Constitution of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate (2012)

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Constitution of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate

Kept and Written by:
HIM Taeglan I Nihilus
The Reylan Emperor
Imperial Triumvir
Prince of The Marimear
On behalf of the Electorate of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate

As Enacted: 28th June 2012

Preamble

Article I-

WE, the People of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate, in accordance with the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of Statehood 1933, declare and reaffirm the assertions made in article I of the previous Imperial Constitutions of 2005 and 2006, of our right to existence and independence as a sovereign state under the authority of the Imperial Government, without fear of the interference or otherwise intervention of any other external governing authority, except for where such provision is made within the Constitution, or by Imperial Decree, independent of recognition of other Sovereign States and Nations.

Article II-

RECOGNIZING our common allegiance to the state, government and people of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate, in a spirit of fidelity, freedom, justice and equality; and with intent to uphold the same ideals in commonality with regards to the rest of society both internal and external.

Article III-

ACKNOWLEDGING the presence of other States, Peoples and Nations; friendly, unfriendly and neutral and pledging to respect their integrity and rights to existence, within the bounds of reasonably expected personal and communal self- determination; and with intent to peacefully coexist with all others, except where this becomes impossible, and exception is made by way of Imperial Decree, independently or appeal of the Imperial Parliament or Council of Three.

Article IV-

ASSERTING the right of we, the People of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate to govern independently lands claimed and constituted under Imperial Decree or other governmental mechanism, by way of Our representatives, the Emperor and the elected Imperial Government.

Part I - Imperial Government

Article VI - The Office of the Emperor

  • i. The Office and Person of the Emperor shall be constituted as both Head of State and Head of Government of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate.
  • ii. The Office shall be held by a Monarch bearing the style of Emperor or Empress.
    • a. The full title of the Monarch shall be: His/Her Imperial Majesty the Reylan Emperor/Empress [Regnal Name], Prince of The Marimear, Imperial Triumvir, Sovereign of the Imperial Order of Reyla, the Order of the Moon and the Order of the Caduceus.
    • b. The full title of the Monarch shall be used on all official correspondence with the Office of the Emperor.
    • c. In personal and private correspondence, the Monarch may specify the title or style to be used.
  • iii. The powers of the Monarch shall be absolute, having authority over all aspects of Imperial Society and Law, however they shall be expected to govern in cooperation with the Imperial Parliament and the Council of Three.
  • iv. The Monarch shall have exclusive powers to issue the Imperial Executive Orders, with the exceptions of those pertaining to his removal from Office, which may be issued by a unanimous decision of the High Officers of State.
  • v. The Monarch shall have exclusive powers to issue Imperial Decrees.
  • vi. The Monarch may preside over any court case directly challenging the elected Imperial Government.
  • vii. All legislation must be signed into Imperial Law by the Monarch. Without the signature of the reigning Monarch at the time of the law’s passage, a law shall be held invalid.
  • viii. The Monarch shall be responsible for the keeping and maintenance of the Imperial Constitution.
  • ix. The Monarch shall serve as the chief representative of the Empire and her peoples in interactions internal and external and in other affairs of state.
  • x. An Advisory Council shall be established to advise the Monarch.
    • a. Advice shall be non-binding and may be ignored.
    • b. The Chairman of the Advisory Council shall bear the title and style of His/Her Lordship/Ladyship the Lord/Lady High Chancellor.
  • xi. The Office of the Emperor shall not be hereditary, but shall be partially elective. The Monarch shall nominate two heirs, to be approved by a referendum of the Imperial Electorate.
  • xii. It shall not be possible for a Monarch to abdicate. Instead it shall be possible for him to withdraw from public life, becoming a ‘Cloistered Emperor’, leaving the Empire in the hands of an Imperial Regency.
  • xiii. Upon the death of the Monarch, the Empire shall enter a period of mourning between the death of one Monarch and the accession of the next. During the Interregnum, no elections may be held, and the Council of Three shall assume the duties of the Monarch.
  • xiv.No new legislation shall be passed during the Interregnum.
  • xv. The Monarch shall not be crowned, but enthroned in a ceremony attended by as many Imperial Citizens as possible.
  • xvi.If the Monarch should die before heirs are elected, the Council of Three should organise an election to appoint the new Monarch.
  • xvii. The Monarch may propose legislation to the Imperial Parliament.
  • xviii. The Monarch shall upon their accession to the Imperial Mantle adopt a regnal name of the form: [Chosen Regnal Name] [Regnal Number (Of Chosen Regnal Name)] [Latinate Name].

