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Article I: Purpose

The High Council of Britannia derives its power from the cities of Britannia, and is answerable to the Crown and its laws. The High Council is authorized to act in the interest of the peoples of Britannia, and supports the Crown in the daily management of Britannia, with authorization to pass laws that do not contradict the laws and tenets set forth by Crown.
The High Council serves as advocates for the needs of Britannia's citizens, to uphold and support the Kingdom of Britannia, and to promote the Virtues. The High Council is also expected to preserve, promote, and enhance the cultural heritage and identity of Britannia.
Britannia is heretofore defined as the Britannian mainland of which Britain is a part, the isles of Jhelom, the isle of Serpent's Hold, Verity Isle and the City of Moonglow, the isle of Magincia, the isle of Skara Brae and Iver's Rounding, Valor Isle, the Lost Land colonies of Papua and Delucia, and within fifty paces of any Shrine of Virtue not contained within any other boundary so defined.

Article II: Composition

The High Council of Britannia shall consist of the following Officers of the High Council:

The Chancellor of Virtue, whose duties are described in Article IV.
The Triumvirate of the High Justicars of Virtue, consisting of the Chief Justicar of Virtue, and two High Justicars of Virtue, whose duties are described in Article VI.

The High Council of Britannia may also consist of the Ministers of the Chancellor’s Cabinet:

The Vice Chancellor of Virtue, whose duties are described in Article V., Section A., Subsection 1.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose duties are described in Article V., Section A., Subsection 2.
The Minister of Defense, whose duties are describe in Article V., Section A., Subsection 3.
The Minister of Virtue, whose duties are described in Article V. Section A., Subsection 4.

The High Council of Britannia shall also consist of Councilors of the High Council:

Duties of Councilors of the High Council are described in Article X.
A community may claim representation on the High Council in one of two forms.

For a representative to become a Councilor in one of the original cities of Virtue as well as the city of Vesper must meet the following criteria:

The representative must have been elected governor of the city or be an appointee by the governor.
A citizen of a city may seek to represent their respective city of Virtue or Vesper if the elected governor chooses not to represent the city or send a representative to the High Council.

A representative to become a Councilor in a city or village outside the cities of Virtue and Vesper must meet the following criteria:

The community must be within Britannian borders as described in Article I, or must swear an oath of fealty to Britannia as a Colony of Britannia if not within Britannian borders.
The community represented must be a city, village, or other gathering of citizens, not simply an organization or group. A group or organization, however, may be the center of a community, and claim representation for the community area that they are a part of.
The community must not otherwise be represented by another Councilor already seated; should such a situation arise where two community groups claim to represent the same geographic area, the High Court shall determine through hearing which group shall represent the particular community if no other means of compromise may be found.
The community must not be presently an Occupied Territory by an Enemy of State; as Article XXI, Section B supersedes this Article.

The High Council of Britannia may also consist of the following council Appointees:

The Grand Marshal of Valor, whose duties are described in Article VII.
The Crown Advocate of Justice, whose duties are described in Article IX.

Officers, Councilors, Appointees and Ministers shall be required to adhere to the Requirements of Duty as outlined in Article XIV.

Article III: Foreign Ambassadors

The High Council of Britannia shall actively cultivate relationships with provinces and governments outside of Britannia, who shall be granted the right to present an Ambassador to the High Council to speak on matters and affairs concerning that government or organization.

Nations who hold ‘Enemy of State’ status may still send an Ambassador to the High Council as long as they are unarmed and do not initiate a disruption.

Enemies of the State must seek temporary truce via pigeon or mail prior to the meeting with the Chancellor or Grand Marshal.
Enemies of the State will be limited to a party of three members in the Kingdom of Britannia when coming before the High Council. The party may consist of the following:

An unarmed emissary that will be allowed in the Council chamber to speak. Only the emissary will be allowed in the chamber.
Two lightly armed guards who will be subject to search will be allowed to remain outside the chamber doors.

A violation of this truce will be met with justified force.

A Foreign Ambassador to the High Council shall have been approved by the province or government that he represents.
The High Council of Britannia may refuse to recognize any Foreign Ambassador who is a known criminal, and may exile from Britannia through censure any Foreign Ambassador who has been party to criminal activities or unethical acts.

Any Foreign Ambassador that commits a High Crime on Britannian soil may be expelled from the Kingdom by a majority vote of the High Council.
Any Foreign Ambassador that commits a murder on Britannian soil is subject to Britannian Law.

Article IV: The Chancellor of Virtue

The Chancellor of Virtue is responsible for assisting in the daily operations of the High Council, and shall lead all public meetings of the Council.
The Chancellor of Virtue shall form a cabinet at the beginning of the administration. This cabinet will consist of the Vice Chancellor, the Minster of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Virtue, and the Minister of Defense. The duties of the cabinet are outlined in Article V.
The Chancellor of Virtue shall be empowered to issue a Chancellor’s Decree at any time.

Chancellor Decrees will be limited to the following:

Issuance of Arrest Warrants for citizens of Britannia or foreign citizens operating within Britannian borders that are believed to be acting in an unlawful manner.

