History
The Judiciary Council forms the legislative and executive heart of Myrken Wood's government, and is comprised of an appointed selection of local independent landowners, presided over by a Governor selected from among that number. In principle the Council governs on behalf of the Trae Kelsan Crown and is answerable to the King of Trae Kelsa, but in practice it enjoys a considerable degree of autonomy. While Myrken Wood lies at the heart of the Amasynian province, the granting of expanded powers for local government was found to be necessary due to the unique range of challenges that face those who would manage the territory.
Members of the Council are expected to act in concert to manage the day-to-day affairs of Myrken Wood's government, to serve the public interest, to enact local legislation, and to see that law and order are maintained throughout the territory.
Meeting in session as the Judiciar and Grand Court of Myrken Wood, the Governor and Council oversee and deliver sentence on trials for serious crimes, and serve as a court of final arbitration for cases in which the ruling of the Petty Court has been challenged. The Grand Court also arbitrates on matters of land and property law and commercial disputes.
The Meetinghouse
The Governor's Meetinghouse in Myrkentown's downtown is sited on a
knoll facing south. This is a common orientation for houses of its
kind, so travelers will have no trouble in finding information about
the land, lodging, and so forth.
The saltbox profile consists of a seamless lean-to. It houses a
generous conference room, kitchen, and the Governor's study on the
first floor and three offices of the councilors on the second. The
Meetinghouse is wrapped in blue-gray clapboarding and hosts an
unpainted, weathered entry door. With three other main buildings (the
grist mill, the cooperage, and the Chapel of St. Iona) it forms the
core of the Downtown District, a conservative village of various
proprietorships. Given the recent spate of threats troubling the
township, the Meetinghouse is further notable for the guards who flank
its forward walls during gatherings of the Judiciary.
Market is held in front of the Meetinghouse every Tuesday, from
sunrise, and lasts until Thursday, into the late afternoon. During
market days, the Meetinghouse is closed to the public.
Public Meetings
Ordinary public meetings of the Judiciary Council are advertised at least one week in advance, though emergency meetings may be convened at much shorter notice. While the Council's primary concern during meetings is to resolve matters of taxation, legislation, funding and response to any troubles assailing the territory, the council is also required to set aside time to hear proposals from the citizenry. Queries are answered and concerns addressed in scheduled order, and appropriate action decided upon. Such decisions are agreed upon through popular vote by all councilors present at the meeting.
In the event that the Council is without decision, the Governor may determine an suitable course of action to address public concerns.
Official meeting minutes are recorded by Council Secretary once approved by the current Governor.
Private Law
- Council-appointed barristers may represent any who fall
under Myrken Wood jurisdiction, unless a person wishes to represent
himself or herself. A trial for conviction may be necessary if all
parties responsible for the mistreatment of justice do not concur.
- Any person(s) responsible for the purposeful misuse or abuse
of Myrken Wood law will be tried, without question, and potentially
convicted by the Judiciar.
Sentencing is as follows:
- A fine, number of shillings to be determined by the overseeing council party.
- Imprisonment, for a term ranging from one day to two weeks in Myrken Jail.
- Seizure of property.
- Up to two hours in the stocks, at Myrken Village Square.
- Public flogging, consisting of no less than three lashes, and no more than fifteen, upon the Deck at Myrken Village's center.
- Permanent banishment to Hexal (Exile Isle), the northernmost island within the Province.
- Public execution, upon the Deck at Myrken Village's center.