Article VII - Imperial Regency

  • i. An Imperial Regency shall be entered into upon the withdrawal of the Monarch from public life.
  • ii. During an Imperial Regency, the duties of the Monarch shall be assumed by a Regent, appointed by the Monarch before his withdrawal, or if no specification is given be the Monarch, they shall be appointed by the Council of Three from the Electorate.
  • iii. The Regent shall not hold ministerial position, or that of Triumvir, but shall hold solely the role of Regent.
  • iv. The Regent shall conduct all duties of the Monarch, acting in their name, as well as their seat on the Council of Three.
  • v. The Monarch may emerge from withdrawal at any point, whereupon the Regent shall step down. Any attempt to retain power on the part of the Regent shall be deemed an act of treason.

Article VIII - The Council of Three

  • i. The Council of Three shall be one of the constituent branches of the Imperial Government, subordinate only to the Office of the Emperor.
  • ii. The Council shall be comprised of three Triumviri (two representatives of the branches of the Imperial Government and one citizen holding no other office, directly elected by the citizenry).
  • iii. The Imperial Triumvir shall be the Monarch of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate.
  • iv. The Parliamentary Triumvir shall be the First Minister of the Reylan Imperial Parliament, or another minister nominated by the First Minister. The nominated holder shall hold the office of Parliamentary Triumvir for a complete term.
  • v. The Citizens’ Triumvir shall be a directly elected citizen representative, holding no other office.
  • vi. The term of the Parliamentary Triumvir and the Citizens’ Triumvir shall be one year.
  • vii. The Triumviri shall bear the style His/Her Excellency.
  • viii. All legislation shall be passed by the Council of Three, and signed off by the Parliamentary Triumvir, or the Citizens’ Triumvir, on behalf of the Council, before being sent to the Office of the Emperor for final assent.
  • ix. Meetings of the Council of Three shall be held regularly.
  • x. Meetings of the Council shall usually be quorate only with all three Triumviri present, unless an exception has been made prior to the meeting.
  • xi. Decisions of the Council may be overridden only by the Monarch in extraordinary circumstances.
  • xii. The Council of Three may propose legislation to the Imperial Parliament.
  • xiii. Meetings of the Council of Three may be attended by Citizens.
    • a. Exceptions may be made to this by means of a Council Decision.
    • b. Citizens may only speak in Council meetings with the sponsorship of one of the Triumviri, if the Council is in agreement. The sponsoring Triumvir shall be held responsible for the citizen’s actions and words for the duration of the council meeting.
  • xiv. The Triumviri shall elect from their number a Convenor, to arrange meetings of the Council.

Article IX - The Imperial Parliament

  • i. The Imperial Parliament shall be a directly elected body lead by the First Minister and formally appointed by the Monarch.
  • ii. Officers of the Imperial Parliament shall be elected to their offices as Minister.
  • iii. The Imperial Parliament shall be comprised of several Ministries and Sub-Ministries:
    • a. The Ministry of Internal Affairs under which shall be several sub-ministries:
      • 1. Ministry of Justice
      • 2. Ministry of Finance
      • 3. Ministry of Science, Health and Environmental Affairs
      • 4. Ministry of Culture, Sport and Leisure
      • 5. Ministry of Communication
      • 6. Ministry of Development
    • b. The Ministry of External Affairs under which shall also be the following departments:
      • 1. Imperial Diplomatic Service
  • iv. Additional mandates shall be given upon the election of the Imperial Parliament on a by-term basis.
  • v. The Minister of Internal Affairs shall also hold the title First Minister of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate.
  • vi. The Minister of External Affairs shall also hold the office of Chief Commissioner of the Imperial Diplomatic Service.
  • vii. Ministers of the Imperial Parliament may propose legislation.
  • viii. Meetings of the Imperial Parliament shall be held publically.
  • ix. The First Minister shall act as Convenor of the Imperial Parliament.
  • x. Meetings shall be held to be quorate with 50% of the Parliament in attendance. Apologies shall be made in advance to the Convenor.
  • xi. Ministers shall act as the Spokesperson for their Department.
  • xii. Ministers shall take responsibility for the actions of officers within their departments.
  • xiii. Ministers of the Imperial Parliament shall bear the style The Right Honourable.
  • xiv. The Monarch may refuse to appoint Ministers to their offices following their election, resulting in an immediate enquiry into the decision.

Article X - Imperial Procurator of Justice

  • i. The Imperial Procurator of Justice shall serve as head of the Imperial Courts of Justice and chief prosecutor of the state and government.
  • ii. The office of Imperial Procurator of Justice shall be held independently of any other government role.
  • iii. The Imperial Procurator of Justice is responsible for the upholding of individual rights against decisions of the Imperial Government.
  • iv. The Imperial Procurator of Justice shall be appointed by the Monarch at their discretion.