The Chancellor shall be empowered to issue Temporary Arrest Warrants.
Temporary Arrest Warrants will be upheld or struck down at the determination of the High Court at its earliest convenience.
Temporary Arrest Warrants issued for personal gain or of a treasonous nature can result in a censure vote and a trial before the High Court.

Extended Detainment for citizens of Britannia or foreign citizens operating within Britannia borders that are believed to be acting in an unlawful manner.

The Chancellor shall be empowered to issue a Decree of Extended Detainment.
Extended Detainment Decrees require that a Temporary Arrest Warrant be issued prior.
The Chancellor shall be empowered to hold an extended detainee without a hearing before the High Court for 5 days.
Extended Detainments issued for personal gain, of a treasonous nature, or in error can result in a censure vote and a trial before the High Court.

Declaration of War and status as Enemies of State.

The Chancellor shall be empowered to issue a Declaration of War.
The Declaration of War in affect grants the subjected party the status of Enemy of the State and all the consequences that state entails in Article XXI.
The Chancellor may hold off bringing a Declaration of War for a vote of support before the High Council for 7 Days, for which time the Declaration of War will be binding.
Declarations of War issued for personal gain or of a treasonous nature can result in a censure vote and a trial before the High Court.

Peace Agreements with Enemies of the State.

The Chancellor shall be empowered to enter into negotiation of a Peace Agreement with Enemies of the State.
The Chancellor may hold off bringing his Peace Agreement for a vote of support before the High Council for 7 Days, for which time the Peace Agreement will be binding.
The Chancellor may hold off his Peace Agreement being brought before the High Court for 7 Days, for which time the Peace Agreement will be binding.
Peace Agreements issued for personal gain or of a treasonous nature can result in a censure vote and a trial before the High Court

Criminal Pardons for citizens of Britannia or foreign nationals that are serving time in Britannian prisons.

The Chancellor shall be empowered to fully pardon a criminal or reduce his sentence if the Chancellor sees merit.
Criminal Pardons can be subject to review by the High Council or the High Court.
Criminal Pardons issued for personal gain or of a treasonous nature can result in a censure and a trial before the High Court.

Meetings of the War Cabinet:

The Chancellor shall be empowered to call for a meeting of the War Cabinet.
The Chancellor shall be empowered to head the meeting of the War Cabinet called for by a Chancellor’s Decree.

Chancellor Decrees shall be considered subordinate to votes of the High Council and rulings by the High Court.

The Chancellor shall be empowered to sit in and participate in all meetings of the War Cabinet.
The Chancellor shall be empowered to call a meeting of the cabinet at any time.
The Chancellor is required to hold an open questioning session once every three months.
If the voting members of the High Council should become deadlocked in a vote, the Chancellor (or one acting in his stead) shall and must cast the deciding vote.
The Chancellor shall be empowered to keep order during meetings of the High Council, and may, after sufficient warning, eject from a meeting any person who is disruptive to the course of the meeting, or overtly discourteous to other guests or members of the Council.
The Chancellor of Virtue shall be empowered, at his discretion, to remove from office any member of the High Council who fails to meet the requirements of duty outlined in Article XIV.

Article V: The Cabinet of the Chancellor of Virtue

The Chancellor’s Cabinet may consist of the listed:

The Vice Chancellor of Virtue.

The Vice Chancellor of Virtue shall be the head of the Chancellor's cabinet, and may appoint other cabinet members to handle public relations duties and affairs throughout Britannia.
In absence of the Chancellor of Virtue, the Vice Chancellor shall temporarily assume all the powers granted to the Chancellor under Article IV.
The Vice Chancellor of Virtue shall not be empowered to cast a single vote on any matters brought before the High Council unless the Vice Chancellor of Virtue is acting under the powers granted to the Chancellor of Virtue in Article IV that may temporarily be granted by Article V., Section A., Subsection 1., Line b.
The Vice Chancellor of Virtue shall have to undergo a confirmation vote by the High Council.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs shall act as the Chancellor’s and High Council's emissary and ambassador to foreign nations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs shall be empowered to appoint Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs who shall assist the Minister in relations with foreign nations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs shall also seek to bring a voice and relations to communities and colonies within and without Britannia who do not currently have representation on the High Council.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs shall serve as a consultant on matters of foreign policy to the Chancellor’s Cabinet.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs shall be empowered to cast a single vote on all matters brought before the High Council.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs shall have to undergo a confirmation vote by the High Council.

The Minister of Defense.

The Minister of Defense shall act as the Chancellor’s and High Council’s representative to the War Cabinet of the Grand Marshal of Virtue.
The Minister of Defense shall act as the Chancellor’s and High Council’s official representative to the Queen’s Royal Britannian Spies and Royal Britannian Guard.
The Minister of Defense shall be empowered to seek and enter into contracts aimed at arming, defending, and assisting the Britannian Armed Forces.
The Minister of Defense shall serve as a consultant on matters of war to the Chancellor’s Cabinet.
The Minister of Defense shall be empowered to grant temporary status of Militia to civilians who are seeking to aid the Britannian Armed Forces.
The Minister of Defense shall not be empowered to cast a single vote on all matters brought before the High Council.
The Minister of Defense shall have to undergo a confirmation vote by the High Council.
The Minister of Defense can be a currently serving member of the Britannian Armed Forces.

The Minster of Virtue.

