Emerald Magistrate (Title)
The Emerald Magistrates are the enforcers of the Emperor's laws, answering only to the Emperor and the Emerald Champion. They have broad powers to achieve this goal, including the rights to recruit assistance, hold trials and mete out punishment, although their powers were only applicable in cases applicable to Imperial, not local law.
Appointment
Emerald Magistrates are generally appointed due to politics and as favors. The Emerald Magistrates were chosen by the Emperor himself, though the Emerald Champion had occasionally made recommendations for vacant posts. Traditionally Emerald Magistrates came only from the clans, but occasionally if a ronin had shown exceptional merit or if the Emperor desired to make a note of his displeasure to the clans, a ronin might be given an appointment to a Magistrate's position.
Duties
While the Emerald Magistrates are magistrates, they were specifically the enforcers of the Emperor's Law, as well as legal matters that could not be easily handled by a single clan's jurisdictions. Emerald Magistrates often deal with problems arising between clans. They also serve as observers for the Emperor, gathering information on the empire and meting out his justice when needed. Some are assigned as yojimbo to those in the Emperor's favor, also doubling as spies to those under his suspicion. One of the most important duties of the Emerald Magistrates is to protect the Emperor's roads and those travelling them.
If a criminal is known to be guilty, then a confession might be obtained by whatever means necessary
Type
Nobility, Military
Equates to
Judge and Investigator
Reports directly to
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Comments