Article XI - The High Officers of State

  • i. The High Officers of State shall comprise of the holders of major offices within the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate:
    • a. The Monarch (Imperial Triumvir)
    • b. The First Minister (Parliamentary Triumvir)
    • c. The Citizens’ Triumvir
    • d. The Imperial Procurator of Justice
    • e. The Lord High Chancellor

Part II - Legislation

Article X - Legislation Types

  • i. The Imperial Constitution shall be the highest level of legislation within the Empire. No legislation may contradict constitutional rights.
  • ii. Imperial Decrees may be issued solely by the Monarch.
  • iii. Council Decisions shall be issued by a unanimous vote of the Council of Three.
  • iv. Acts of Parliament shall be issued by the Imperial Parliament under the standard legislative procedure.
  • v. Petitions from the Imperial electorate shall in certain circumstances have legislative powers.
  • vi. All legislation shall be recorded and entered into the Imperial Archives.

Article XI - The Imperial Constitution

  • i. The Imperial Constitution may be amended either by a unanimous vote of the Imperial Parliament and Council of Three, by a referendum of the Imperial citizenry, or by Imperial Decree.
  • ii. Additions may be made to the Imperial Constitution by the same methods.
  • iii. All legislation must be made in accordance with the Imperial Constitution.
  • iv. If legislation is believed to be in conflict with the Imperial Constitution, a notice of incompatibility should be issued, and the legislation suspended pending review.
  • v. The rights laid out in the Imperial Constitution shall be held as the fundamental rights of the citizens.

Article XII - Imperial Decrees

  • i. Imperial Decrees shall be passed solely by the Monarch.
  • ii. Imperial Decrees shall serve as the primary instrument of the Monarch’s will.
  • iii. Imperial Decrees shall have the same force in Imperial Law as an Act of Parliament or a Council Decision.
  • iv. Imperial Decrees may be used in exceptional circumstances to amend or add to the Imperial Constitution.
  • v. Imperial Decrees may be challenged by a unanimous vote of the Imperial Parliament, with the support of the Citizens’ Triumvir.
  • vi. Imperial Decrees must always bear the signature of the Monarch, even during an Imperial Regency.
  • vii. A Decree deemed to be contradictory to the Imperial Constitution shall be suspended, pending investigation.

Article XIII - Council Decisions

  • i. Council Decisions shall be passed with the unanimous support of the Triumviri.
  • ii. Council Decisions shall have the same force in Imperial Law as an Act of Parliament or Imperial Decree.
  • iii. Council Decisions must bear the signatures of all Triumviri.
  • iv. Council Decisions may be challenged by a unanimous vote of the Imperial Parliament.
  • v. Council Decisions may be proposed by any of the Triumviri, or a sponsored attendee of a Council meeting.
  • vi. A Decision deemed to be contradictory to the Imperial Constitution shall be suspended, pending investigation.

Article XIV - Acts of Parliament

  • i. Acts of Parliament shall be passed by a majority vote of the Imperial Parliament.
  • ii. If Parliament is laterally divided by supporters and non-supporters of an act, the act shall be passed to the Council of Three for further consideration, before being returned to the Parliament for resubmission under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.
  • iii. An Act deemed to be contradictory to the Imperial Constitution shall be suspended, pending investigation.
  • iv. Acts of Parliament shall be passed under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure or the Extraordinary Legislative Procedure.
  • v. An Act of Parliament must bear the signature of the First Minister before being passed to the Council of Three.
  • vi. An Act of Parliament shall have the same force in Imperial Law as a Council Decision or an Imperial Decree.
  • vii. An Act of Parliament may be proposed by any Minister of the Imperial Parliament.

Article XV - Petitions of the Imperial Electorate

  • i. A Petition of the Imperial Electorate bearing the signatures of 25% of the Imperial electorate shall be submitted for consideration before the Imperial Parliament.
    • a. The originator of the Petition, or a designated representative thereof shall partake in the parliamentary debate.
  • ii. A Petition of the Imperial Electorate bearing the signatures of 50% of the Imperial electorate shall proceed to the Imperial Parliament as an Act of Parliament, providing it is sufficiently precise.
    • a. A Petition of the Imperial Electorate bearing the signatures of 50% of the Imperial electorate which is not deemed sufficiently precise shall be submitted for consideration before the Imperial Parliament (per Article

XV s. i).