The Minister of Virtue shall act as ambassador to the Cities of Virtue (Britain, Jhelom, Magincia, Minoc, Moonglow, Skara Brae, Trinsic, and Yew) who do not have an active community leadership, and go among the citizens to bring news of the Council to them, and shall learn how the Council may better serve them and bring their voice to the High Council.
The Minister of Virtue shall also be or become well versed in the Virtues and act as the High Council's source of knowledge and guidance for the Virtues.
The Minister of Virtue shall serve as a consultant on all matters of Virtue to the Chancellor’s Cabinet.
The Minister of Virtue shall be empowered to cast a single vote on all matters brought before the High Council.
The Minister of Virtue shall have to undergo a confirmation vote by the High Council.
The Minister of Virtue shall have to undergo a confirmation by the High Court.
The Minister of Virtue may be temporarily appointed as High Justicar if that position is vacant or if the current High Justicar is recused granted by the confirmation in Article V, Section A., Subsection 4., Line g.

The High Council must ratify this appointment by majority vote.
Such an appointment does not increase the Minister's voting power; the Minister shall vacate his voting power while serving as the Council appointed High Justicar.

All members of the Chancellor’s Cabinet may be appointed by and serve at pleasure of the Chancellor of Virtue.

Article VI: The Triumvirate of the High Justicars of Virtue and the High Court

There shall be a High Court, charged with interpreting the law of the land, rendering judgment upon cases brought before it, and which shall be administered by its own charter that shall not otherwise contradict or exceed the laws of the land.
The Chief Justicar of Virtue shall be responsible for the operation of the High Court, and shall maintain the Codex of High Crimes and the Charter of the High Court.
The Chief Justicar of Virtue shall be assisted by two High Justicars of Virtue, who opinions shall be requisite in any ruling of the High Court of Britannia except:

When the High Court is ruling upon a matter that has been brought to it that would normally have been ruled upon by a local or lesser Court and that has not been brought forth to the High Court in the form of an appeal of a local or lesser Court’s decision.
When the Triumvirate of the High Justicars of Virtue shall be unable to convene in a timely manner either in personal representation or through that of an Adjutant High Justicar so appointed.

Should there be a failure in the ability for the High Justicars of Virtue to meet in whole, the case shall be presided over singly in order of seniority by the Chief Justicar of Virtue, or either High Justicar of Virtue in order of tenure or order of age if they shall have been elected in the same term.

In any matter where the opinion of the Triumvirate of the High Justicars of Virtue shall be rendered the following shall apply:

Each presiding Justicar shall consider his decision based upon the Virtues of Britannia, the laws of the Kingdom of Britannia, and the higher laws and tenets set forth by Lord British.
Each presiding Justicar shall note for the official record of the High Court whether his opinion shall be in favor or against the matter brought before the High Court.
In any ruling wherein the presiding Justicars stand unanimous in decision:

The Chief Justicar of Virtue or his Adjutant Justicar of Virtue shall write the Opinion of the High Court that shall be entered into the record of the High Court as the decision of the High Court with regard to the matter at hand.

In any ruling wherein the presiding Justicars do not stand unanimous in decision:

The opinion of the majority of the presiding Justicars shall be the prevailing decision in the matter.
The senior most member of the prevailing decision shall write the Opinion of the High Court that shall be entered into the record of the High Court as the decision of the High Court with regard to the matter at hand.
The non-consenting member of the presiding Justicars shall write the Opinion of Opposition that shall be entered into the record of the High Court.

Should the High Court be required to provide sentence in addition to its decision on any matter, the presiding Justicars of Virtue shall deliberate appropriate resolution.

Should there be disagreement upon the appropriate resolution, the agreement of any two presiding Justicars shall then provide the prevailing resolution; should there be no agreement of any of the three presiding Justicars, then shall the resolution of the Chief Justicar of Virtue or his Adjutant be the prevailing resolution.

The High Court is empowered and entrusted with the responsibility of ruling on the validity of laws and their enforceability, hearing cases involving High Crimes, trying cases where no local jurisdiction exists, and issuing Warrants of Arrest, Detainment , or Seizure against any who stand accused of a High Crime or lesser crime in areas without local jurisdiction.
If any presiding member of the Triumvirate of High Justicars of Virtue is directly involved in any case involving a crime, the presiding Justicar shall recuse him or herself from the matter and allow either their Adjutant Justicar to preside in their place, or allow a temporary appointment of the Minister of Virtue or Acting Justicar to preside in their stead.
The Triumvirate of the High Justicars of Virtue shall be empowered, at their discretion and by majority vote, to remove the Chancellor of Virtue from office if the Chancellor fails to meet the requirements of duty outlined in Article XIV.

Article VII: The Britannian Armed Forces and the Grand Marshal of Valor

Each leader of each branch of the Britannian Armed Forces shall be granted the rank of Field Marshal, and shall represent his branch to the Grand Marshal of Valor and the War Cabinet.
The composition of the Britannian Armed Forces shall be maintained in either of two manners:

A two-thirds majority vote of the High Council may include or remove a branch of the Britannian Armed Forces.
A majority vote of the Grand Marshal and the Field Marshals may include or remove a branch of the Britannian Armed Forces.
A majority vote of the Grand Marshal and the Field Marshals may override any vote of the High Council of Britannia with regard to inclusion or removal of a branch of the Britannian Armed Forces during meetings of the Grand Marshal’s War Cabinet.

