Trial by Divinity

History

At various points in the history of Dessend, individuals on trial have asserted divine justification for their crimes, claiming to be carrying out the wishes of their deity or to have already received divine pardon. To deal with these claims, societies instituted the trial by divinity as a means of testing them. During such trials, the truth of a defendant's claims would be evaluated through various religious rituals and ordeals.

Execution

If a defendant requests a trial by divinity, he must plead his case to his deity in an open forum in the presence of the clergy. The clergy will then observe the world around them to interpret signs from the deity in question, from which they will declare innocence or guilt. Depending on the location and severity of the crime of which they are accused, oracles or augurs may be used to contact the deity directly rather than passively waiting for a sign. A member of the local judiciary will be present to hear the deity's verdict and pass judgment. Similar to a trial by combat, once a defendant has called for a trial by deity, he is bound by the answer given by the clergy regardless of the facts presented.

Participants

Many townspeople may attend the trial, as they would any other. Those who must be present, however, are the accused, the accuser, the clergy, and a member of the judiciary.