    • b. The originator of the Petition, or a designated representative thereof shall partake in the parliamentary debate, including voting on the adoption of the Petition.
  • iii. A Petition of the Imperial Electorate bearing the signatures of 75% of the Imperial electorate shall have the same legal force as an Act of Parliament, providing it is sufficiently precise and written to similar standards as an Act, and following the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.
    • a. A Petition of the Imperial Electorate bearing the signatures of 75% of the Imperial electorate which is not deemed sufficiently precise and to standards shall proceed to the Imperial Parliament as an Act of Parliament (per Article XV s. ii).
    • b. The originator of the Petition, or a designated representative thereof shall partake in the parliamentary debate, including voting on the adoption of the Petition.
    • c. A Petition passed under the criteria stated above shall be recorded as a Petition of the Imperial Electorate, rather than as an Act of Parliament.

Article XVI - Ordinary Legislative Procedure

  • i. The Ordinary Legislative Procedure shall be used to pass Acts of the Imperial Parliament and Petitions of the Imperial Electorate (per Article XV s. iii).
  • ii. Once passed by the Imperial Parliament (per Article XIV) or the Imperial Electorate (per Article XV), a Petition or Act of Parliament shall be passed to the Council of Three for consideration.
    • a. A simple majority vote of the Council shall be used to approve the legislation for the next stage of the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.
    • b. If an Act or Petition is rejected, the dissenting Councillors should make comments on the proposed legislation, and return the proposal to the Imperial Parliament or Electorate for further consideration and resubmission.
    • c. A dissenting Councillor may record an opinion on the legislation, even if it is passed by the Council, an opinion which should be attached to the legislation.
    • d. To proceed for final assent, the proposed legislation must bear the signatures of all supporting Councillors.
  • iii. Once passed by the Imperial Parliament or Electorate and the Council of Three, the proposed legislation shall be passed to the Monarch for their signature.
    • a. Even when the Monarch supported the legislation in Council, a separate signature will be required.
    • b. No legislation passed under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure shall be valid without the signature of the Monarch.
  • iv. Certain legislative changes shall require total unanimity under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.

Article XVII - Extraordinary Legislative Procedure

  • i. The Extraordinary Legislative Procedure shall be used in exceptional circumstances to pass Acts of the Imperial Parliament, bypassing the Council of Three.
  • ii. Once passed by a unanimous vote of the Imperial Parliament under the Extraordinary Legislative Procedure, legislation shall be sent straight to the Office of the Emperor for assent.
  • iii. The Extraordinary Legislative Procedure is not to be used as a regular legislative process.
  • iv. Legislation passed under the Extraordinary Legislative Procedure may be challenged by a majority vote of the Council of Three.
    • a. A challenge by the Council of Three may be made prior to, or following the passage of an Act under the Extraordinary Legislative Procedure.
    • b. Legislation passed under the Extraordinary Legislative Procedure and subsequently challenged by the Council of Three shall be submitted to the Imperial electorate for a binding referendum on the Act in question.
  • v. Legislation passed under the Extraordinary Legislative Procedure shall be marked as being passed under the Extraordinary Legislative Procedure.
  • vi. Assent for an Act passed under the Extraordinary Legislative Procedure may be withheld.

Part III - Symbols of the State

Article XVIII - State Flag

  • i. The Flag of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate shall be of the ratio 3:5.
  • ii. The Flag shall consist of a field of ‘state green’ defaced by a field of white on the left side with central black bar.
  • iii. The white field shall cover one-quarter of the whole flag.
  • iv. The flag may be displayed on any authorised building or location.

Article XIX - State Seal

  • i. The State Seal of the Empire shall consist of a roundel in ‘state green’, defaced by a roundel in white, upon which is superimposed a solid roundel in black, and the Imperial State Motto.
  • ii. The State Seal shall be used on all official documentation.
  • iii. The State Seal shall represent the authority of the Imperial Government.

Article XX - State Motto

  • i. The Reylan Imperial Triumvirate shall adopt as its official state motto Liberty, Justice and Equality.
  • ii. The Reylan Imperial Triumvirate shall also use the phrase A New State, for a New World as a secondary motto.

Article XXI - Other State Symbols

  • i. Other State symbols may be designated by the Imperial Government.
  • ii. Use of all State symbols shall be governed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Part IV - Provincial Divisions

Article XXII - Provinces

  • i. Provinces shall be the largest and core of the Imperial Territories.
  • ii. Provinces shall be incorporated only by Imperial Decree.
  • iii. Provinces shall be administered by a Governor appointed by the Imperial Government.
    • a. The Governor of a Province shall be approved under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.
    • b. Initial nomination of a Governor shall be performed in a manner appropriate to the Province in question.
    • c. Governors shall have rights to appoint their administration team, subject to the approval of the Council of Three.
    • d. Governors may issue provincial level legislation, providing that it is not deemed to be against Imperial central legislation.
    • e. Governors may be removed by petition to the central Imperial Government.
  • iv. Provinces shall return three representatives each to the Committee of Representatives.
  • v. All central Imperial legislation shall apply to Provinces, unless an exception has been granted upon request from the provincial government to the Imperial Government.