The Britannian Armed Forces shall serve as the national defense force of Britannia, and shall consist of the virtuous guilds so charged to do so.
The Britannian Armed Forces is empowered and entrusted with protecting Britannia from her enemies, arresting individuals accused of High Crimes, and guarding the High Council and the Crown.
The High Council may appoint a Grand Marshal to act as supreme commander of the Britannian Armed Forces at any time.

Appointment is subject to a majority vote of High Council members.
The Grand Marshal serves the kingdom at the behest of the High Council and may be dismissed at any time.
The appointee must be a Citizen of Britannia, reached the majority age of fourteen years, have no outstanding warrants for arrest, must not be serving a sentence for a previous crime, nor recently been declared an Enemy of State.

If the appointee holds a position in any Branch of the Britannian Armed Forces, their commanding officer may not supersede them.

The Grand Marshal, during his tenure, shall be responsible for the operation and conduct of the military as defined in the Military Code of Conduct and the Charter of the Britannian Armed Forces.
The Grand Marshal shall upon his appointment by the High Council form a War Cabinet. This cabinet will consist of the Field Marshals, the Minster of Defense, the Defense Chairman, and Civilian Advisors. The duties of the War Cabinet are outlined in Article VIII.
The Grand Marshal upon his appointment will oversee the formation of a War Cabinet.
The Grand Marshal shall be empowered to issue a Marshal Decree at any time.

Marshal Decrees shall be limited to the following:

Issuance of Arrest Warrants for citizens of Britannia or foreign citizens operating within Britannian borders that are believed to be acting in an unlawful manner.

Temporary Arrest Warrants shall be upheld or struck down at the determination of the High Court at its earliest convenience.
Temporary Arrest Warrants issued for personal gain or of a treasonous nature can result in a censure vote and a trial before the High Court.

Temporary Declaration of War and status as Enemies of State.

The Temporary Declaration of War in affect grants the subjected party the status of Enemy of the State and all the consequences that state entails in Article XXI.
The Temporary Declaration of War shall be upheld or struck down at the determination of the High Council at its earliest convenience.
The Temporary Declaration of War can be extended 5 Days without being subjected to High Council vote if the Marshal Decree is extended with a Chancellor’s Decree.
The Temporary Declarations of War issued for personal gain or of a treasonous nature can result in a censure vote and a trial before the High Court.

Temporary Peace Agreements with Enemies of the State.

The Grand Marshal shall be empowered to negotiate a temporary peace settlement with Enemies of the State.
Temporary Peace Agreements shall be upheld or struck down at the determination of the High Council at its earliest convenience.
Temporary Peace Agreements can be extended 5 Days without being subjected to High Council vote if the Marshal Decree is extended with a Chancellor’s Decree.
Temporary Peace Agreements issued for personal gain or of a treasonous nature can result in a censure vote and a trial before the High Court

Immunity Revocation for Councilors and Officers of the High Council.

The Grand Marshal shall be empowered to the remove the immunity of any Councilor or Officer of High Council who fails to meet the requirements of duty outlined in Article XIV.
Immunity Revocations issued for personal gain or of a treasonous nature can result in a censure vote and a trial before the High Court.

Marshal Decrees shall be considered subordinate to Chancellor Decrees and votes of the High Council or rulings by the High Court.

The Grand Marshal shall hold at least one meeting of the War Cabinet every two months.
The Grand Marshal may refuse a Declaration of War issued through a Chancellor’s Decree if it is felt that it is in violation of the Virtues and the will of the people of Britannia.

The High Council, through majority vote, may reinstate a refused declaration.

The Grand Marshal shall not be protected from prosecution by the High Court for violating the terms of a Peace Agreement through Chancellor’s Decree if the High Council upholds said Peace Agreement.
The Grand Marshal may appoint Civilian Advisors at his discretion to the War Cabinet.
The Grand Marshal may appoint any civilian temporary militia status.

Article VIII: The Grand Marshal’s War Cabinet

The War Cabinet will consist of the following:

Field Marshals

Field Marshals shall represent the leader of each branch of the Britannian Armed Forces.
Field Marshals shall be empowered to lead the Britannian Armed Forces into battle in the absence of the Grand Marshal, this status being conferred by seniority in service as a Marshal.
Field Marshals shall be empowered to bring a Defense Policy Direction before the War Cabinet.
Field Marshals shall be empowered to act upon the duties afforded by them for the Military Code of Conduct and the Military Charter.

Civilian Advisors

Civilian Advisors may be appointed to the Cabinet by the Grand Marshal.
Civilian Advisors shall serve at the pleasure of the Grand Marshal.
Civilian Advisors shall be empowered to bring a Defense Policy Direction before the War Cabinet.
Civilian Advisors shall be limited to advising roles and shall not have authority to act upon the Military Code of Conduct or the Charter of the Britannian Armed Forces.

The Minister of Defense

Whose duties are listed in Article V., Section A., Subsection 3.

Defense Chairmen

Whose duties are listed in Article XI., Section B, Subsection 1., Line a.

