From Arrest to Trial

From FiranMUX

FROM ARREST TO TRIAL

Typically a criminal will only be arrested if seen committing or already accused of a crime. It is the responsibility of the guard to determine whether an accusation has merit and further the investigating guards responsibility to ensure that either the prosecuting lawyer, or the judge has that information at any eventual trial. Once arrested the guard will escort the criminal to the palace jail where they will await their case. Bail is determined according to the seriousness of the case and in some incidents (typically cases of treason) Is deliberately set to such a high figure as to prevent any being capable of paying. Should bail be paid it is the responsibility of the payee to insure the accused attends the trial. If they fail to do so some judges have been known to levy stiff fines on top of the forfeit moneys.

Each case will be assigned to a judge who can dismiss it if at any point he or she does not feel the accusations are warranted, typically however this is not done until the trial. The judge may or may not assign a defense counsel for the accused. They have leeway to do so but if not it is the responsibility of the defendant to find a lawyer or represent themselves. Once trial has been set those involved should attend, again judges have been known to fine non attendees. At the trial the procedure and form of the trial is entirely down to the judge of the day. He or she may for example allow only the counsel to speak, calling no witnesses or proof other than their testimonies. This often makes trials an interesting event for onlookers who watch gleefully the peculiarities of each judge.

The Clan Council instituted a new policy in 32 A.U. Guards who successfully bring a criminal to trial will receive a monetary bonus of 10,000 stenis in case of an acquittal and 50,000 stenis in case of a conviction.