Article XXIII - Districts

  • i. Districts shall be associated with one Imperial Province.
  • ii. Districts may be incorporated by Imperial Decree, Council Decision or Act of Parliament.
  • iii. Districts shall be administered by an Administrator appointed by the Imperial Government.
    • a. The Administrator of a District shall be approved under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.
    • b. Initial nomination of an Administrator shall be performed in a manner appropriate to the District in question, with the approval of the central Imperial Government.
    • c. Administrators shall have rights to appoint their administration team, subject to the approval of the Council of Three.
    • d. Administrators may issue district level legislation, providing that it is not deemed to be against Imperial central legislation.
    • e. Administrators may be removed by petition to the central Imperial Government.
  • iv. Districts shall return two representatives each to the Committee of Representatives.
  • v. All central Imperial legislation shall apply to Districts, unless an exception has been granted by the Imperial Government to the local supervising Provincial Governor.
  • vi. Districts may become Provinces by application to the central Imperial Government.

Article XXIV - Communities

  • i. Communities shall be associated with one Imperial District.
  • ii. Communities may be incorporated by Imperial Decree, Council Decision or Act of Parliament.
  • iii. Communities shall be administered by a Co-ordinator appointed by the Imperial Government.
    • a. Initial nomination of an Co-ordinator shall be performed by the Community in question by direct vote.
    • b. Co-ordinators shall (if necessary) have rights to appoint their administration team, subject to the approval of the Committee of Representatives.
    • c. Co-ordinators shall serve as the spokespeople of their Communities.
    • d. Co-ordinators may be removed by petition to the associated Provincial Governor.
  • iv. Communities shall return one representative each to the Committee of Representatives.
  • v. All central Imperial legislation shall apply to Communities, subject to exceptions granted to District Administrators and Provincial Governors.
  • vi. Communities may become Districts by application to the central Imperial Government.

Article XXV - Special Administrative Areas

  • i. Special Administrative Areas may be established solely by Imperial Decree.
  • ii. Powers granted to Special Administrative Areas shall be laid down in their charters of foundation.
  • iii. Governance of Special Administrative Areas shall be laid down in their charters of foundation.
  • iv. Government areas may be constituted as Special Administrative Areas.

Article XXVI - Self-Governing Imperial Territories

  • i. Self-Governing Imperial Territories shall be those territories granted rights of independent governance.
    • ii. Self-Governing Imperial Territories shall be subject only to the authority of the Monarch and the Council of Three.
  • iii. Self-Governing Imperial Territories shall be established solely by Imperial Decree.
  • iv. Self-Governing Imperial Territories may have their authority returned to the central Imperial Government by Imperial Decree.

Article XXVII - Imperial Protectorates

  • i. Imperial Protectorates shall be independent states under the nominal protection and supervision of the Imperial Government.
  • ii. Imperial Protectorates shall have full sovereignty.
  • iii. Imperial Protectorates may delegate government functions to the Imperial Government with no loss of sovereignty.
  • iv. Imperial Protectorates may revoke their protectorate status at any time by referendum of their populace.
  • v. Imperial Protectorates shall be established under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.

Article XXVIII - Imperial Protected Zones

  • i. Imperial Protected Zones shall be those which are not under Imperial sovereignty, but are considered as protected by the Triumvirate.
  • ii. Imperial Protected Zones shall be established by Council Decisions or by Imperial Decree.
  • iii. Imperial Protected Zones shall be considered to be under the direct protection of the Imperial Government.
  • iv. Crimes committed in Imperial Protected Zones shall be tried under Imperial Law, in absentia if necessary.
  • v. Crimes committed which are deemed to be crimes against humanity shall be deemed acts of treason, in addition to the original offence.

Article XXIX - Committee of Representatives

  • i. The Committee of Representatives shall be established as a forum for Imperial Regions to debate amongst themselves.
  • ii. Representatives shall be sent from Provinces, Districts and Communities, as set out in relevant sections of the Imperial Constitution.
  • iii. The Committee shall have persuasive powers only.
  • iv. The Committee shall work under the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Article XXX- Associated States

  • i. Other states may request status as ‘Associate States’.
  • ii. Requests should be issued to the Ministry of External Affairs.
  • iii. Associated States retain full sovereignty and independence from the Imperial Government.
  • iv. Associated States can expect advice and guidance in any capacity from the Imperial Government.
  • v. Associated States have special rights with regard to the Imperial Government.

