Lilaris Department of Justice Act

Section 1: Title

This act shall be known as the Lilaris Department of Justice Act.

Section 2: Purpose

The purpose of this act is to:

• Establish the Department of Justice (DoJ) as the primary judicial authority in the Second Lilaris Empire.
• Ensure fair and impartial legal proceedings in accordance with Imperial law.
  Define the structure and jurisdiction of the Imperial Court and Regional Courts.

Section 3: Structure and Jurisdiction

• The Imperial Court serves as the highest legal authority, handling major criminal cases, noble disputes, and constitutional matters.
• Regional Courts oversee local disputes, civil cases, and lower criminal offenses.
• Magistrates, selected from citizens or officials with minimal conflict of interest, preside over all court proceedings.
• All courts operate under the authority of the Secretary of Justice, who reports directly to the Twin Thrones.

Section 4: Legal Proceedings

4.1 Initiation of Proceedings

All legal proceedings begin with notification to a member of the Department of Justice. The case will then be reviewed internally, and a Magistrate will be formally appointed by the Secretary of Justice, or by a quorum of senior DoJ officials in the Secretary’s absence. Once appointed, the Magistrate assumes full authority over the case and is responsible for conducting proceedings in accordance with Imperial law.

4.2 Determination of Trial Type

In all criminal cases, the presiding Magistrate shall determine whether the case proceeds as a bench trial or a jury trial, based on:

• The seriousness of the charges
• The nature of the dispute
• The need to uphold public confidence in judicial fairness

In cases involving charges of treason, sedition, or crimes against the Crown or state institutions, the decision to proceed without a jury shall be subject to review by the entire DoJ to ensure it remains fair for all parties.

In civil cases, trials shall proceed as bench trials by default, unless the Magistrate determines that a jury trial would better serve the interests of fairness and transparency—particularly in disputes involving public officials, noble houses, or matters of regional controversy.

4.3 Jury Trials

When a jury trial is deemed appropriate by the Magistrate, the following shall apply:

• The jury shall consist of up to five (5) individuals, with the exact number determined by the Magistrate.
• Jury members must be drawn primarily from Lilaris citizens, but may include up to 25% foreign citizens to promote transparency and perceived fairness, especially in cases involving sensitive public interest.
• All jurors must be free from direct conflict of interest and demonstrate a capacity for impartial judgment.
• The jury shall deliberate in private and return a verdict of guilt or innocence by simple majority vote.
• In the event of a split jury or inconclusive outcome, the Magistrate may:
  • Declare a mistrial,
  • Call for a retrial, or
  • Issue a bench ruling based on the totality of the evidence, provided both parties consent.

Section 5: Enforcement and Compliance

Court rulings are binding, and failure to comply may result in penalties. The DoJ has the authority to enforce Imperial law and ensure Regional Courts remain impartial. Matters of national security may be tried under special closed proceedings as determined by the Imperial Court.

Section 6: Amendments

Any amendments to this act must be proposed by the Secretary of Justice and approved by the Twin Thrones in accordance with the Imperial Charter.

Section 7: Record of Amendment

Amendment I
This amendment clarifies the judicial process by:

• Defining how cases are initiated and Magistrates are appointed
• Establishing Magistrate discretion over trial format
• Introducing a flexible jury system for criminal cases
• Clarifying that civil trials proceed as bench trials by default unless otherwise deemed necessary