Endorsement - Revision history

Hailmur at 16:36, 4 March 2026

2026-03-04T16:36:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:36, 4 March 2026
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	The Declaration is most often employed to endorse a [[ritual]] that the Conclave believes benefits the Empire but which will have significant side-effects that might otherwise be cause for prosecution by the magistrates. It can also be used to approve a bargain made with an eternal or similar magical being, provided the entity is not under Declaration of Enmity at the time the bargain was made.		The Declaration is most often employed to endorse a [[ritual]] that the Conclave believes benefits the Empire but which will have significant side-effects that might otherwise be cause for prosecution by the magistrates. It can also be used to approve a bargain made with an eternal or similar magical being, provided the entity is not under Declaration of Enmity at the time the bargain was made.
			__TOC__
	There are significant limitations on the Declaration of Endorsement. It cannot be used to undermine the Conclave itself. It is not possible to use endorsement to declare that the use of an interdicted ritual is acceptable, nor that a specific interaction with an eternal under [[Alignment#Enmity\|enmity]] is allowed. Likewise it cannot be used to override a declaration of [[sorcery]]. In all cases, the prior declarations take precedence. Most importantly of all, endorsement ''cannot'' be used to take away the rights of Imperial citizens enshrined in the Constitution.		There are significant limitations on the Declaration of Endorsement. It cannot be used to undermine the Conclave itself. It is not possible to use endorsement to declare that the use of an interdicted ritual is acceptable, nor that a specific interaction with an eternal under [[Alignment#Enmity\|enmity]] is allowed. Likewise it cannot be used to override a declaration of [[sorcery]]. In all cases, the prior declarations take precedence. Most importantly of all, endorsement ''cannot'' be used to take away the rights of Imperial citizens enshrined in the Constitution.

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

2026-01-15T12:48:05Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Synod" to "[[Synod"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:48, 15 January 2026
Line 27:		Line 27:
	If the Declaration of Endorsement passes, then it instructs the Magistrates not to prosecute the named act of magic. The endorsed act is considered to be a fit and proper use of magic and thus prosecution cannot be in the best interests of the Empire. Those who carry out the act are legally protected and while militia may investigate to ensure everything is in order, those involved cannot be prosecuted or sued for an endorsed act unless the Declaration is struck down by the Constitutional Court.		If the Declaration of Endorsement passes, then it instructs the Magistrates not to prosecute the named act of magic. The endorsed act is considered to be a fit and proper use of magic and thus prosecution cannot be in the best interests of the Empire. Those who carry out the act are legally protected and while militia may investigate to ensure everything is in order, those involved cannot be prosecuted or sued for an endorsed act unless the Declaration is struck down by the Constitutional Court.

	The Declaration does ''nothing'' to protect magicians from the censure of the [[~~Imperial~~ Synod]], criticism by the [[Senate]], or the actions of individuals. A coven that performs a powerful curse that ruins livelihoods will not be prosecuted by the magistrates, but may end up [[Excommunication\|excommunicated]], or cursed by [[thresher\|threshers]], for example.		The Declaration does ''nothing'' to protect magicians from the censure of the [[Synod]], criticism by the [[Senate]], or the actions of individuals. A coven that performs a powerful curse that ruins livelihoods will not be prosecuted by the magistrates, but may end up [[Excommunication\|excommunicated]], or cursed by [[thresher\|threshers]], for example.

	The Declaration will also do ''nothing'' to prevent or suppress any civil unrest that an act of magic may trigger. If large numbers of lives are lost as a result of a ritual or other act of magic, those affected may be very unhappy at that outcome. Such anger will not be reduced by an endorsement, it will simply redirect the ire towards the magicians of the Conclave (since they publicly approved the act).		The Declaration will also do ''nothing'' to prevent or suppress any civil unrest that an act of magic may trigger. If large numbers of lives are lost as a result of a ritual or other act of magic, those affected may be very unhappy at that outcome. Such anger will not be reduced by an endorsement, it will simply redirect the ire towards the magicians of the Conclave (since they publicly approved the act).

