The Crimson Judge

The Crimson Judge is a figurehead for the Crimson Dominion, passing judgement of planets and civilisations to decide whether they are suitable to join the dominion or not.

Qualifications

The role of the Crimson Judge is hereditary, passed down through generations of a specific Ahuran family, with prospective heirs being rigorously trained to assume the position upon retirement or demise of their predecessors. Education includes: Intergalactic politics and history, ethics, law, cultural anthropology and advanced sentient psychology. Completing this education can take decades. Prospective heirs will also sometimes join the current judge while on duty to witness how the process is done. The judge will usually appoint who will be next in line after spending time with them, to see who they believe will be most suitable for the job.

Duties & Process

When a species or planet falls under the scrutiny of the Crimson Dominion, a lengthy and detailed process ensues. A comprehensive investigation into the subject's society, history, culture and ethical framework is brought into question.
When the Judge has received enough information and feedback that they deem to be enough, as well as results of the vote, they will make the final judgement and mark the planet depending on their findings. This can range from an invitation to join the dominion, being left to be revisited for further investigation, to annihilation of a specific species and/or all life on said planet.

Criticism

Despite the comprehensive research and long timeframe the process takes, it can be challenging to almost impossible for the Judge to fully comprehend all the complexities and nuances that may exist within a species' civilisation. In addition to this, since the Judge is looking over multiple subjects at once, it can be difficult to put all attention fully on one case. This can lead with the final result being seen as overly harsh or unjustifiable in the eyes of other intergalactic organisations and the affected species in question.