Defense Policy Directions:

Defense Policy Directions shall be formulated by the Grand Marshal’s War Cabinet and be presented to the High Council for a vote of confirmation.

The Grand Marshal casts the deciding vote on the Defense Policy Direction to be presented to the High Council.

Defense Policy Directions confirmed by the High Council shall serve as the official military stance by the High Council of Britannia towards any enemy of the state nations, city-states, or other foreign actors.

Article IX: The Crown Advocate of Justice

The High Council may appoint a member of the Britannian legal system to act as chief prosecutor of presumed criminals brought before the High Court.

Appointment is subject to a majority vote of High Council members.
The Crown Advocate serves the kingdom at the behest of the High Council and may be dismissed at any time.
The appointee must be a citizen of Britannia, reached the majority age of fourteen years, have no outstanding warrants for arrest, must not be convicted of any crime or under trial for an accused crime, nor recently been declared an Enemy of State.

The Crown Advocate of Justice, during his tenure, shall responsible for the prosecution of defendants brought before the High Court as well as the operation and conduct of the Crown Advocate’s Office as defined in the Charter of the High Court of Britannia.

Article X: Councilors of the High Council

Councilors of the High Council are expected to be active among the citizens that they represent, and make themselves publicly available to address the needs and concerns of the community to which they have been charged.
Each Councilor shall be required to report to the High Council the needs, events, and affairs of the city that they represent on no less than once per calendar year.
Each Councilor shall be empowered to cast a single vote on all matters brought before the High Council.
Each Councilor shall be empowered to sit upon a Council Committee which duties are defined in Article XI.

Article XI: Councilor Committees and Committee Chairmen

Councilors of the High Council may be permitted to sit upon at least one Councilor Committee.
Councilor Committees are listed as:

The Confirmation Committee.

The Confirmation Committee shall consist of at most three Councilors including the Confirmation Chairmen.

One Councilor shall be the Committee Chairman for the related Committee.

The Confirmation Chairman shall chair Confirmation Committee hearings.
The Confirmation Chairman shall be the current longest consecutively serving Councilor unless that Councilor wishes to keep their previously assigned Committee Chairmanship.
The Confirmation Chairman shall be required to hold a confirmation hearing on any nominated Minister.
The Confirmation Chairman shall be empowered to place a hold on any of the Chancellor’s nominations for any Cabinet position.

This hold can be overruled and ended by a simple majority vote of the High Council.

Two councilors shall be randomly selected by nomination and a mere seconding by another Councilor of the High Council to fill the Committee positions.

The Confirmation Committee shall be required to confirm the Chancellor’s nominations to the various Minister positions by vote.

A simple majority of two votes to one will be the deciding factor in the confirmation of a minister.
In the event of a tie because only two members are available to vote, the Committee Chairman’s vote shall carry more weight and decide the vote. If the Chairman is not present and there is a tie, then the tie will remain until a time at which the Chairman can cast his or her vote.

The Defense Committee.

The Defense Committee shall consist of at most three Councilors including the Defense Chairman.

One Councilor shall be the Committee Chairman for the related Committee.

The Defense Chairman shall chair the Defense Committee hearings.
The Defense Chairman shall be the second current longest consecutively serving Councilor unless that Councilor wishes to keep their previously assigned Committee Chairmanship.
The Defense Chairman shall be empowered to place a hold upon the Chancellor’s nomination of a candidate for the Minister of Defense.

This hold can be overruled and ended by a simple majority vote of the High Council.

The Defense Chairman shall be empowered to call a hearing into matters of the Britannian Armed Forces at any time.

Two councilors will be randomly selected by nomination and a mere seconding by another Councilor of the High Council to fill the Committee positions.

Defense Committee Councilors shall be empowered to call a hearing into matters of the Britannian Armed Forces with approval of the Chairman.

The Justice Committee.

The Justice Committee shall consist of at most three Councilors including the Justice Chairman.

One Councilor shall be the Committee Chairman for the related Committee.

The Justice Chairman shall chair the Justice Committee hearings.
The Justice Chairman shall be the third current longest consecutively serving Councilor unless that Councilor wishes to keep their previously assigned Committee Chairmanship.
The Justice Chairman shall be empowered to place a hold upon the Chancellor’s nomination of a candidate for the Minster of Virtue.

This hold can be overruled and ended by a simple majority vote of the High Council.

The Justice Chairman shall be empowered to place a hold upon the High Council’s nomination of a candidate for the Crown Advocate of Justice.

This hold can be overruled and ended by a simple majority vote of the High Council.

The Justice Chairman shall be empowered to call a hearing into matters of the High Court.

Two councilors will be randomly selected by nomination and a mere seconding by another Councilor of the High Council to fill the Committee positions.

Justice Committee Councilors shall be empowered to call a hearing into matters of the High Court with the approval of the Chairman.
In cases of judicial misconduct, the Justice Committee is empowered to censure an offending Justicar.

A simple majority vote of the Committee is required to censure an offending Justicar.

A vote of censure will represent a statement noting the lack of faith the High Council has in the offending Justicar to carry out his duties.

A Councilor shall only be empowered to serve as Chairman of one committee.
The number of Committees operating at any one time shall be based upon the number of Councilors available to serve as Chairman to that Committee.

