((Proper way to reference items in this document: Article, section, subsection, clause, item, sub-item, point, sub-point.))

Article I: Purpose


A.      The High Council of Britannia derives its power from the people 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.

B.      The High Council serves as an advocate 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.

1.       A citizen of Britannia is defined as any native or naturalized person, as defined in Article XX, section A, lawfully residing within the Kingdom of Britannia, as defined in Article I, section C; unless specifically deemed otherwise by a ruling of the High Court of Britannia.

C.      The Kingdom of Britannia is herein defined as:

1.       The entirety of the surface of the Britannian Continent

a.       This includes, but is not limited to, the Cities of Virtue (Britain, Jhelom, Minoc, Moonglow, New Magincia, Skara Brae, Trinsic and Yew) and Vesper - collectively known as the Crown Cities; and the hamlets of Cove and Paws.

2.       The surface of and all structures on the Valorian Isles, the Isle of Deeds, Verity Isle, the Isle of Magincia, the isles of Skara Brae and Iver's Rounding, Valor Isle, Haven Isle, Barrier Isle and the isles comprising the Fens of the Dead.

3.       The Lost Lands colonies of Papua and Delucia.

4.       The Underworld colony of Ariel Haven.

5.       All land and structures within fifty paces of any Eight Shrines of Virtue not contained within any other boundary previously defined.

6.       Any land or structures claimed by the Crown.

D.     The City of Wind is acknowledged to be an independent, sovereign entity and not subject to rule by the Crown.

Article II: Composition


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

1.       The Chancellor of Virtue, whose duties are described in Article IV.

2.       The Triumvirate of the High Justicars of Virtue, represented by the Chief Justicar of Virtue as described in Article VI.

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

1.       The Vice Chancellor of Virtue, whose duties are described in Article V., Section A., Subsection 1.

2.       The Minister of Foreign Affairs, whose duties are described in Article V., Section A., Subsection 2.

3.       The Minister of Defense, whose duties are described in Article V., Section A., Subsection 3.

4.       The Minister of Virtue, whose duties are described in Article V. Section A., Subsection 4.

C.      The High Council of Britannia shall also consist of Councilors:

1.       Duties of Councilors of the High Council are described in Article X.

2.       A community may claim representation on the High Council by one of two methods:

a.       For a representative to become a councilor for one of the Crown Cities, they must meet the following criteria:

i.         The representative must have been elected governor of the city, appointed by the Crown, or be an appointed by the governor.

ii.       A citizen of a city may seek to represent their respective Crown City if the elected governor chooses not to represent the city or send a representative to the High Council.

b.       For a representative to become a councilor of a city or village outside of the Crown Cities must meet the following criteria:

i.         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.

ii.       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.

iii.      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.

iv.      The community must not currently be an Occupied Territory of an Enemy of State; as Article XXI, Section B supersedes this clause.

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

1.       The Grand Marshal of Virtue, whose duties are described in Article VII.

2.       The Advocate of Justice, whose duties are described in Article IX.

E.      Officers, councilors, appointees and ministers shall be required to adhere to the Requirements of Duty as outlined in Article XIV.

Article III: Foreign Ambassadors


A.      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.

1.       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.

a.       Enemies of State must seek temporary truce from the Chancellor or Grand Marshal via pigeon or mail prior to the meeting.

b.       Enemies of State shall be limited to a party of no more than three members when coming before the High Council. The party may consist of the following:

i.         An unarmed emissary that will be allowed in the Council chamber to speak. Only the emissary will be allowed in the chamber.

ii.       Two lightly armed guards who will be subject to search will be allowed to remain outside the chamber doors.

c.       Any violation of this truce may be met with force.

B.      A foreign ambassador to the High Council shall have been approved by the province or government that he or she represents.

C.      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 ambassador who has been party to criminal activities or unethical acts.

1.       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.

2.       Any foreign ambassador that commits a murder on Britannian soil is subject to Britannian Law.

Article IV: The Chancellor of Virtue


A.      The Chancellor of Virtue is responsible for facilitating the daily operations of the High Council, and shall preside over all public meetings of the Council.

B.      The Chancellor of Virtue may form a cabinet during his or her administration. This cabinet may consist of the Vice Chancellor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Virtue, and the Minister of Defense. The duties of the cabinet are outlined in Article V.