Part V - Enforcement of Imperial Law

Article XXXI - Executing Authorities

  • i. Enforcement of Imperial Law shall primarily be executed by the branch of the Imperial Intelligence Network known as the Judicial Peacekeepers.
  • ii. Ministerial Departments may establish their own enforcement authorities for matters under their remits by means of an unanimous vote under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.
  • iii. All citizens of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate shall have authorisation to arrest and detain those that they reasonably suspect of having committed or planned to commit in the future offences against Imperial Law.
  • iv. Prosecutions for crimes against Imperial Law shall be brought by the Ministry of Justice on behalf of the Imperial Government and People.

Article XXXII - Arrest and Detention

  • i. Arrests must be made in the name of the Imperial Government.
  • ii. No Imperial Citizen shall be subject to arrest or detention without being made aware of the reasons for the action.
  • iii. Upon arrest an Imperial Citizen should be presented at the earliest possible opportunity to an Imperial Court for trial.
  • iv. Detention shall be undertaken by Agents of the Judicial Peacekeepers in any place designated as an Imperial Territory.
  • v. If no Imperial Territory is available, then the Detainee should be held by Agents under constant guard.
  • vi. No Detainee shall be held for more than three days without trial.

Article XXXIII - Imperial Courts of Justice

  • i. Trials under Imperial law shall be held in the designated Imperial Courts of Justice.
  • ii. The Imperial Courts of Justice shall have authority over the judging of trials of all crimes and civil matters under Imperial Law.
  • iii. The Imperial Courts of Justice shall collectively be headed by the Imperial Procurator of Justice.
  • iv. The Imperial Courts of Justice shall be organised in a hierarchy in the following order:
    • a. The Office of the Emperor
    • b. The Council of Three
    • c. The Imperial High Court shall have capacity to Judge on all matters, and shall be the body to which challenges to Imperial Legislation are referred.
    • d. The Imperial Tribunal shall be the second court in the hierarchy.
    • e. The Imperial Magistracy shall be the Court of First Instance within the Empire.
  • v. Appeals against decisions of courts may be made by submission to the court one higher up in the hierarchy.
  • vi. All crimes under Imperial Law shall be designated as either class 1 (crimes against life) or class 2 (crimes against property). Class 1 crimes shall only be tried by the Imperial Tribunal or the Higher Courts.
  • vii. All direct breaches of constitutional rights shall be designated as class 1 offences.
  • viii. There is no automatic right of appeal within the Imperial Courts of Justice.

Article XXXIV - The Office of the Emperor

  • i. The Office of the Emperor shall be the highest court in the Empire.
  • ii. The Monarch shall sit in sole judgement of cases brought before the Office.
  • iii. Cases may only come before the Monarch when appeals have been made and rejected by all other subordinate Imperial Courts.
  • iv. Decisions of the Office of the Emperor as the highest court shall be final.

Article XXXV - The Council of Three

  • i. The Council of Three shall be the second court in the hierarchy of the Imperial Courts of Justice.
  • ii. All three triumviri shall sit in judgement upon cases brought before the Council.
  • iii. Cases may only come before the Council when appeals have been made and rejected by all other subordinate Imperial Courts.
  • iv. Decisions of the Council of Three may be appealed by application to the Office of the Emperor.

Article XXXVI - The Imperial High Court

  • i. The Imperial High Court shall be the third highest court in the hierarchy of the Imperial Courts of Justice.
  • ii. The Imperial High Court shall be comprised of a panel of Judges randomly selected by the Imperial Procurator of Justice.
    • a. In cases challenging Imperial Legislation, five Judges shall sit on the trying panel, with a spokesperson elected from their number.
    • b. In cases dealing with Class 1 transgressions of Imperial Law, three Judges shall sit on the panel, with a spokesperson elected from their number.
    • c. In cases dealing with Class 2 transgressions of Imperial Law, one Judge shall sit.
  • iii. Cases may only come before the Imperial High Court when appeals have been made and rejected by all other subordinate Imperial Courts.
  • iv. Decisions of the Imperial High Court may be appealed by application to the Council of Three.
  • v. Legislation challenged by any Imperial body or Citizen shall be considered in the High Court.
    • a. A decision of the High Court on an issue of Imperial Legislation may be appealed by application to the Office of the Emperor.
    • b. A decision of the High Court shall not in and of itself automatically change legislation.
    • c. The High Court shall be responsible for the suspension and investigation of legislation believed to be contradictory to the Imperial Constitution.
  • vi. Judges of the Imperial High Court shall not hold any other position and shall act independently of any personal beliefs.
  • vii. Judges of the Imperial High Court may not be dismissed based on personal or political considerations.
  • viii. Judges of the Imperial High Court shall hold the title Lord Justice.