Matt: Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

2026-01-15T12:46:24Z

Text replacement - "[[Imperial Senate" to "[[Senate"

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:46, 15 January 2026
Line 27:		Line 27:
	If the Declaration of Endorsement passes, then it instructs the Magistrates not to prosecute the named act of magic. The endorsed act is considered to be a fit and proper use of magic and thus prosecution cannot be in the best interests of the Empire. Those who carry out the act are legally protected and while militia may investigate to ensure everything is in order, those involved cannot be prosecuted or sued for an endorsed act unless the Declaration is struck down by the Constitutional Court.		If the Declaration of Endorsement passes, then it instructs the Magistrates not to prosecute the named act of magic. The endorsed act is considered to be a fit and proper use of magic and thus prosecution cannot be in the best interests of the Empire. Those who carry out the act are legally protected and while militia may investigate to ensure everything is in order, those involved cannot be prosecuted or sued for an endorsed act unless the Declaration is struck down by the Constitutional Court.

	The Declaration does ''nothing'' to protect magicians from the censure of the [[Imperial Synod]], criticism by the [[~~Imperial~~ Senate]], or the actions of individuals. A coven that performs a powerful curse that ruins livelihoods will not be prosecuted by the magistrates, but may end up [[Excommunication\|excommunicated]], or cursed by [[thresher\|threshers]], for example.		The Declaration does ''nothing'' to protect magicians from the censure of the [[Imperial Synod]], criticism by the [[Senate]], or the actions of individuals. A coven that performs a powerful curse that ruins livelihoods will not be prosecuted by the magistrates, but may end up [[Excommunication\|excommunicated]], or cursed by [[thresher\|threshers]], for example.

	The Declaration will also do ''nothing'' to prevent or suppress any civil unrest that an act of magic may trigger. If large numbers of lives are lost as a result of a ritual or other act of magic, those affected may be very unhappy at that outcome. Such anger will not be reduced by an endorsement, it will simply redirect the ire towards the magicians of the Conclave (since they publicly approved the act).		The Declaration will also do ''nothing'' to prevent or suppress any civil unrest that an act of magic may trigger. If large numbers of lives are lost as a result of a ritual or other act of magic, those affected may be very unhappy at that outcome. Such anger will not be reduced by an endorsement, it will simply redirect the ire towards the magicians of the Conclave (since they publicly approved the act).

Twiggy at 14:07, 29 July 2025

2025-07-29T14:07:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 29 July 2025
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	* '''Declarations will fail scrutiny if they needlessly and directly harm Imperial citizens or they undermine the separation of powers between the Imperial Houses'''		* '''Declarations will fail scrutiny if they needlessly and directly harm Imperial citizens or they undermine the separation of powers between the Imperial Houses'''
	* '''An Endorsement that fails scrutiny has no standing and provides no legal protection from prosecution by magistrates'''		* '''An Endorsement that fails scrutiny has no standing and provides no legal protection from prosecution by magistrates'''
	* '''Grandmasters may obtain advice in advance from the Chief Magistrate or the Office of the Speaker of the Senate on the wording of a Declaration of Endorsement'''		* '''Grandmasters may obtain advice in advance from the Chief Magistrate or the Office of the Speaker for the Senate on the wording of a Declaration of Endorsement'''
	Because Endorsement has significant legal ramifications, it is subject to the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court\|scrutiny of the Constitutional Court]], just as the motions of the Imperial Senate that create new laws or legal titles are. Every endorsement is examined carefully by the Court to ensure that it does not violate the terms of the [[Imperial Constitution]], either by over-reaching the powers of the Conclave or by violating the rights guaranteed to citizens. If the Court find that a Declaration of Endorsement is not compatible with the Constitution they will strike it down - at which point the Declaration is null and void.		Because Endorsement has significant legal ramifications, it is subject to the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court\|scrutiny of the Constitutional Court]], just as the motions of the Imperial Senate that create new laws or legal titles are. Every endorsement is examined carefully by the Court to ensure that it does not violate the terms of the [[Imperial Constitution]], either by over-reaching the powers of the Conclave or by violating the rights guaranteed to citizens. If the Court find that a Declaration of Endorsement is not compatible with the Constitution they will strike it down - at which point the Declaration is null and void.