C.      The Chancellor of Virtue shall be empowered to issue a Chancellor’s Decree at any time.

1.       Chancellor Decrees shall be limited to the following:

a.       Issuance of temporary arrest warrants for citizens of Britannia or foreign citizens operating within Britannian borders that are believed to be acting in an unlawful manner.

i.         The chancellor shall be empowered to issue temporary arrest warrants.

ii.       Temporary arrest warrants may be upheld or struck down at the determination of the High Court at its earliest convenience.

iii.      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.

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

i.         The chancellor shall be empowered to issue a Decree of Extended Detainment.

ii.       Extended detainment decrees require that a temporary arrest warrant be issued prior.

iii.      The chancellor shall be empowered to hold an extended detainee without a hearing before the High Court for ten days.

iv.      Extended detainments issued for personal gain, of a treasonous nature, or in grievous error can result in a censure vote or a trial before the High Court.

c.       Declaration of War and status as Enemy of State.

i.         The Chancellor shall be empowered to issue a Declaration of War.

ii.       The declaration of war in affect grants the subjected party the status of Enemy of State and all the consequences that state entails in Article XXI.

iii.      The chancellor may hold off bringing a declaration of war for a vote of support before the High Council for ten days, during which time the declaration of war shall be binding.

iv.      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.

d.       Peace Agreements.

i.         The chancellor shall be empowered to enter into negotiation of a peace agreement with foreign nations or Enemies of State.

ii.       The chancellor may hold off bringing his or her peace agreement for a vote of support before the High Council for ten days, during which time the peace agreement shall be binding.

iii.      Peace Agreements issued for personal gain or of a treasonous nature can result in a censure vote and a trial before the High Court.

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

i.         The chancellor shall be empowered to fully pardon a criminal or reduce his or her sentence if the chancellor sees merit.

ii.       Criminal pardons can be subject to review by the High Council or the High Court.

f.        Meetings of the War Cabinet and the Security Committee.

i.         The chancellor shall be empowered to call for a meeting of the War Cabinet or the Security Committee.

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

g.       Travel Advisories due to disruptions in the free movement of citizens and commerce caused by circumstances hazardous to such endeavors.

h.       Security Decrees pertaining to the structures found within Compassion Grove and the safety of the citizens and properties contained therein.

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

D.     The chancellor shall be empowered to participate in and advise all meetings of the War Cabinet and the Security Committee.

E.      The chancellor shall be empowered to call a meeting of his or her cabinet at any time.

F.      The chancellor is required to hold an open questioning session once every three months.

G.      If the voting members of the High Council should become deadlocked in a vote, the chancellor (or one acting in his or her stead) shall and must cast the deciding vote.

H.     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 guests or members of the Council.

I.        The chancellor shall be empowered, at his or her 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


A.      The Chancellor’s Cabinet may consist of the following:

1.       The Vice Chancellor of Virtue.

a.       The vice chancellor shall be the head of the chancellor's cabinet, and may appoint other cabinet members to handle public relations duties and affairs throughout Britannia.

b.       In absence of the Chancellor of Virtue, the vice chancellor shall temporarily assume all the powers granted to the chancellor under Article IV.

c.       The vice chancellor shall not be empowered to cast a vote on any matters brought before the High Council unless the vice chancellor is acting under the powers granted to the chancellor in Article IV that may temporarily be granted by Article V., Section A., Subsection 1., clause b.

d.       The vice chancellor shall undergo a confirmation vote by the High Council Confirmation Committee.

2.       The Minister of Foreign Affairs.

a.       The minister of foreign affairs shall act as the chancellor’s and High Council's emissary and ambassador to foreign nations.

b.       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.

c.       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.

d.       The minister of foreign affairs shall serve as a consultant on matters of foreign policy to the chancellor’s cabinet.

e.       The minister of foreign affairs shall be empowered to cast a single vote on all matters brought before the High Council.

f.        The minister of foreign affairs shall undergo a confirmation vote by the High Council Confirmation Committee.