Article XXXVII - The Imperial Tribunal

  • i. The Imperial Tribunal shall be the fourth highest court in the hierarchy of the Imperial Courts of Justice.
  • ii. The Imperial Tribunal shall be comprised of a panel of Judges randomly selected by the Imperial Procurator of Justice.
    • a. In cases dealing with Class 1 transgressions of Imperial Law, three Judges shall sit on the panel, with a spokesperson elected from their

number.

    • b. In cases dealing with Class 2 transgressions of Imperial Law, one Judge shall sit.
  • iii. Cases may only come before the Imperial Tribunal when judgement has been passed by the Imperial Magistracy or cases have been referred by the Imperial Magistracy.
  • iv. Decisions of the Imperial Tribunal may be appealed by application to the Imperial High Court.
  • v. Judges of the Imperial Tribunal shall not hold any other position and shall act independently of any personal beliefs.
  • vi. Judges of the Imperial Tribunal may not be dismissed based on personal or political considerations.
  • vii. Judges of the Imperial Tribunal shall hold the title of Imperial Tribune.

Article XVIII - The Imperial Magistracy

  • i. The Imperial Magistracy shall be the court of first instance within the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate.
  • ii. Cases before the Imperial Magistracy shall be tried by one judge.
  • iii. Decisions of the Imperial Magistracy may be appealed by application to the Imperial Tribunal.
  • iv. Judges of the Imperial Magistracy shall hold the title Magistrate.
  • v. Judges of the Imperial Magistracy shall act independently of any personal beliefs.
  • vi. Judges of the Imperial Magistracy may not be dismissed based on personal or political considerations.

Part VI - Fundamental Rights of the Citizen

Article XXXIX - Right to Life

  • i. All citizens or persons under the protection of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate shall have the right to life.
  • ii. No citizen shall be deprived of life by the state, or by any individual legal body or person unless exception is provided by Imperial Law.
  • iii. The Right to Life shall not necessarily also constitute a Right to Death.

Article XL - Right to Liberty and Freedom

  • i. No Imperial citizen or person under the protection of the Imperial Government shall be deprived of liberty except in the following circumstances:
    • a. Where an individual or group has been convicted for offences by a competent Imperial Court;
    • b. Where the detention of an individual or group is required to bring them before an Imperial Court to answer for alleged offences;
    • c. Where the detention of an individual or group is required to ensure compliance with legal orders of an Imperial Court or the Imperial Government;
    • d. Where the detention of an individual or group is required because of a reasonable expectation that they have, or intend to commit crimes against Imperial Law.
  • ii. Detained persons shall be informed promptly in a language which they understand of the reasons for their detention.
  • iii. No person shall be held for any length of time longer than that which is necessitated by Imperial Law.
  • iv. Those who are detained shall have rights to challenge the legitimacy of their detention in an Imperial Court.
  • v. Those who are deemed to have been detained in contravention of this article shall be entitled to compensation.

Article XLI - Right to Freedom from Slavery

  • i. No Imperial citizen or person under the protection of the Imperial Government shall be held in slavery or involuntary servitude for any period of time.
  • ii. No Imperial citizen or person under the protection of the Imperial Government shall be required to perform forced or compulsory labour against their will except in the following circumstances:
    • a. Where such labour is a requirement of a legitimate punishment under Imperial Law;
    • b. Where such labour is a part of the normal obligations of a citizen of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate;
  • c. Where such labour is required in times of disaster or crisis for the purposes of saving lives or protecting other fundamental rights.
  • iii. No Imperial citizen or person under the protection of the Imperial Government shall be made to feel obliged to perform labour in any manner, within the above stated exceptions.

Article XLII - Freedom from Torture

  • i. No Imperial citizen or person under the protection of the Imperial Government shall be subject to torture under any circumstance.
  • ii. No Imperial citizen or person under the protection of the Imperial Government shall be subject to degrading treatment under any circumstance.

Article XLIII - Right to a Fair Trial

  • i. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government shall, in the event of charges been brought against the individual or group concerned receive a fair trial in an Imperial Court.
  • ii. All individuals or groups charged with offences shall be considered innocent until proven guilty.
  • iii. All trials of Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government shall be held publicly, except in circumstances where:
    • a. To hold a trial publicly would infringe upon the rights of those involved;
    • b. To hold a trial publicly would call into question the independence or neutrality of the Judges concerned.To hold a trial publicly would compromise national security
    • d. Juveniles are involved in the case;
    • e. Other provision is made by Imperial Law.
  • iv. All accused individuals shall have an absolute right to defend themselves in a Court of Law.

