Zakofales
A Zakofales (master of laws) is a legal scholar in Qosid who plays a key role in case deliberation within Wood Law.
Qualifications
To become a Zakofales, one first must have extensively studied law and reasoning at the High Tree Crown in Thellur. After a passing rite, this bestows the title of Zakodalis (servant of laws). The Zakodalis can work at the Thallidien to prepare for, study and summarize old and new cases, in assistance to all the Zakofales.
Appointment
In due time, a Zakofales may decide to nominate a Zakodalis for promotion. If this happens, the knowledge and argumentative skills of the nominated Zakodalis are tested by the Gwyfales and four Zakofales, who present real cases and question the nominee. Once this test has been passed to the mutual satisfaction of those present, the Zakodalis is promoted to Zakofales and can join case deliberation under Wood Law.
Duties
Multiple Zakofales are present during case deliberation under Wood Law and sometimes Tree Law. Their role is to make sure all relevant facts of a case come forward, on the basis of their knowledge of earlier cases. When suggestions for reparation or reconciliation are offered, or when sanctions need to be considered, the Zakofales are expected to offer relevant wisdom. Morally speaking, a Zakofales is expected to clarify and promote reasoning and understanding.
Responsibilities
The day-to-day duties of Zakofales are to prepare for upcoming legal discussions by seeking out relevant cases and studying them, to organize the information related to particular cases and to moderate and promote reasoned discussion during assemblies. In support of the policy-making capacity of the Thallidien Assemblies, Zakofales also offer wisdom to Representatives of the Communes. It is important to note that they never join a vote or other decision-making phase, to emphasize their role as clarifiers.
Zakofales may also need to travel to the various Communes of Qosid to support deliberation under Tree Law, in the case that there has been an appeal to a communal decision.
Benefits
Each Zakofales is provided with office space at the Thallidien and with housing in Thellur. Both accomodations provide a personal chef and other support.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Zakofales are dressed in distinctive red and orange uniforms, similar to togas. Diagonal stretches of feathers line the uniforms, a testament to the origin of the role.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
It is not possible to remove the title of Zakofales.
History
The position Zakofales dates back to ancient times, when it was a position carried by priests of the High Tree Crown. In those days, the Zakofales was occupied with inferring law from the mythology of the Bird Gods. This law would then be disseminated among the Communes of Qosid, so that it could become Tree Law. Moreover, Zakofales were present during the tribunals of Elder Priests who oversaw religious disputes, such as the trial against Nesidyn the Bard in 1510 BLC.
In 1332 BLC, construction of the Thallidien was finished. The purpose of the Thallidien was to facilitate communication between the Communes and the Kingdom of Laeryll. As the topics of discussion often pertained to law, prominent Zakofales were invited to join the meetings and to share their theological and legal knowledge.
As time proceeded, the nature of the work of Zakofales changed. First, the advent of Waye meant that Bird God theology became less important as a ground for consideration of legality and justice. Secondly, the introduction of Representatives of the Communes brought about its own tradition of law. To maintain their role as a consulting participant in the assemblies, Zakofales started focusing on these new laws and gradually released themselves from the High Tree Crown.
Cultural Significance
Although the value of the expertise of each Zakofales is never in doubt, there is a broader cultural suspicion towards them. The stereotype of a silver-tongued, knowledgeable manipulator is prevalent in theatrical renditions of The Clearest Truth, jokes and attitudes towards actual Zakofales. Their exclusion from voting owes to this suspicion.
Type
Civic, Law
Form of Address
Learned Justice
Length of Term
For life
Reports directly to
Related Organizations
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