3.       The Minister of Defense.

a.       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.

b.       The minister of defense shall act as the chancellor’s and High Council’s official representative to the Royal Britannian Spies and Royal Britannian Guard.

c.       The minister of defense shall be empowered to seek and enter into contracts aimed at arming, defending, and assisting the Britannian Armed Forces.

d.       The minister of defense shall serve as a consultant on matters of war to the chancellor’s cabinet.

e.       The minister of defense shall be empowered to grant temporary status of militia to civilians who are seeking to aid the Britannian Armed Forces.

f.        The minister of defense shall be empowered to cast a vote on all matters brought before the High Council.

g.       The minister of defense shall undergo a confirmation vote by the High Council Confirmation Committee.

h.       The minister of defense may be a currently serving member of the Britannian Armed Forces.

4.       The Minster of Virtue.

a.       The minister of virtue shall act as ambassador to the Cities of Virtue who do not have active community leadership, and go among the citizens to bring news of the Council to them, and shall learn how they may be better served by bringing their voice to the High Council.

b.       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.

c.       The minister of virtue shall serve as a consultant on all matters of virtue to the chancellor’s cabinet.

d.       The minister of virtue shall be empowered to cast a single vote on all matters brought before the High Council.

e.       The minister of virtue shall undergo a confirmation vote by the High Council Confirmation Committee.

f.        The minister of virtue shall undergo a confirmation by the Justice Committee or the High Court.

g.       The minister of virtue may be temporarily appointed as an acting High Justicar if that position is vacant or if the current Justicar Triumvirate is recused or unavailable.

i.         The High Council must ratify this temporary appointment by majority vote.

ii.       Such an appointment does not increase the minister's voting power; the minister shall vacate his or her voting power while serving as the Council-appointed Acting High Justicar.

B.      All members of the chancellor’s cabinet serve at the pleasure of the Chancellor of Virtue and may be dismissed at any time.

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


A.      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 may not otherwise contradict or exceed this document.

B.      The Chief Justicar of Virtue shall be responsible for the administration of the High Court, and shall maintain the Codex of High Crimes and the Charter of the High Court.

C.      The chief justicar shall be assisted by two high justicars, whose opinions shall be requisite in any ruling of the High Court except:

1.       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.

2.       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 or acting high justicar so appointed.

a.       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 by the Chief Justicar of Virtue, or either High Justicar of Virtue in order of seniority or order of age if they have been elected in the same term.

D.     The High Court is empowered and entrusted with the responsibility of ruling on the constitutionality 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.

1.       The justicars of High Court may not initiate legal proceedings on their own, or as a body, as plaintiff.

a.       Justicars may bring suit personally, in their capacity as a citizen, but they and their adjutant are recused from all court duties for the duration of any such proceeding.

2.       If any presiding member of the Triumvirate of High Justicars of Virtue is directly involved in any case, that justicar must recuse him or herself, as well as their adjutant, from the proceedings.

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

1.       Each presiding justicar shall consider his or her 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 or his legitimate successors.

2.       Each presiding justicar shall note for the official record his or her opinion and the reasons therefore.

3.       In any ruling wherein the presiding justicars stand unanimous in decision:

a.       The Chief Justicar or their adjutant shall write the Opinion of the High Court that shall be entered into the record of the High Court as the decision regarding the matter at hand.

4.       In any ruling wherein the presiding justicars do not stand unanimous in decision:

a.       The opinion of the majority of the presiding justicars shall be the prevailing decision in the matter.

b.       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 regarding the matter at hand.

c.       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.

5.       Should the High Court be required to provide criminal sentence, or civil fines, compensation, remuneration or any other sort of restitution or remedy in addition to its decision on any matter, the presiding justicars shall deliberate an appropriate resolution.

a.       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 their adjutant be the prevailing resolution.

F.      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.

G.      The Justice Committee of the High Council is empowered to censure or recommend the removal of a justicar under Article XI, Section B, subsection 3, clause c.

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


A.      The Britannian Armed Forces (B.A.F.) shall serve as the national defense force of Britannia, and shall consist of the virtuous guilds so charged.

B.      The Britannian Armed Forces is empowered and entrusted with protecting Britannia from her enemies both foreign and domestic, enforcing the laws of the Kingdom of Britannia and the High Council and providing protection to members of both entities.

C.      Leaders of each branch of the Britannian Armed Forces shall be granted the rank of Field Marshal, and shall represent their branch on the Military Presidium.

