While Alyria may be a settlement on the fringes of an ancient and untamed shard of the world. It is far from lawless, or without order maintained by local enforcers. with a standard of government set forth by the Dragonic Empire, it's manner of law enforcement is not so different. With the punishment for committing it always equal to the crime, and with solid evidence presented for persecution to be finalized.
That said, the town is not above ensuring that disruptions to the peace and culture of the town are kept to a minimum. Nor are the jails left collecting dust if individuals are found causing trouble, and while proof is being collected of their misdemeanors.
Mishandling of Slaves
Due to the long term psychological and physical impacts such things as torture, abuse, or neglect (Such as denying of basic needs) has upon a slave's value and growth. Such actions are persecuted fiercely within Alyria and it's surrounding territories, and far from tolerated by enforcers if caught in the act.
Punishment:
First Offense: Verbal, and filed formal warning for the behavior and three days in the cells.
Second Offense: Immediate repossession of all slaves belonging to the offender, and a ban implemented on that individual being able to purchase slaves within Alyria.
Third Offense: Enslavement of the offender, and repossession of all assets belonging to the offender.
Murder
Defined as violence against another that directly leads to an individuals death. With this crime, there is no forgiveness, no second chances, and no tolerance.
Punishment:
There is only one punishment for murder, and it is swift and immediate upon conviction within the courts. The murderer is condemned to a life sentence of slavery, and promptly exiled from Alyria.
Property Damage
Due to the work, craftsmanship, dedication, and materials that go into the town and what it has. Damage, or the outright destruction of property is hardly tolerated or brushed off as mere vandalism.
Punishment:
First Offense: Reimbursement of the cost of the damage, and community service with aiding in the reconstruction of damaged property or items.
Second Offense: Reimbursement of the cost of the damage, and community service with aiding in the reconstruction of damaged property or items. In addition to a week in the jails
Third Offense: Reimbursement of the cost of the damage, and community service with aiding in the reconstruction of damaged property or items. In addition, the convicted will spent the duration of a month living the life of a slave in the ownership of the one who's property they destroyed. Community service, cannot be done while slave punishment is in progress.
Assault
Defined as violence against another that does not result in death, but does result in moderate to major injury. It is a crime that is closely monitored for frequency among offenders, and punished fiercely if the act committed is of a substantial severity - even if it may be an individuals first offense. People partaking in an honor fight cannot be charged with assault, unless they become an aggressor and push the fight beyond acceptable limits.
Punishment:
First Offense: Responsible for payment of damaged property & medical services provided to those injured in the assault. A temporary ban of one week will also be enacted for the building/shop the assault took place in.
Second Offense: Responsible for Payment of damaged property & medical services provided to those injured in the assault. A three week ban will also be enacted for the location the assault took place in.
Severe/Third Offense: Responsible for payment of damaged property & medical services provided to those injured in the assault. Two weeks in the jails, and a permanent ban from the location where the assault took place. Any additional offenses beyond this point will result in deportation/Exile.
Theft
Theft is defined as the stealing of property, or items that do not belong to you, even if it's of slaves, or something slave-owned. As much as it may seem like a 'petty crime' in other places, within Alyria theft is treated with severity and punished accordingly. As to steal from another alyrian, is to steal what they have worked hard to earn - if not their very means of survival.
Punishment:
First Offense: A week will be spent within the jails. Upon release, they are to repay the value of any items stolen that were unable to be returned to their owner. If payment cannot be made in coin, then the thief will work for the victim until the debt is made back in full.
Second Offense:Two weeks will be spent within the jails. Upon release, they are to repay the value of any items stolen that were unable to be returned to their owner. If payment cannot be made in coin, then the thief will work for the victim until the debt is made back in full.
Third Offense: Jailed for the duration of the time it takes to compensate the victim as best the town, and the thief are able. The thief is then stripped of their citizenship and exiled from Alyria.
Slave enforcement
Within Alyria, only the one who has purchased the slave holds the right to punish a slave for their actions - and will be expected to do so, if a report against the slave has been officially filed. In the case of unowned slaves - this responsibility falls upon the town and it's enforcers. To take these matters into your own hands, is considered in the same grain as destruction or vandalism of another's property.
Punishment:
First Offense: One week within the cells, and compensation to the slave's owner for medical fees as a result of the accused's actions against the slave.
Second Offense: One month in the cells, and compensation to the slave's owner for medical fees as a result of the accused's actions against the slave.
Third Offense: Exiled from Alyria, and compensation to the slave's owner for medical fees as a result of the accused's actions against the slave.
Illegal Hunting/Poaching
Though Alyria's region is wild and untamed, strict regulations are in place for the hunting and culling of native wildlife. Due to how little is known about the region, and the impact a lessened population of species will have on the environment. Only creatures made available through sanctioned 'tag' programs and posted hunts are permitted. The unintended killing of an animal in self defense is acceptable, but subject to review if incidents become suspicious.