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	===Advice===		===Advice===
	* '''Grandmasters may obtain advice on endorsements from the Chief Magistrate, the Prefect of the Conclave, or the office of the Speaker of the Senate'''		* '''Grandmasters may obtain advice on endorsements from the Chief Magistrate, the Prefect of the Conclave, or the office of the Speaker for the Senate'''
	* '''The advice may indicate when an endorsement is unlikely to be needed'''		* '''The advice may indicate when an endorsement is unlikely to be needed'''
	Grandmasters who are intent on submitting a Declaration of Endorsement are well advised to speak to the Chief Magistrate in advance to obtain advice on how the court may rule. Such advice can also be accessed through the office of the [[Prefect of the Conclave]] or the [[Speaker for the Senate]]. The purpose of this advice is to give players an opportunity to talk to those characters best able to help them find the best wording for their declaration and to minimise the chances that it will be amended or ruled unconstitutional ''after'' it has passed the Conclave. It is perfectly fine to request advice from the Court before the summit begins. The Court will examine any provisional Declarations of Endorsement [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk sent to us at plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] between events and provide the best advice available.		Grandmasters who are intent on submitting a Declaration of Endorsement are well advised to speak to the Chief Magistrate in advance to obtain advice on how the court may rule. Such advice can also be accessed through the office of the [[Prefect of the Conclave]] or the [[Speaker for the Senate]]. The purpose of this advice is to give players an opportunity to talk to those characters best able to help them find the best wording for their declaration and to minimise the chances that it will be amended or ruled unconstitutional ''after'' it has passed the Conclave. It is perfectly fine to request advice from the Court before the summit begins. The Court will examine any provisional Declarations of Endorsement [mailto:plot@profounddecisions.co.uk sent to us at plot@profounddecisions.co.uk] between events and provide the best advice available.

Matt at 09:32, 5 June 2024

2024-06-05T09:32:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:32, 5 June 2024
Line 6:		Line 6:
	The Declaration is most often employed to endorse a [[ritual]] that the Conclave believes benefits the Empire but which will have significant side-effects that might otherwise be cause for prosecution by the magistrates. It can also be used to approve a bargain made with an eternal or similar magical being, provided the entity is not under Declaration of Enmity at the time the bargain was made.		The Declaration is most often employed to endorse a [[ritual]] that the Conclave believes benefits the Empire but which will have significant side-effects that might otherwise be cause for prosecution by the magistrates. It can also be used to approve a bargain made with an eternal or similar magical being, provided the entity is not under Declaration of Enmity at the time the bargain was made.

	There are significant limitations on the Declaration of Endorsement. It cannot be used to undermine the Conclave itself. It is not possible to use endorsement to declare that the use of an interdicted ritual is acceptable, nor that a specific interaction with an eternal under [[Alignment#Enmity\|enmity]] is allowed. In ~~both~~ cases, the prior declarations take precedence. Most importantly of all, endorsement ''cannot'' be used to take away the rights of Imperial citizens enshrined in the Constitution.		There are significant limitations on the Declaration of Endorsement. It cannot be used to undermine the Conclave itself. It is not possible to use endorsement to declare that the use of an interdicted ritual is acceptable, nor that a specific interaction with an eternal under [[Alignment#Enmity\|enmity]] is allowed. Likewise it cannot be used to override a declaration of [[sorcery]]. In all cases, the prior declarations take precedence. Most importantly of all, endorsement ''cannot'' be used to take away the rights of Imperial citizens enshrined in the Constitution.