Article XII: Adjutants

Each member of the High Council shall appoint an adjutant that shall assume their duties should issues arise that otherwise prevent the member from fulfilling his duties.
The adjutant of a Minister or Councilor is so empowered to cast his sponsor's vote, but only if his sponsor is not present to cast the vote himself.
The adjutant of a Councilor shall not be empowered to serve as Chairman of his sponsor’s committee.
Upon resignation or termination of a sponsor's service to the High Council, so too is the resignation of an adjutant tendered with immediate effect.

Article XIII: Immunities and Removal

The Immunities so granted by this article are to ensure that those covered are not subject to undue process of justice due to the nature of their office; however, in no way are these Immunities intended to provide immunity to prosecution for criminal conduct.
An Officer, Minister, or Councilor of the High Council may only legally be detained, arrested, or charged with criminal activity by a member of the Britannian Armed Forces.
Officers, Ministers, and Councilors of the High Council are granted immunity from legal prosecution except if any two Officers, Ministers, Councilors of the High Council or the Grand Marshal of Virtue through Marshal’s Decree under Article VII., Section I., Subsection 1., Line d. consent to remove such immunity.
Any Officer, Minister, or Councilor of the High Council whose immunity is so removed:

Is suspended from duty until either found not-guilty in a trial held in the High Court, or a period of three years passes without trial, or a period of two years passes from the last trial date (trial may still commence in the latter two cases, but the member of the High Council may resume duties).
Shall have their duties assumed by their adjutant, or by an appointed replacement if no adjutant exists.

Intentional abuse of these Immunities, if proven, shall be considered High Treason.
Only through criminal activity, and this process, shall a member of the High Council be forcibly removed from duty; resignation from duty shall be a requirement of all guilty verdicts against a member of the High Council.

Article XIV: Requirements of Duty

All members of the High Council are required to be present at meetings of the High Council either in person or in the form of their Adjutant, except under unforeseen emergencies. Missing four consecutive meetings, or any five out of eight meetings, shall be considered grounds for immediate dismissal from duty.

Officers dismissed from duty will be replaced by an interim attendant who shall handle the duties of that office until a public election has been completed.
Councilors dismissed from duty will be reported as such to the community that they represent, which shall be required to send a replacement Councilor within two meetings to assume duties, backed by three members of the community, or lose the seat of representation upon the Council.

The whole of the High Council shall be responsible for creating and executing events for community consumption; each year shall one member of the High Council be assigned to plan and execute an event, and so shall each member be cycled through each year. The Chancellor of Virtue shall be responsible for maintaining the order of rotation and declaring the member responsible for the coming year.

Article XV: Resignations

A member of the High Council may tender his resignation to the Chancellor of Virtue, or, if unavailable, to any Councilor or Minister of the High Council. Such resignation is effective immediately upon acceptance.

Article XVI: Voting Procedures

Votes of the High Council may proceed as long as there are two voting members of the Council present (any combination of two Councilors, two Ministers, or one Councilor and one Minister may proceed); votes which require a two-thirds majority may only pass by unanimous vote if only two voting members are present.
Votes requiring a two-thirds majority require that two-thirds of votes cast be in favor of the motion; an abstention shall be considered a "nay" vote in this regard.
Votes requiring a simple majority vote require that the majority of votes cast as either "aye" or "nay" be cast as "aye" for the motion to pass; an abstention shall simply reduce the number of votes counted as "aye" or "nay" in this regard.
If desired by any Councilor or Minister, a vote may be conducted silently, in which case, the each voting member shall cast their vote within a tome, signed by their name, sealed, and turned in to be ratified.
Vote ratification shall be handled by the Chancellor of Virtue, unless both he and the Vice Chancellor are not present; ratification shall then fall in order to the Chief Justicar of Virtue, a High Justicar of Virtue, the Grand Marshall of Virtue, or a selected Britannian Citizen should all other options fail.
Votes of the Committees may proceed as long as there is one voting member of the Committee present (either the Chairmen or Councilor serving on the Committee); All hearings shall be determined with majority vote, in the case of a tied vote, the Chairman’s vote will count as the deciding factor.
Votes of Committee shall have no legal binding except in Confirmation hearings in which the confirmation of a Chancellor’s nomination of a Minister to the High Council of Britannia will be decided and carry the weight of law.

Article XVII: Electoral Procedures

Officers of the High Council and Justicars of the High Court are elected by public ballot.

Incumbent Officers retain their office indefinitely, however, a soft term limit of six years exists.

After an Officer has served for five years, any citizen or member of the High Council may call for an election. If an election is called, the electoral process begins.
The election may be called for at any time after five years of service, and need not specifically be at six year intervals

Open offices will accept nominations for no less than one half year and no greater than one full year to allow potential candidates to step forth.

Potential candidates must be a citizen of Britannia, have reached the majority age of fourteen years, have no outstanding warrants for arrest, and not be currently serving a sentence for a previous crime.
Candidates must register their nomination with the Electoral Administrator by submitting a letter containing their name, city of residence and the position they are running for.
After the nomination period ends, a public debate between all eligible candidates shall be held no less than one quarter year prior to the election date; such debate must allow citizens of Britannia to ask questions pertinent to the candidates' potential service.