Punishment:
First Offense: Fine of half a weeks wage.
Second Offense: Fine of a half weeks wage, and one week spent within the jails.
Third Offense: Fine of two weeks full salary, and two weeks spent within the jails.
Illegal Terra forming/Landscape alteration
While the town does indeed need resources, and land is cleared for new construction as it's made safe to do so. Unsanctioned logging, clear cutting, strip mining, or other such 'land altering' operations are strictly forbidden. This is to prevent mismanagement of land and resources, but also to prevent unintended consequences from befalling the native environment.
Punishment:
First Offense: Fine of a months wages, and community service by replanting/working to restore the land affected.
Second Offense: Fine of a months wages, and community service by replanting/working to restore the land affected in addition to two weeks spent in the jails.
Third Offense: Exile to the depths of the uncharted forests.
Purchase and Release of Slaves
The buying of slaves simply for the sole purpose of freeing them from their life of servitude is a forbidden practice within Alyria. Given that Slavery is either the result of punishment for committed crimes, or an individual coming under the collar for life was a consensual decision. Freeing slaves in this manner is seen as attempting to circumvent the law, and violate a slave's freedom of choice in determining their future. Slaves have a path to freedom, and will be expected to work towards it if it's desired.
Punishment:
First & Only Offense: Exile from Alyria.
Treason
Defined as the crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to kill or overthrow the sovereign or government. It is considered the highest crime one can commit within Alyria, as you harm not only the settlement's government body - threaten the safety, security, and livelihood of it's citizens as well.
Punishment:
First & Only Offense: A life sentence in the bonds of slavery, and prompt exile from Alyria.
Illegal Trade/Smuggling
With port partners and a healthy fleet of airships, the exchange of goods to and from Alyria is a daily and common exchange via the docks. However even these are monitored, to ensure no unsanctioned or illegal goods make it into the shipments bound for off world ports, or other Dracian nations. Or that goods Illegal in Dracia, are coming in from off world ports. For example: Dangerous drugs, Endangered animals, illegally captured slaves, and unlisted weapons.
Punishment:
First Offense: Fine of the value of the goods brought in and a two week ban from airship travel.
Second Offense: Fine of the value of the goods brought in, and a month long ban on airship travel in addition to two weeks in the jails.
Third Offense: Permanent ban on airship travel, fine of the value of the good brought in, and a month spent in the jails.
Espionage/Sabotage
Defined as the act of spying upon Alyria's residents, government, or military movements in order to report them to a foreign or unfriendly party. Or intentionally ensuring the efforts of the town and it's people will not succeed. It's seen as a heavily punished act, and direct violation of the security and safety of it's people. Given also that Alyria is democratic, and it's actions are voted on and requested by it's citizens. It's also seen as a violation of the will of it's people.
Punishment:
First & Only Offense: Life sentence of slavery to the accused, and seizure of all assets held by the individual prior to enslavement.
Smear Campaigns/Social Sabotage
Defined as the spreading of misinformation, and attacking the credibility and integrity of an individual publicly. Is not tolerated by any means within Alyria, and can not only impact an individuals reputation, but their business and chances for success and opportunity as well. Problems between individuals are expected to be resolved privately, and any suspicions of unlawful behavior directly reported to the enforcers.
Punishment:
This law, and the breaking of it, is reviewed on a case by case basis. As the punishment must be equal to the severity of the crime which can vary drastically depending on the situation.
Systems of Resolution
While Alyria is strict in it's laws, and unyielding in it's verdicts, the systems put in place to carry out justice are none the less fair and unbiased. Caring little if those involved are slaves, or one of the free, as in the eyes of the Dragonic empire - all have the right to protection and representation within the judicial system.
By rights of Alyrian and Imperial law, two forms of resolution exist for the citizens of the empire and their settlements to use should a crime, or minor offense be done against them. Based on how much, or how little evidence has actually been gathered in regards to the crime - one's choice of resolution will either be accepted or denied.
Resolution by the Courts
For major crimes, or crimes where a lot of evidence has been gathered against the accused. It is more often then not the court that will review the case and determine a verdict of punishment or release of the detained. While evidence is gathered, and the case reviewed, it is common for the accused to remain within the jails or closely monitored custody until a verdict has been reached and publicly announced.
Resolution by Honorable Combat
Usually reserved for minor crimes, or to handle minor disputes among citizens. This resolution is often one of the most commonly embraced among the territories of the empire and it's settlements. Under the supervision of a knight, or official to ensure it remains fair and balanced. The accused and the accuser spar until yield, or first moderate injury. These fights are never to the death, and major injuries are often avoided as they are seen as dishonorable under these circumstances. Attempting to fight passed these thresholds, will immediately warrant the arrest of the aggressor for assault.