	==Necessary Details==		==Necessary Details==

Joncreek: included reference to civil claims also being covered by an endorsement

2023-07-24T18:14:24Z

included reference to civil claims also being covered by an endorsement

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:14, 24 July 2023
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	* '''Endorsements will not prevent the civil unrest which some acts of magic can provoke'''		* '''Endorsements will not prevent the civil unrest which some acts of magic can provoke'''
	* '''Endorsements do not protect those involved from prosecution for religious crimes'''		* '''Endorsements do not protect those involved from prosecution for religious crimes'''
	If the Declaration of Endorsement passes, then it instructs the Magistrates not to prosecute the named act of magic. The endorsed act is considered to be a fit and proper use of magic and thus prosecution cannot be in the best interests of the Empire. Those who carry out the act are legally protected and while militia may investigate to ensure everything is in order, those involved cannot be prosecuted for an endorsed act unless the Declaration is struck down by the Constitutional Court.		If the Declaration of Endorsement passes, then it instructs the Magistrates not to prosecute the named act of magic. The endorsed act is considered to be a fit and proper use of magic and thus prosecution cannot be in the best interests of the Empire. Those who carry out the act are legally protected and while militia may investigate to ensure everything is in order, those involved cannot be prosecuted or sued for an endorsed act unless the Declaration is struck down by the Constitutional Court.

	The Declaration does ''nothing'' to protect magicians from the censure of the [[Imperial Synod]], criticism by the [[Imperial Senate]], or the actions of individuals. A coven that performs a powerful curse that ruins livelihoods will not be prosecuted by the magistrates, but may end up [[Excommunication\|excommunicated]], or cursed by [[thresher\|threshers]], for example.		The Declaration does ''nothing'' to protect magicians from the censure of the [[Imperial Synod]], criticism by the [[Imperial Senate]], or the actions of individuals. A coven that performs a powerful curse that ruins livelihoods will not be prosecuted by the magistrates, but may end up [[Excommunication\|excommunicated]], or cursed by [[thresher\|threshers]], for example.

Hailmur: /* Scrutiny */

2023-07-17T13:39:28Z

Scrutiny

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:39, 17 July 2023
Line 48:		Line 48:
	Situations where an Endorsement subverts the agencies of state or thwarts the explicit powers of another house will usually fail scrutiny. For example, an endorsement that explicitly endorsed an act of magic that the Civil Service had publicly identified would be treated as a declaration of war by another nation would fail. Only the Imperial Senate has the right to declare war, so it would be illegal for the Conclave to endorse an act of magic that they knew would trigger a war, in the same way that it is illegal for an Imperial general to order their army to attack a foreign power. Any endorsement of a ritual or pacts involving counterfeiting would likewise fail as the Constitution reserves such matters for the Mint.		Situations where an Endorsement subverts the agencies of state or thwarts the explicit powers of another house will usually fail scrutiny. For example, an endorsement that explicitly endorsed an act of magic that the Civil Service had publicly identified would be treated as a declaration of war by another nation would fail. Only the Imperial Senate has the right to declare war, so it would be illegal for the Conclave to endorse an act of magic that they knew would trigger a war, in the same way that it is illegal for an Imperial general to order their army to attack a foreign power. Any endorsement of a ritual or pacts involving counterfeiting would likewise fail as the Constitution reserves such matters for the Mint.

	A Declaration of Endorsement will fail scrutiny is if it clearly violates the right to dignity, freedom, and prosperity granted to citizens under the Constitution. A ritual that the Conclave judged benefited the Empire but which caused widespread property damage would be fine - but a ritual that allowed a magician to use a ritual to steal the property of another citizen would not. The Conclave could endorse a pact with an eternal even if the consequences were so painful that lives were lost in the collateral damage, but endorsing a pact to murder a citizen and deliver their heart to [[Irra Harah]] would fail. Pacts with eternals that lead to acts of slavery in Imperial lands would also fail. The Conclave could not endorse a ritual that resulted in the deaths of a specific group of people, e.g. the Sand Fishers in Holberg, but could endorse a ritual that resulted in widespread death in Holberg.		A Declaration of Endorsement will fail scrutiny is if it clearly violates the right to dignity, freedom, and prosperity granted to citizens under the Constitution. A ritual that the Conclave judged benefited the Empire but which caused widespread property damage would be fine - but a ritual that allowed a magician to use a ritual to steal the property of another citizen would not. The Conclave could endorse a pact with an eternal even if the consequences were so painful that lives were lost in the collateral damage, but endorsing a pact to murder a citizen and deliver their heart to [[Irra Harah]] would fail. Pacts with eternals that lead to acts of slavery in Imperial lands would also fail. The Conclave could not endorse a ritual that resulted in the death of a specific person, nor one that resulted in the deaths of a specific group of people, e.g. the Sand Fishers in Holberg, but could endorse a ritual that resulted in widespread death in Holberg.