A public vote is conducted as prescribed in Section C of this Article.

Councilors of the High Council are elected by public ballot.

In the Cities of Virtue and Vesper, Councilors will be determined based upon the electoral results of the Governor elections prescribed by The Crown. The Councilor will be appointed based upon one of the following criteria:

An elected Governor may choose to sit upon the High Council as the councilor for the city.
An elected Governor may choose to appoint a representative on his or her behalf to the Council.
Incumbent Councilors retain their office until the completion of the next Governor election cycle; incumbents who are reelected remain bound by their Oaths of Office and are not required to take the Oath of Office again.

In all Britannian cities that are not officially governed by a Governor of the Crown, representation upon the High Council will be determined by one of the following criteria:

An elected Governor, Mayor, or recognized authority may choose to sit upon the High Council as the Councilor for the city, village, or town.
An elected Governor, Mayor, or recognized authority may choose to appoint a representative on his behalf to the Council.
A city, village, or town without an elected or appointed head of government must follow these guidelines in order to receive representation upon the High Council:

A member of the community from that city, village, or town must call for open election for representation upon the High Council.
Incumbent Councilors retain their office indefinitely, however, a soft term‐limit of six years exists.

After a Councilor has served for five years, any citizen from the represented community may call for an election. If an election is called, the electoral process begins.
The election may be called for at any time after five years of service, and need not specifically be at six year intervals.

Open offices will accept nominations for no less than one half year and no greater than one full year to allow potential candidates to step forth.

Potential candidates must be a citizen of Britannia, have reached the majority age of fourteen years, have no outstanding warrants for arrest, and not be currently serving a sentence for a previous crime.
Candidates must register their nomination with the Electoral Administrator by submitting a letter containing their name, city of residence and the position they are running for.
After the nomination period ends, a public debate between all eligible candidates shall be held no less than one quarter year prior to the election date; such debate must allow citizens of Britannia to ask questions pertinent to the candidates' potential service.

A public vote is conducted as prescribed in Section C of this Article.

The following electoral procedures shall be used in order to ensure fair voting when not otherwise superseded by electoral procedures provided for by The Crown:

A finalized ballot with the names of all candidates shall be published one quarter year prior to the election.
A valid voter must be a citizen of Britannia, have reached the majority age of fourteen years, have no outstanding warrants for arrest, and not be a convicted criminal currently serving a sentence.
An Electoral Administrator shall be appointed at the time an election is called to oversee the collection and tallying of ballots.

This individual shall be the longest serving Councilor who is not participating in the election, following the line of Councilor seniority if recused; or any member of the public so appointed by simple majority vote of the High Council.

An official mailbox for ballot collection shall be placed in a public building that is under direct supervision of the Electoral Administrator and a two‐way teleportation device shall be placed at the High Council meeting chamber leading to the voting box by the Electoral Administrator.

The mailbox for ballots shall remain in place for four days prior to the prescribed close of the election.
Any voter may request to leave an absentee ballot with the Electoral Administrator up to a half year prior to the close of the election if extenuating circumstances will prevent that voter from otherwise casting a vote.

Ballot collection shall be suspended five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the session of the High Council at which the results of the election are to be announced, the Electoral Administrator shall retrieve all votes from the voting box and verify and tally all legitimate votes cast by citizens of Britannia.

Votes are tallied, and the candidate with the highest number of votes cast in his favor assumes the office.
In the case of a tie, a run‐off election is held between tied candidates (which continues until a clear victor, even by one vote, is elected to office).

A newly elected Officer or Councilor must take an Oath of Office within one half year of the election in order to assume duty. Failure to swear the Oath of Office in the prescribed time will nullify the election, and the electoral process shall begin anew.

Article XVIII: Modification of Constitution, Law, and Decrees of the Council

The High Council shall ratify no law which is formulated or enacted retroactively.
This Constitution may be modified or amended by a two-thirds majority vote of Councilors and Ministers.
The High Council may pass laws by majority vote.
The High Council may issue decrees by majority vote, the purpose of such decrees being to order an individual or organization to comply with the wishes of the Council; failure to obey a decree may be construed as High Treason.
All amendments, laws, and decrees are subject to review by the High Court, which may vacate the item (in full, not in part) if it is determined to violate the higher laws of Lord British or the Ruling Council.
Failed proposals may not be brought forth for re-evaluation until a period of four years has passed, unless a motion is made to allow the proposal to be brought forth again, and that motion is seconded by another member of the High Council.
Amendments to the Constitution shall be in the form of additional articles, the striking of text, or the replacement of text within the original document to maintain an orderly text.

Article XIX: Meeting Procedures

The date, time, and location of all meetings shall be decided upon by the Chancellor, who shall do his best to choose a date, time, and location which is suitable to the needs of the High Council.
The High Council shall hold public meetings regularly, and private meetings by necessity.
Emergency private meetings may be called by any member of the High Council, but only when a clear and present need is evident. Members of the High Council may invite guest speakers to attend the meeting, but speakers should remain on topic, and may not digress to other topics.
Private meetings shall occur in a location undisclosed to the public, and the minutes of such meetings shall be released to the public after the meeting occurs; the minutes of the meeting shall be sealed by request of any member of the High Council, and only if such request is seconded by any other member of the Council.
The Chancellor of Virtue shall maintain a public meeting procedure which should include: Calling of the meeting to order; Recognizing scheduled items on the agenda; Recognizing the assembly for items not on the agenda; Announcement of open positions; Opening the floor if time permits; Adjournment.

