TRADITIONAL ISIMIIRIAN LIFE - TRIAL AND PUNISHMENT:
Throughout Isimiir it is believed that the only way to keep order is to make sure that the people are scared of the punishments given for crimes committed. For this reason all crimes from stealing to murder have harsh punishments.
Although there are jails, they are generally used to hold a prisoner awaiting trial rather than as a means of punishment. Fines, shaming (being placed in stocks), mutilation (cutting off a part of the body) or death are the most common forms of punishment.
This is the old way to administer justice though there are always new forms of justice being created. These ancient punishments and trials are acceptable everywhere in Isimiir although Zanitar uses them less and less.
THE MANORIAL COURT (Trial by Jury)
The manorial court deals with all but the most serious crimes. It is held at various intervals during the year and all villagers have to attend or pay a fine. All men are placed in groups of ten called a tithing. Each tithing has to make sure that no member of their group breaks the law. If a member of a tithing breaks a law then the other members have to make sure that he goes to court.
The Lord’s Steward is in charge of the court. A jury of seven men are chosen by the villagers. The jury has to collect evidence and decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty and, if found guilty, what the punishment should be.
THE KING'S COURT (Trial by Ordeal)
Serious crimes are heard by the King’s court. The accused have to face trial by ordeal to decide whether they are guilty or not guilty.
Ordeal by Fire
* Male Punishment
* Commoners Punishment
The accused has to pick up a red hot iron bar and hold it while they walk three or four paces. Their hand is then bandaged. After three days they have to return to the court where the bandages are removed. If the wound is beginning to heal they are innocent but if the wound shows no sign of healing then they are pronounced Guilty. A male punishment.
* Commoners Punishment
The accused has to pick up a red hot iron bar and hold it while they walk three or four paces. Their hand is then bandaged. After three days they have to return to the court where the bandages are removed. If the wound is beginning to heal they are innocent but if the wound shows no sign of healing then they are pronounced Guilty. A male punishment.
Ordeal by Water
* Female Punishment
* Commoners Punishment
The accused have their hands and feet tied together. This involves a suspect being immersed in blessed, and hence purified, water. On the principle that this purity would reject a person tainted by grievous sin, floating was taking as sign of guilt and sinking a sign of innocence. Sixty per cent of those undergoing the experience passed the test.
* Commoners Punishment
The accused have their hands and feet tied together. This involves a suspect being immersed in blessed, and hence purified, water. On the principle that this purity would reject a person tainted by grievous sin, floating was taking as sign of guilt and sinking a sign of innocence. Sixty per cent of those undergoing the experience passed the test.
Ordeal by Combat
* Male Punishment
* Nobles Punishment
Noblemen will fight (usually to the death) in combat with their accuser. The winner of the battle would be considered to be in the right.
* Nobles Punishment
Noblemen will fight (usually to the death) in combat with their accuser. The winner of the battle would be considered to be in the right.