D.     The composition of the Britannian Armed Forces shall be maintained in either of two manners:

1.       Militias may request to join the B.A.F. via their local councilor or governor, or by petitioning through the High Chancellor or Grand Marshal directly, should they be based outside a recognized Britannian city. A recommendation will be obtained by majority vote of the Military Presidium and presented to the High Council by the Grand Marshal.

a.       The High Council of Britannia may reject a prospective branch’s inclusion in the B.A.F. if an objection is raised and is supported by at least two additional vote-eligible High Council members. If no objection is raised, the Military Presidium’s decision stands.

b.       The Grand Marshal may appoint a civilian militia temporary branch status, not to exceed one year.

c.       A branch may be ejected from the B.A.F. by a majority vote of the Military Presidium or two-thirds majority vote of the High Council of Britannia.

i.         A three-fourths majority vote of the Military Presidium may override a vote of the High Council of Britannia with regard to inclusion or removal of a branch of the B.A.F.

ii.       A branch may be immediately suspended from the B.A.F. for a violation of the Rules of Engagement, which may be lifted at the discretion of the High Council or the Military Presidium.

d.       An individual in any branch may be dismissed from service in the B.A.F. for violation in conduct or rules of engagement pursuant to a court martial as outlined in the Uniform Code of Military Justice of the Britannian Armed Forces.

E.      The High Council may appoint a Grand Marshal to act as supreme commander of the Britannian Armed Forces at any time.

1.       Appointment is subject to a majority vote of High Council members.

2.       The Grand Marshal serves the kingdom at the behest of the High Council and may be dismissed at any time.

a.       Dismissal is subject to a majority vote of High Council members.

3.       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.

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

F.      The Grand Marshal, during his or her 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.

G.      The Grand Marshal may, upon his or her appointment, form a War Cabinet. This cabinet will consist of the Military Presidium, the Minister of Defense, the Security Chairman, and any civilian advisors he or she chooses. The duties of the War Cabinet are outlined in Article VIII.

1.       The Grand Marshal shall hold at least one meeting of the War Cabinet every two months.

H.     The Grand Marshal shall be empowered to issue a Marshal’s Decree at any time.

1.       A Marshal’s Decree shall be limited to the following:

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

i.         Temporary Arrest Warrants shall be upheld or struck down at the determination of the High Court at its earliest convenience.

ii.       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.

b.       Temporary Declaration of War and status as Enemy of State.

i.         The Temporary Declaration of War in effect grants the indicated party the status of Enemy of State and all the consequences that status entails in Article XXI.

ii.       The Temporary Declaration of War shall be upheld or struck down at the determination of the High Council at its earliest convenience.

iii.      The Temporary Declaration of War can be extended ten days without being subjected to High Council vote if the Marshal’s Decree is extended with a Chancellor’s Decree.

iv.      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.

c.       Temporary Peace Agreements with Enemies of State.

i.         The Grand Marshal shall be empowered to negotiate a temporary peace settlement with Enemies of State.

ii.       Temporary Peace Agreements shall be upheld or struck down at the determination of the High Council at its earliest convenience.

iii.      Temporary Peace Agreements can be extended ten days without being subjected to High Council vote if the Marshal’s Decree is extended with a Chancellor’s Decree.

iv.      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.

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

I.        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 or the will of the people of Britannia.

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

J.       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.

 

Article VIII: The Grand Marshal’s War Cabinet


A.      The War Cabinet may consist of the following:

1.       Military Presidium

a.       Field Marshals shall represent the leaders of each branch of the Britannian Armed Forces.

b.       A Field Marshal may be empowered by the Grand Marshal to lead the Britannian Armed Forces into battle in as a Field Captain in his or her absence.

c.       Field Marshals shall be empowered to bring a Defense Policy Direction before the War Cabinet.

d.       Field Marshals shall be empowered to act upon the duties afforded by them for the Military Code of Conduct and the Charter of the Britannian Armed Forces.

2.       Civilian Advisors

a.       Civilian Advisors may be appointed to the Cabinet by the Grand Marshal.

b.       Civilian Advisors shall serve at the pleasure of the Grand Marshal.

c.       Civilian Advisors shall be empowered to bring a Defense Policy Direction before the War Cabinet.

d.       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.

