Firan Rights
From FiranMUX
FIRAN RIGHTS
Life isn't fair, and this is especially so in Firan.
Freedom of speech is not a concept that is acknowledged on Firan, there
are no set ways that charges must be handled save that they must be filed
within two (RL) days. There are no set fines/punishments, and people are
usually assumed to be guilty until proven innocent. A noble will generally
be believed over a commoner and guards do not need a reason to arrest
people. However, it is considered poor form for a judge to deny a Firan
citizen the right to a lawyer. It also helps avoid riots if a writ of
warrant is obtained before an arrest, and some citizens, particularly the
Eagles, will resist arrest without one.
Clan leaders are like kings. And on their own soil, their word is
absolute. Each district is under the jurisdiction of the clan it belongs
to. A clan leader can make their own laws and what is law for one clan is
not necessarily law for the others. However, if a law is a
federal/republic law all clans are compelled to follow it. Each clan has
its subtle cultural differences. 'Ignorance of the law is no excuse' is a
true statement. On the other hand, it can be politically difficult or even
deadly to hold a citizen from another clan when their clan leader wants
them back.
To mouth off or insult a noble or clan leader means facing some serious
repercussions including death. It is Republic law (and therefore the law
of every clan) that a citizen needs permission from a leader or proxy to
make a public speech.
Different classes will be treated differently. In public, in jail, in
society. Cries of guard brutality are most likely to be ignored coming
from anyone but the highest of citizens, such as the nobles. However, it
is every Firan citizen's right to obtain a 'Writ of Abuse' which will
automatically suspend a guard or soldier or minister from duty until the
trial can be held.
Trials themselves come in many forms. A clan leader listening to both
sides of a story and making a judgment is considered a trial. They are
judge and jury. Or there could be a trial with a prosecutor, defender and
judge.
Of the clans, the one that is most concerned with rights is the Eagle
Clan. They remember a golden age of enlightenment when Clan Leader Darimon
allowed them certain rights. These have all but disappeared since the
Great War, and the current Clan Leader does not seem to acknowledge them,
but if there are citizens who are willing to believe that they have a
right to participation in government it will be the Eagles.
Citizens also believe they have a right to other things. Like a lack of
starvation. The conventional wisdom being followed--they revolt and riot
if too many outrages against it are performed. Commoners generally believe
they have a right to marry within their clan, anyone they want, and Clan
Leaders generally respect that, though occasionally force them to jump
through hoops. Citizens have the right to avail themselves of the writ
system and the machinery of legal redress.