Article XX: Britannian Rights

All persons brought to trial shall be afforded fair, unbiased trial, and be afforded representation, which shall be appointed by the Court if none can be afforded through any other means.
Any person incarcerated shall be charged with a crime within forty-eight hours; shall not be tortured, beaten, or otherwise unduly pained; shall be provided food, water, and healing needed to remain in good health; shall not be questioned without representation or an unbiased witness if so requested; and shall not be incarcerated for undue length of time prior to trial (for each day served before trial, so shall the severity of any sentence be considered against).
At no time shall any person be subjected to slavery within Britannia.
No citizen shall face persecution or challenge for spiritual or religious beliefs that vary from the Virtues, which are fundamental to Britannia, in so far as the practices of these beliefs does not exceed the laws of the land, nor cause any person to participate unwillingly in them; that no practice of a belief may be used as defense for breaking a law, nor condemn a person for not openly espousing the Virtues.
Import to and export from Britannia shall be unimpeded except where such trade is suspected or known to be destined to forces at war with Britannia or her allies. No caravan or trade vessel shall be detained or inspected without warrant issued by the High Court, and such warrant must be requested with just cause. Caravans or trade vessels found to be supplying enemies may be deported or detained under authority and discretion of the Grand Marshal.

Article XXI: War and Enemies of State

Declarations of War against hostile entities may only be made by two-thirds majority of the High Council as pursuant to Article XIV, Section C. with exceptions made for Chancellor’s Decree pursuant to Article IV, Section C, Subsection 1, Line c. and Marshal’s Decree pursuant to Article VII, Section I, Subsection 1. Line b.

War may only be declared against foreign nations, or organized groups who seek harm to Britannia or her people.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs must attempt to disarm any international conflicts by diplomatic means.

Occupied Territories will be considered under Martial Law, but still a part of their nation of origin.

Occupied Territories on Britannian soil may keep their previous representation should they have any; however, that representative will lose voting power.
The Occupying force may send a representative to the High Council who will be considered a Foreign Ambassador regardless of birthplace. This person will have no voting power, but may act as a voice for the Occupied Territory.

The High Council may refuse to recognize any Foreign Ambassador who is a known criminal, and may exile from Britannia through censure any Foreign Ambassador who has been party to criminal activities or unethical acts.

War Crimes are to be considered High Crimes by the High Court of Britannia, and subject to the Death Penalty.

Civilian mass-murder, torture, slavery, and depravation of food and water are to be considered War Crimes.
Military actions that result in a War Crime are the responsibility of the enemy commander, or foreign dignitary that ordered the action.

Any individual or group may be declared an Enemy of State due to hostile actions against Britannian citizens upon the recommendation of the Chief Justicar, a High Justicar, the Grand Marshal of Virtue and his War Cabinet, or from a hearing of the Defense Committee, ratified by a majority vote of the High Council. A declared War automatically makes the enemy combatant entities an Enemy of State.

A list of Enemies of State is to be maintained by the Chief Justicar in the High Court Building.
Enemies of State are granted the same legal protections as any Britannian Citizen for trial.

Article XXII: Land

All land within the Kingdom of Britannia, as defined in Article I, Section C, is owned and administered by the Crown; and is subject to Britannian Law.

Plots of land may be leased by individuals or groups to build upon.

Landholders may build whatever they wish upon their lands as long as it is not openly hazardous to the public.

A fence or wall around the land may obviate the public hazard.
The Royal Housing Authority may condemn a structure if it poses a significant public hazard.

Foreign Powers may build one Embassy on Britannian soil, subject to their laws.

Murders committed on this land are covered under Britannian Law and subject to investigation by Britannian forces.

Land may not be ceded to a foreign power by any landholder, guild, City Official, Councilor, Minister or the High Chancellor. Only the Crown, its legitimate heir, or the Ruling Council may cede land to a foreign power.

Any ceding of land by an unauthorized party will be considered fraud, thus null and void.

Should the unauthorized party fraudulently cede land to a hostile power; that party may be brought up on charges of High Treason.

Ratified October 21st, 2013.
Votes: Ayes - Councilor PabII of Yew, Councilor Neptune of Skara Brae, Councilor Kivlov of Newcastle Township, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hla-ate. Nays: 0 Abstains: 0

Amendments Ratified January 27th, 2014.
Votes: Ayes - Councilor PabII of Yew, Councilor Neptune of Skara Brae, Councilor Kivlov of Newcastle Township, Councilor Warner of Britain, Councilor Tyrell of Moonglow, Councilor Knighthawke of Minoc, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hla-ate. Nays: 0 Abstains: 0

Article XVII Amendment Ratified April 7th, 2014.
Votes: Ayes - Councilor Neptune of Skara Brae, Councilor Warner of Britain, Councilor Fl'Gith of Trinsic, Councilor Tyrell of Moonglow, Councilor Knighthawke of Minoc, Minister of Virtue Hla-ate, Minister of Foreign Affairs Todie. Nays: 0 Abstains: 0