3.       The Minister of Defense

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

4.       Security Committee Chairmen

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

B.      Defense Policy Directions:

1.       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.

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

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

Article IX: The Advocate of Justice


A.      The High Council may appoint a citizen of the realm to act as chief prosecutor of accused criminals brought before the High Court.

1.       Appointment is subject to a majority vote of High Council members.

2.       The Advocate of Justice serves the kingdom at the pleasure of the High Council and may be dismissed at any time.

3.       The appointee must be a citizen of Britannia, reached the majority age of fourteen years, have no outstanding warrants for arrest, may not have been convicted of any crimes within the last ten years, be being prosecuted for an accused crime, nor have ever been declared as an Enemy of State.

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

C.      The office of the Advocate of Justice may investigate crimes or individuals upon receipt of a warrant or a writ issued by a Justicar, an emergency request, writ or warrant from the Grand Marshal of Virtue or the Security Committee, or due to exigent circumstances.

1.       Emergency requests and warrants must be approved by a justicar within ten days or they become void.

Article X: Councilors of the High Council


A.      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.

B.      Each councilor, or his or her adjutant, 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 year.

C.      Each councilor shall be empowered to cast a single vote on all matters brought before the High Council.

D.     Each councilor shall be empowered to sit upon a Council Committee, the duties of which are defined in Article XI.

Article XI: Councilor Committees


A.      Councilors of the High Council may be permitted to sit upon at least one Councilor Committee.

B.      Councilor Committees shall be as follows:

1.        The Confirmation Committee.

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

i.        One councilor shall be the Committee Chairman for the committee.

a.       The Confirmation Chairman shall chair Confirmation Committee proceedings.

b.       The Confirmation Chairman shall be the current most senior councilor unless that councilor wishes to keep any previously assigned Committee Chairmanship.

c.       The Confirmation Chairman shall be required to hold a confirmation hearing on any nominated minister.

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

c.       The Confirmation Committee shall be empowered to place a hold on any of the chancellor’s nominations for any cabinet position.

i.        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.

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

2.       The Security Committee.

a.       The Security Committee shall consist of at most three councilors including the Defense Chairman.

i.        One councilor shall be the Committee Chairman for the Committee.

a.       The Security Chairman shall chair the Security Committee proceedings.

b.       The Security Chairman shall be the second most senior serving councilor unless that councilor wishes to keep any previously assigned Committee Chairmanship.

ii.       The Chancellor of Virtue and Grand Marshal of Virtue may participate in meetings of this committee in an advisory capacity.

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

c.       The Security Committee shall be empowered to place a hold upon the chancellor’s nomination of a candidate for the Minister of Defense.

i.        This hold can be overruled and ended by a simple majority vote of the High Council OR an affirmative vote by the Confirmation Committee.

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

i.        The Committee, through majority vote, may recommend censure or court martial of a B.A.F. officer to the Grand Marshal.

a.       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.

e.       The Security Committee, through majority vote, may enact Security Decrees pertaining to the safety and welfare of the citizens of the Kingdom of Britannia; including writs, warrants and orders of detainment.

i.        Such a decree does not carry the weight of law, unless supported by a majority vote of the High Council.

ii.       Writs and warrants and orders of detainment must be approved by a Justicar within ten days or they become void.

3.       The Justice Committee.

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

i.        One councilor shall be the Committee Chairman for the Committee.

a.       The Justice Chairman shall chair the Justice Committee proceedings.

b.       The Justice Chairman shall be the third most senior Councilor unless that Councilor wishes to keep any previously assigned Committee Chairmanship.

c.       The Justice Chairman shall be empowered to place a hold upon the chancellor’s nomination of a candidate for the Minster of Virtue or the Advocate of Justice.

1.       This hold can be overruled and ended by a simple majority vote of the High Council OR an affirmative vote by the Confirmation Committee.

ii.       The Chief Justicar of Virtue may participate in meetings of this committee in an advisory capacity.

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

c.       Justice Committee Councilors shall be empowered to call a hearing into matters of the High Court with the approval of the Chairman.

i.        In cases of alleged judicial misconduct, the Justice Committee is empowered to censure an offending justicar.

a.       A simple majority vote of the committee is required to censure an offending justicar.

