Crime and Punishment in Aledir

Pre-Trial
Once a citizen has been charged with a crime, the pre-trial process begins. A prosecutor from the Crown acts as the prosecution, while a Defender of State is sent to represent the accused. At least one representative of the Church of Aledir is sent as well to act as Judge.

On the Federal level, most trials are held at the Provincial Capital courthouse, as are crimes on the provincial level. They also often have multiple Judges, with one acting as the official Judge while the other act as a jury. Municipalities hold their trials at town halls, churches, etc. Whatever the Judge, Defense, and Prosecution agree upon, with the Judge having the final say if an agreement cannot be met.

Only in extreme circumstances are accused individuals expedited to the Grand Court within Malanar, usually for war crimes or for extremely dangerous criminals. In cases such as these, the Monarch of Aledir, the Senate Speaker, and the Grand Bishop (or representatives for each) represent the Prosecution, Defendant, and Judge, respectively.

In any case, the accused can request to represent themselves. They cannot hire anyone to represent them: they are represented by either themselves or an assigned Senate official.

Trial Process
Once the trial commences, the Prosecution and Defense make their opening statements. Each can only be 10 minutes in length maximum, and the Prosecution goes first. Only statements relevant to the case at hand can be made.

The prosecution can call any witnesses they choose or present evidence to the Judge. Witnesses are given Truth potions before taking the stand. The Prosecution then asks the witness any questions they wish. Once finished, the Defense then cross-examines the witness. Presented evidence is explained by the Prosecution, often in tandem with a witness on the stand.

Once the prosecution is finished, the Defense does the same as the Prosecution, presenting evidence and witnesses of their own in order to prove the accused’s innocence, with the Prosecution able to cross-examine any witnesses and evidence.

After all evidence is presented and witnesses examined by both parties, the Prosecution makes a final, 10 minute maximum statement, followed by the Defense’s final statement. The Judge then retires to ponder the case. When the Judge has made their decision, they call the accused back to the court, where they deliver their verdict and sentence. The court is then adjourned.

Punishment
Each crime has a punishment attached to it listed in Crowns (♛). However, the Judge may decide that a simple fine is not enough. The Judge may decide to imprison the convicted, or order servitude to the Crown or State. Execution is also an option, but is not used often. Torture is prohibited.

In addition to Federal Laws, each province, county, and town have laws that are unique to them, though there isn't much variance with governments of higher stature.