	In practice such decisions are rarely clear cut - but the essential test is on the core intent of the action. Such considerations are an essential part of the legal framework of the Empire. Imperial citizens die all the time because of orders issued by Imperial generals, but those orders are still legal and constitutional, provided the murder of citizens was not the primary purpose of the order. In situations where magic causes death or property damage, the Court will scrutinize the act to see if that was the primary intention of the magic (which would be illegal) or whether such repercussions were incidental, the regrettable consequences of an act of magic which clearly had other goals as the primary intention (which would usually be fine if endorsed by the Conclave).		In practice such decisions are rarely clear cut - but the essential test is on the core intent of the action. Such considerations are an essential part of the legal framework of the Empire. Imperial citizens die all the time because of orders issued by Imperial generals, but those orders are still legal and constitutional, provided the murder of citizens was not the primary purpose of the order. In situations where magic causes death or property damage, the Court will scrutinize the act to see if that was the primary intention of the magic (which would be illegal) or whether such repercussions were incidental, the regrettable consequences of an act of magic which clearly had other goals as the primary intention (which would usually be fine if endorsed by the Conclave).

Hailmur: /* Scrutiny */

2023-07-17T13:31:22Z

Scrutiny

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:31, 17 July 2023
Line 48:		Line 48:
	Situations where an Endorsement subverts the agencies of state or thwarts the explicit powers of another house will usually fail scrutiny. For example, an endorsement that explicitly endorsed an act of magic that the Civil Service had publicly identified would be treated as a declaration of war by another nation would fail. Only the Imperial Senate has the right to declare war, so it would be illegal for the Conclave to endorse an act of magic that they knew would trigger a war, in the same way that it is illegal for an Imperial general to order their army to attack a foreign power. Any endorsement of a ritual or pacts involving counterfeiting would likewise fail as the Constitution reserves such matters for the Mint.		Situations where an Endorsement subverts the agencies of state or thwarts the explicit powers of another house will usually fail scrutiny. For example, an endorsement that explicitly endorsed an act of magic that the Civil Service had publicly identified would be treated as a declaration of war by another nation would fail. Only the Imperial Senate has the right to declare war, so it would be illegal for the Conclave to endorse an act of magic that they knew would trigger a war, in the same way that it is illegal for an Imperial general to order their army to attack a foreign power. Any endorsement of a ritual or pacts involving counterfeiting would likewise fail as the Constitution reserves such matters for the Mint.

	A Declaration of Endorsement will fail scrutiny is if it clearly violates the right to dignity, freedom, and prosperity granted to citizens under the Constitution. A ritual that the Conclave judged benefited the Empire but which caused widespread property damage would be fine - but a ritual that allowed a magician to use a ritual to steal the property of another citizen would not. The Conclave could endorse a pact with an eternal even if the consequences were so painful that lives were lost in the collateral damage, but endorsing a pact to murder a citizen and deliver their heart to [[Irra ~~Harrah~~]] would fail. Pacts with eternals that lead to acts of slavery in Imperial lands would also fail. The Conclave could not endorse a ritual that resulted in the deaths of a specific group of people, e.g. the Sand Fishers in Holberg, but could endorse a ritual that resulted in widespread death in Holberg.		A Declaration of Endorsement will fail scrutiny is if it clearly violates the right to dignity, freedom, and prosperity granted to citizens under the Constitution. A ritual that the Conclave judged benefited the Empire but which caused widespread property damage would be fine - but a ritual that allowed a magician to use a ritual to steal the property of another citizen would not. The Conclave could endorse a pact with an eternal even if the consequences were so painful that lives were lost in the collateral damage, but endorsing a pact to murder a citizen and deliver their heart to [[Irra Harah]] would fail. Pacts with eternals that lead to acts of slavery in Imperial lands would also fail. The Conclave could not endorse a ritual that resulted in the deaths of a specific group of people, e.g. the Sand Fishers in Holberg, but could endorse a ritual that resulted in widespread death in Holberg.