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

b.       A censure may include a recommendation to the High Council to remove a justicar from office.

1.       Removing a Justicar from office requires a two-thirds majority vote of the High Council.

C.      A councilor shall only be empowered to serve as chairman of one committee.

D.     The number of committees operating at any one time shall be based upon the number of councilors available to serve as chairman to those committees.

Article XII: Adjutants


A.      Each member of the High Council may appoint an adjutant that shall assume the duties of the appointing member save as specified or restricted herein, should issues arise that otherwise prevent that member from fulfilling said duties.

B.      The adjutant of a minister or councilor is so empowered to cast a vote on behalf of the member that adjutant represents, but only if the appointing member is not present to cast the vote.

C.      The adjutant of a councilor shall not be empowered to serve as committee chairman.

D.     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


A.      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 invulnerability to prosecution for criminal conduct.

1.        Intentional abuse of these immunities, if proven, shall be considered High Treason.

B.      A motion for the removal of immunities requires three officers, ministers, or councilors of the High Council to support the motion. Should the motion receive the required support, a majority vote of the Council will decide if immunities are removed.

1.        The removal of immunities may be reversed by the High Court if that body believes there is insufficient evidence to sustain a formal charge.

2.       Any officer, minister, or councilor of the High Council whose immunity is so removed:

a.       Is suspended from duty until either found not guilty by 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).

b.       Shall have their duties assumed by their adjutant, or by an appointed replacement if no adjutant exists.

C.      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, currently ranked Field Marshal or above.

1.        An officer, minister, or councilor of the High Council may be detained prior to removal of immunities if they perform a witnessed act of High Treason, or if they pose an imminent threat to the Kingdom of Britannia.

D.     Only through this process, shall a member of the High Council be forcibly removed from office duty and bound for trial.

1.        Officers of the High Council may also be removed from office under Article XIV, section A.

2.       Resignation is a requirement of any member of the High Council found guilty of a High Crime by the High Court of Britannia.

Article XIV: Requirements of Duty


A.      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 dismissal from duty.

1.        Unforeseen emergency situations acknowledged by at least two High Council members shall be considered as excused absences and not trigger the above section.

2.       Officers dismissed from duty may be replaced by an interim attendant who shall handle the duties of that office until a public election has been completed.

3.       Councilors dismissed from duty will be reported as such to the community they represent, which shall be asked 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.

B.      The whole of the High Council shall be responsible for creating and executing events for community participation; 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.      A member of the High Council may tender his or her 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.

1.        Any associated adjutant’s resignation is considered to be tendered with their sponsor’s and is effective immediately upon acceptance.

Article XVI: Voting Procedures


A.      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 pass even if only two voting members are present.

B.      Votes requiring a two-thirds majority require that at least two-thirds of votes cast be in favor of the motion; an abstention shall be considered a "nay" vote in this regard.

C.      Votes requiring a simple majority vote requires 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.

D.     If desired by any councilor or minister, a vote may be conducted silently, in which case, each voting member shall cast their vote within a tome, signed by their name, sealed, and turned in to the chancellor for ratification.

E.      Vote ratification shall be administered by the Chancellor of Virtue, unless both he or she 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.

F.      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.

G.      Votes of the committee shall have no legal binding except in confirmation hearings for 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.

H.     Councilors and Ministers, and their adjutants, must recuse themselves from a vote if said vote directly pertains to them.

Article XVII: Electoral Procedures


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

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

a.       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.

b.       The election may be called for at any time after five years of service, and need not specifically be at six year intervals.

2.       Nominations will be accepted for open offices for no less than one half year and no greater than one full year to allow potential candidates to step forth.

a.       Potential candidates must be a citizen of Britannia, have reached the age of majority of fourteen years, have no outstanding warrants for arrest, and not be currently serving a sentence for a previous crime.

b.       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.

c.       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.

i.        Should only a single nomination be received for an open office, a debate is not required. However, the candidate may choose to conduct a question and answer session should they desire. They may also choose to accelerate the electoral process listed in Section C, with agreement from the Electoral Administrator.

ii.       Single-candidate ballots shall be yea/nay to allow voter desire to be expressed.

