IARC matters and investigations. While they will also lead and conduct investigations, their oversight of IARC will involve tasks such as the hiring of investigators and the assignment and supervision of cases. They are considered equal to a Deputy Attorney General, and shall have statutory powers to levy criminal investigations and complaints. They will be selected and appointed by the Attorney General.
* *District Attorney (DA):* A District Attorney is the Chief Prosecutor in a General District Court's jurisdiction. They act as the principal legal counsel to their local Sheriff's Office and supervise any ADAs under them. DAs may prosecute cases in other jurisdictions or the Circuit Court as needed, and may assist the Attorney General if requested. The are appointed by the Attorney General and serve at his/her pleasure.
* *Assistant District Attorney (ADA):* An Assistant District Attorney is a prosecutor working within the jurisdiction of a General District Court. They serve as State's attorney in most routine matters and are the first point of contact in criminal cases. They are often junior lawyers who would like to pursue careers as criminal prosecutors. They are nominated by their District Attorney and approved by the Attorney General, and serve at the pleasure of the AG.