Writ of Accountability
Purpose
The Writ of Accountability is a chance for a family leader to get their family in order, to prevent some embarrassment to the family, this often happens with very influential family members who are too important to risk a social stigma or legal action against them. That said it can happen to any family, it just becomes less worth the authorities' time as the influence of a family goes down.
The Writ requires the family leader to gain a confession from the family member in question and work out some sort of recompense, should they have stolen the stolen item must be returned and some form of labor contract negotiated as a penalty to the offender. The exact nature of the punishment is determined between the two families and is agreed upon in front of a magistrate who formally issues the punishment on a civil side rather than a legal entry.
Document Structure
Clauses
Heading
The heading involves the long legal references and wording that states that it is a valid Writ and the other necessary bits of 'legal-ese'.
Body
The body is where the name of the offender and whatever crime or offense they committed and against who is detailed.
Ending
Details the punishment to face the family and for how long or much the legal penalty will be, it does not say how long the social punishment will last.
Signarture
The signature and stamp of office of a dwarven magistrate.
Publication Status
There are records of all the Writs issued, but they are not for public viewing unless authorized by a dwarven magistrate.
Historical Details
Background
The Writ of Accountability was created by the dwarven legal system as a warning system for a family. It gives the head of the family a chance to get their house in order before a true ruling is given. As the surname is very important in dwarven society any damage to the reputation of a family name is long-lasting as the dwarves hold their grudges and beliefs for a long time.
Public Reaction
No one is ever happy to receive a Writ of Accountability, it means some member of their family has done something bad that will hurt the reputation of the family. The heads of the family will generally be thankful to have gotten the chance to act before the ruling is made and the family suffers as a result.
Legacy
Should a family leader not take action or be unable to do so the whole family is punished for whatever offense the family member did. They will have to pay reparations and possibly deal with jail time or even exile.
Type
Text, Legislative
Medium
Vellum / Skin
Location
Signatories (Organizations)
Comments