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

B.      Councilors of the High Council are elected by public ballot.

1.        In the Crown Cities, councilors will be determined based upon the results of the governor elections prescribed by the Crown. The councilor will be seated based upon one of the following criteria:

a.       An elected or Crown-appointed governor may sit upon the High Council as the councilor for their city or choose to appoint a representative on his or her behalf.

i.        If a governor chooses neither to assume the role of councilor nor to send an appointee, the previous holder of the councilor position may retain his or her seat until such time as the governor makes a decision.

b.       Incumbent councilors shall retain their office until the completion of the next governor election cycle; incumbents who are re-elected remain bound by their oaths of office and are not required to retake the oath.

i.        Such incumbents are not subject to term limits or challenges outside of the governor elections prescribed by the Crown.

2.       In all Britannian cities that are not overseen by a governor of the Crown, representation upon the High Council will be determined by one of the following criteria:

a.       An elected mayor or other recognized authority may choose to sit upon the High Council as the councilor for the city, village, or town.

b.       An elected mayor or other recognized authority may choose to appoint a representative on his or her behalf to the Council.

c.       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:

i.        A member of the community from that city, village, or town must call for open election for representation upon the High Council.

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

a.       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.

b.       The election may be called for at any time after five years of service, and need not specifically be at six year intervals.

iii.     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.

a.       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.

b.       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.

c.       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.

1.        Should only a single nomination be received for an open office, a debate is not required. However, the candidate may choose to conduct a question and answer session should they desire. They may also choose to accelerate the electoral process listed in Section C, with agreement from the Electoral Administrator.

2.       Single-candidate ballots shall be yea/nay to allow voter desire to be expressed.

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

C.      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:

1.        A finalized ballot with the names of all candidates shall be published one quarter year prior to the election.

2.       A valid voter must be a citizen of Britannia, have reached the age of majority of fourteen years, have no outstanding warrants for arrest, and not be a convicted criminal currently serving a sentence.

3.       An Electoral Administrator shall be appointed at the time an election is called to oversee the collection and tallying of ballots.

a.       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.

4.       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.

a.       The mailbox for ballots shall remain in place for four days prior to the prescribed close of the election.

b.       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.

5.       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.

a.       Votes are tallied, and the candidate with the highest number of votes cast in his or her favor assumes the office.

b.       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).

D.     Newly elected officers or councilors must take the appropriate oath of office prior to assuming duties.

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


A.      The High Council shall ratify no law which is formulated or enacted retroactively.

B.      This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of councilors and ministers.

1.        Amendments to the constitution may be in the form of additional articles, the striking of text, or the replacement of text within the document to maintain an orderly text.

2.       The constitution may also be updated as a whole, which will increase the number in the document’s title by one.

C.      The High Council may pass laws by majority vote.

D.     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.

E.      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 Royal Council.

F.      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.

Article XIX: Meeting Procedures


A.      The date, time, and location of all council sessions shall be decided upon by the chancellor, who shall do his or her best to choose a date, time, and location which is suitable to the needs of the High Council.

B.      The High Council shall hold public sessions regularly, and private sessions as necessary.

1.        Minutes of the council sessions shall be publicly posted within six months.

a.       Selections of council minutes may be redacted by order of the Chancellor, Minister of Defense, Security Chairman or the Grand Marshal. Redacted selections will be archived and may be released to the public after fifty years.

i.        Such redacted selections are not reviewable by the High Court and may not be used as evidence in any legal proceedings.

2.       Abbreviated sessions may occur when sessions of the Royal Council and the High Council of Britannia fall on the same date.

a.       Councilors who gave a report at the Royal Council may choose to forgo giving a report to the High Council should they so desire. All other duties will still apply.

b.       Councilors and/or adjutants who are not a part of the Royal Council will continue to be expected to give a status report.

C.      Emergency private sessions 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 session, but speakers should remain on topic and may not digress to other topics.

1.        Private sessions shall occur in a location undisclosed to the public, and the minutes of such meetings may be released to the public after the meeting occurs or formally sealed by request of any member of the High Council, but only if such request is seconded by any other member of the Council.

D.     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


A.      A "person" shall be defined as a sapient being, regardless of species who objectively displays an independent capacity to perceive, reason and communicate; unless they have been specifically deemed otherwise by a ruling of the High Court of Britannia.

