The Generic Laws of the As’hika Empire
The As’hika Empire, with its vast territories and diverse populations, established a comprehensive legal framework known as the Generic Laws. These laws ensured consistency, fairness, and justice across the empire, maintaining order and governance throughout its domains. The Generic Laws were influenced by ancient Armorican Kingdoms and Alodian Republics, with additional decrees from the emperor, ensuring a balance between centralized authority and local autonomy.
Introduction
The Generic Laws served as the foundational legal code of the As’hika Empire, applying uniformly to all provinces, duchies, and kingdoms under imperial rule. These laws covered various aspects of governance, criminal justice, civil rights, military obligations, trade, and commerce, ensuring that all subjects of the empire were governed by a consistent legal framework.
Structure of the Generic Laws
Section I: Governance and Administration
1. Imperial Authority
The emperor is the supreme ruler and holds ultimate authority over all matters of state.
The emperor appoints provincial governors, known as Dukes or Kings, who administer their respective regions.
Provincial governors must enforce the Generic Laws and send levies and taxes to the central government.
2. Provincial Autonomy
Provinces have semi-autonomous status, allowing them to manage local affairs as long as they adhere to the Generic Laws.
Provincial laws may exist but must not conflict with the Generic Laws.
Each province must maintain at least one Ascendency, a temple-like building dedicated to the Thrimutive Ascendency religion.
Section II: Criminal Law
1. Crimes and Punishments
High Treason: Any act against the emperor or the empire is punishable by death.
Murder: The unlawful killing of another person is punishable by death or life imprisonment.
Theft: Stealing property is punishable by fines, imprisonment, or forced labor, depending on the severity.
Assault: Physical attacks on others are punishable by fines, imprisonment, or corporal punishment.
Fraud: Deceptive practices to gain financial or personal benefits are punishable by fines and imprisonment.
2. Judicial Process
All accused individuals have the right to a fair trial.
Trials are conducted by provincial courts, with appeals allowed to the Supreme Imperial Court.
Judges are appointed by the emperor or provincial governors and must enforce the Generic Laws impartially.
Section III: Civil Rights and Liberties
1. Equality
All subjects of the empire are equal under the law, regardless of gender, race, or status.
Gender equality is strictly enforced, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all.
2. Property Rights
All citizens have the right to own and transfer property, with an emphasis on communal ownership for certain resources.
The state can only seize property for public use with fair compensation.
3. Freedom of Religion
The state religion is Thrimutive Ascendency. All subjects must adhere to the practices and rituals of this faith.
Any practice of other religions is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.
Section IV: Military Obligations
1. Levy and Conscription
All provinces must provide a certain number of troops to the imperial army.
Conscription laws require able-bodied citizens to serve in the military during times of war.
2. Military Conduct
Soldiers must adhere to a strict code of conduct, including respect for civilians and enemy combatants.
War crimes, including looting and harming non-combatants, are punishable by death or severe penalties.
Section V: Trade and Commerce
1. Trade Regulations
The empire regulates trade to ensure fair practices and prevent monopolies.
Trade between provinces is encouraged, with minimal tariffs to promote economic unity.
2. Guilds and Commerce
Guilds play a significant role in regulating trades and crafts, ensuring quality and fair prices.
Merchants and traders must adhere to guild regulations and contribute to communal wealth.
Section VI: Social Structure and Class Divide
1. Nobility and Commoners
The empire recognizes a clear class divide between nobility and commoners.
Nobles hold significant land and titles, often serving in administrative or military roles.
Commoners can own property and participate in trade but are subject to the authority of local lords.
2. Communal Responsibilities
Despite class divides, the empire promotes communal responsibilities, such as maintaining public works and supporting the less fortunate.
Taxes collected are used for communal projects, including roads, bridges, and public buildings.
Section VII: Public Welfare and Communal Property
1. Public Welfare
The empire ensures basic welfare for all citizens, including food, shelter, and healthcare.
Communal granaries and hospitals are established in every province to support those in need.
2. Communal Property
Certain resources, such as water, forests, and mines, are considered communal property.
The state manages these resources to ensure fair distribution and prevent exploitation.
Conclusion
The Generic Laws of the As’hika Empire represent a blend of centralized authority and local autonomy, ensuring consistency and fairness across the empire while respecting the diversity of its provinces. These laws maintained order, promoted justice, and supported communal welfare, contributing to the empire's stability and prosperity until the Act of Commonwealth in 650 AA.
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