Article XLIV - Right to Privacy and Family Life

  • i. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government shall have the right to have their private and family life respected by all individuals and groups.
  • ii. There shall be no interference in the private and family life by any public or private individual or body except where:
    • a. Provision is made by Imperial Law;
    • b. Such a breach is necessary for the protection of national security, individual rights, public morals, the economy or the prevention of disorder and crime.

Article XLV - Right to Freedom of Thought and Conscience

  • i. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government shall have the right to freedom of thought and conscience.
  • ii. There shall be no interference in this right by any public or private individual or body except where:
    • a. Provision is made by Imperial Law;
    • b. Such a breach is necessary for the protection of national security, individual rights, public morals, the economy or the prevention of disorder and crime.

Article XLVI - Right to Freedom of Religion

  • i. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government shall have the right to freedom of belief and practice of religion.
  • ii. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government shall have freedom to practice, teach, observe and worship their religion of choice.
  • iii. The freedom of religion shall extend to public bodies founded for the purposes of religion.
  • iv. There shall be no interference in the right to freedom of religion by any public or private individual or body except where:
    • a. Provision is made by Imperial Law;
    • b. Such a breach is necessary for the protection of national security, individual rights, public morals, the economy or the prevention of disorder and crime.

Article XLVII - Right to Freedom of Assembly and Association

  • i. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government shall have the right to freely assemble and associate with any person or body that they so wish.
  • ii. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government shall have the right to form groups for the protection of their rights.
  • iii. There shall be no interference in the right to assemble and associate by any public or private individual or body except where:
    • a. Provision is made by Imperial Law;
    • b. Such a breach is necessary for the protection of national security, individual rights, public morals, the economy or the prevention of disorder and crime.

Article XLVIII - Right to Freedom of Expression

  • i. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government shall have the right to freely express their views.
  • ii. The right shall extend to the right to hold and promulgate views publicly without fear of interference and frontiers.
  • iii. This right shall not interfere with the right of the Imperial Government to license broadcasting agencies.
  • iv. There shall be no interference in the freedom of expression by any public or private individual or body except where:
    • a. Provision is made by Imperial Law;
    • b. Such a breach is necessary for the protection of national security, individual rights, public morals, the economy or the prevention of disorder and crime.
    • c. Matters concerned are deemed to breach the fundamental responsibilities of broadcasting agencies.

Article XLIX - Right to Education

  • i. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government of marriageable shall have the right to marry the individual of their choice. [sic]
  • ii. There shall be no interference in the right to education by any public or private individual or body.

Article L - Right to Marry

  • iii. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government of marriageable age shall have the right to marry the individual of their choice.
  • iv. There shall be no interference in the right to marry by any public or private individual or body except where:
    • a. Provision is made by Imperial Law;
    • b. Exercise of this right is deemed to be in contravention of the rights of another individual.

Article LI - Right to Freedom from Discrimination

  • i. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government shall have the right to exist free from discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, sexuality, religion, colour, life choice, or any other

grounds.

  • ii. There shall be no interference in the right to freedom of discrimination by any public or private individual or body.

Article LII - Right to an Effective Remedy

  • i. All Imperial citizens or persons under the protection of the Imperial Government whose constitutional rights are violated or otherwise breached shall have the right to an effective remedy.

Article LIII - Exceptions in Times of Emergency

  • i. Constitutional rights may be derogated by the Imperial Government in times of emergency or crisis threatening the life of the nation.
  • ii. No constitutional rights shall be derogated without reasons being given by the Imperial Government for the suspension of the rights in question.

Article LIV - Protection from Abuse of Rights

  • i. No constitutional right shall be seen to protect the right of an individual or body to abuse the rights of another.

Article LV - Restrictions on the Political Activities of Foreign Nationals

  • i. No constitutional right shall prohibit regulation by the Imperial Government of the political activities of foreign nationals residing within or without the Empire.

Part VII - Finance

Article LVI - Taxation

  • i. Matters of taxation shall be governed by the Ministry of Finance.
  • ii. No taxation or levy imposed shall be unreasonable.
  • iii. Taxation shall be of a level appropriate to the income of individual citizens.
  • iv. No taxation shall be levied without reason.
  • v. Taxation may be levied against all citizens, businesses and organisations operating within the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate.

Article LVII - Other Sources of Revenue

  • i. State owned businesses and operations may provide additional sources of income for the Imperial Government.
  • ii. The Imperial Government shall accept donations made by individuals or groups in support of the Reylan Imperial Triumvirate.
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