B.      All persons brought to trial shall be afforded a fair, unbiased trial, and be afforded representation, which shall be appointed by the High Court if none can be afforded through any other means.

C.      Any person arrested shall be charged with a crime within twenty days; 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).

1.        Prisoners of War are exempted from being charged within twenty days and may be held until formal cessation of hostilities.

D.      At no time shall any person be subjected to slavery or any other form of involuntary servitude without due process of law within Britannia.

E.     No citizen shall face persecution or challenge for their spiritual or religious beliefs that may vary from the Virtues, which are fundamental to Britannia, in so far as the practices of these beliefs do not exceed the laws of the land, nor cause any person to participate unwillingly in them, nor condemn a person for not openly espousing the Virtues.

1.        No practice of a belief system may be used as defense for breaking a law of the land.

F.      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 Council or 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


A.      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, clause c. and Marshal’s Decree pursuant to Article VII, Section H, Subsection b.

1.        War may only be declared against foreign nations, or organized groups who seek harm to Britannia or her peoples.

2.       The minister of foreign affairs must attempt to defuse any international conflicts through diplomatic means.

B.      Occupied territories shall be considered to be under martial law, but still a part of their nation of origin.

1.        An occupied territory on Britannian soil may keep their representation should they have any; however, that representative will lose his or her voting power.

2.       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.

a.       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.

C.      War crimes are to be considered high crimes by the High Court of Britannia, and subject to the death penalty.

1.        Civilian mass-murder, torture, slavery, and depravation of food and water are to be considered war crimes.

2.       Military actions that result in a war crime are the responsibility of the enemy commander, or foreign dignitary that ordered the action.

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

1.        A list of Enemies of State is to be maintained by the Chief Justicar in the High Court of Britannia.

2.       Enemies of State are granted the same legal protections as any Britannian citizen with regards to trial.

 

Article XXII: Boundaries and Land Rights


A.      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.

1.        Plots of land may be leased by individuals or groups to build upon as allowed by the Crown.

a.       Freeholders may build whatever they wish upon their lands as long as it is not overtly hazardous to the public.

i.        A fence or wall around the land may obviate a public hazard.

ii.       The Royal Housing Authority may condemn a structure if it poses a significant public hazard.

b.       Foreign powers may build one embassy on Britannian soil, subject to their laws with minor restrictions.

i.        Murders committed on this land are covered under Britannian Law and subject to investigation by the Britannian Armed Forces.

ii.       At no time is the use of slaves or indentured servants permissible.

c.       Land may not be ceded to a foreign power by any freeholder, guild, city official, councilor, minister, justicar or the chancellor. Only the Crown may cede land to a foreign power.

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

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

2.       Each major Britannian city shall have its official boundaries mandated by the patrol routes of the Crown Guard. However, recognized cities may also be responsible for the general safety and security of adjacent wilderness and ocean area.

a.       Such additional responsibilities shall be outlined and color coded on the Official Britannian Sea Chart maintained by the High Council.

i.        While these territories may be cited as belonging to a specific city, these boundaries may not be used to limit or restrict the free passage or exercise of Britannian citizens, the Britannian Armed Forces, Agents of the Crown, or lawful trade, commerce, housing and tourism.

b.       Council recognized townships and villages may also be responsible for additional wilderness and ocean areas as outlined and color coded on the Official Britannian Sea Chart maintained by the High Council.

i.        While these territories may be cited as belonging to a specific city, these boundaries may not be used to limit or restrict the free passage or exercise of Britannian citizens, the Britannian Armed Forces, or lawful trade, commerce, housing or tourism.

c.       Areas of the Britannian continent, or lands claimed in Article I, section C which are not part of a city, township or village’s responsibility shall fall under the joint responsibility of the Crown’s Ministry of Security, the Royal Guard and the Britannian Armed Forces.



Ratified during the 491st session of the High Council of Britannia in BY 527 (August 8th, 2016).
Votes: Ayes - Councilor Kivlov of Newcastle Township, Councilor Tanda Knighthawke of Minoc, Councilor Dot Warner of Britain, Councilor Thom Jameison of Jhelom, Councilor Kittie of Moonglow, Councilor Gurney Halleck of Trinsic, Minister of Foreign Affairs Earlhad Todie. Nays: 0 Abstains: 0