Laezocian Law

Legal Procedures

Criminal disputes are typically adjudicated by the local lord and his family, and in some larger cities, representatives appointed by the lord. Civil disputes are typically adjudicated by representatives of the local lord, although in some small towns, the local lord and his family might adjudicate them.

Law Enforcement

Unlike many other countries, Laezocia's law enforcement is separate from their military. Laezocian guards wear gambeson, mail, and leather boots. They carry falcatas and bucklers.

Slavery

Slavery in the Kingdom of Laezocia is illegal.

Speech and Criticism of Government

Criticizing the government is technically legal in Laezocia, but in some places the guards will harass people who do. Promotion of illegal Alchemy or Magic is illegal, and usually punished by a fine and/or imprisonment.

Theft

Theft is illegal in Laezocia. There are a few different types of theft:

• Petty theft is theft of very low-value objects, things like a loaf of bread, cheap jewelry, small amounts of money, etc. The punishment for petty theft is typically a fine.
• Grand theft is the theft of very high-value objects, things like a high-end weapon, exquisite jewelry, large amounts of money, etc. The punishment for grand theft is typically a large fine and short imprisonment.
• Pickpocketing is when a person steals someone’s property off their person. The punishment for pickpocketing is usually a fine based on the value of the item(s) stolen and sometimes a short imprisonment.
• Burglary is theft of objects from a person’s property. The punishment for burglary is usually a fine based on the value of the item(s) stolen and sometimes a short imprisonment.
• Robbery is when a person uses force or a threat of force to compel another person to relinquish property without a legitimate legal reason. The punishment for robbery is typically imprisonment.
• Fraud is when a person uses lies or trickery to convince a person to give them money or property. It does not have to be an actual lie, i.e., saying that you will fix a table, taking money, then leaving without fixing the table is fraud, and saying that you’re selling an “ant killer” and selling two blocks of wood with instructions on how to use them to kill an ant is also fraud. The punishment for fraud is usually a fine based on the amount of money stolen, and in extreme cases, imprisonment.

Violent Crime

Assault is defined as an attack on a person that does not leave lasting physical damage (e.g. a slap, weak punch, groping, dousing with a harmless liquid, etc.). Assault is typically punished by a fine.
Battery is defined as an attack on a person that does leave lasting physical damage (e.g. a strong punch, stabbing, cutting, dousing with a dangerous liquid, etc.). Battery is usually punished by a large fine or short imprisonment.
Murder is defined as unlawfully killing or intentionally causing the death of a person. Lawful killings would be self defense, if the defender has exhausted every other available option. Murder is usually punished by long or sometimes indefinite imprisonment.
Rape is defined as having oral, anal, or vaginal sexual intercourse with someone that did not consent. Consent while impaired (e.g. drunk or otherwise intoxicated) is considered legitimate consent, unless the individual was poisoned. Rape is typically punished by long imprisonment.
Poisoning is defined as knowingly causing someone to ingest, absorb, inhale, or otherwise take in a substance that is harmful or impairing (e.g. hallucinogens, toxins, venoms, contagions, etc.) without their knowledge and/or consent. Poisoning can be punished by a fine or imprisonment, depending on severity.

Prohibitions

The only legal weapons for civilians are things like truncheons or quarterstaffs. Hunters can obtain a license for a bow or crossbow, but are limited to the simplest models and mundane ammunition. These restrictions tend to be less enforced in rural areas, despite the law being the same.
Alchemical products are mostly illegal. Alchemists require a license to manufacture and a separate license to distribute alchemical products. All alchemical products must be approved by the local lord before distribution and are subject to a mandatory once per year re-examination as well as random re-examinations at the lord's discretion.
Magic of any kind is completely illegal. Possession of magical items is usually punished by a large fine, as well as the confiscation and destruction of the item(s). Spellcasting is typically punished by a large fine or imprisonment. Ritual spellcasting is typically punished by long imprisonment. Magical beings are banished. Semi-magical beings can apply for a license to visit or live in Laezocia. These licenses are issued at the discretion of the local lord. The only exception to the restrictions on using magic is in the case of forensic mages employed by the guard.