	In practice such decisions are rarely clear cut - but the essential test is on the core intent of the action. Such considerations are an essential part of the legal framework of the Empire. Imperial citizens die all the time because of orders issued by Imperial generals, but those orders are still legal and constitutional, provided the murder of citizens was not the primary purpose of the order. In situations where magic causes death or property damage, the Court will scrutinize the act to see if that was the primary intention of the magic (which would be illegal) or whether such repercussions were incidental, the regrettable consequences of an act of magic which clearly had other goals as the primary intention (which would usually be fine if endorsed by the Conclave).		In practice such decisions are rarely clear cut - but the essential test is on the core intent of the action. Such considerations are an essential part of the legal framework of the Empire. Imperial citizens die all the time because of orders issued by Imperial generals, but those orders are still legal and constitutional, provided the murder of citizens was not the primary purpose of the order. In situations where magic causes death or property damage, the Court will scrutinize the act to see if that was the primary intention of the magic (which would be illegal) or whether such repercussions were incidental, the regrettable consequences of an act of magic which clearly had other goals as the primary intention (which would usually be fine if endorsed by the Conclave).

Hailmur: /* Scrutiny */

2023-07-17T13:30:28Z

Scrutiny

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:30, 17 July 2023
Line 48:		Line 48:
	Situations where an Endorsement subverts the agencies of state or thwarts the explicit powers of another house will usually fail scrutiny. For example, an endorsement that explicitly endorsed an act of magic that the Civil Service had publicly identified would be treated as a declaration of war by another nation would fail. Only the Imperial Senate has the right to declare war, so it would be illegal for the Conclave to endorse an act of magic that they knew would trigger a war, in the same way that it is illegal for an Imperial general to order their army to attack a foreign power. Any endorsement of a ritual or pacts involving counterfeiting would likewise fail as the Constitution reserves such matters for the Mint.		Situations where an Endorsement subverts the agencies of state or thwarts the explicit powers of another house will usually fail scrutiny. For example, an endorsement that explicitly endorsed an act of magic that the Civil Service had publicly identified would be treated as a declaration of war by another nation would fail. Only the Imperial Senate has the right to declare war, so it would be illegal for the Conclave to endorse an act of magic that they knew would trigger a war, in the same way that it is illegal for an Imperial general to order their army to attack a foreign power. Any endorsement of a ritual or pacts involving counterfeiting would likewise fail as the Constitution reserves such matters for the Mint.

	A Declaration of Endorsement will fail scrutiny is if it clearly violates the right to dignity, freedom, and prosperity granted to citizens under the Constitution. A ritual that the Conclave judged benefited the Empire but which caused widespread property damage would be fine - but a ritual that allowed a magician to use a ritual to steal the property of another citizen would not. The Conclave could endorse a pact with an eternal even if the consequences were so painful that lives were lost in the collateral damage, but endorsing a pact to murder a citizen and deliver their heart to [[Irra Harrah]] would fail. Pacts with eternals that lead to acts of slavery in Imperial lands would also fail.		A Declaration of Endorsement will fail scrutiny is if it clearly violates the right to dignity, freedom, and prosperity granted to citizens under the Constitution. A ritual that the Conclave judged benefited the Empire but which caused widespread property damage would be fine - but a ritual that allowed a magician to use a ritual to steal the property of another citizen would not. The Conclave could endorse a pact with an eternal even if the consequences were so painful that lives were lost in the collateral damage, but endorsing a pact to murder a citizen and deliver their heart to [[Irra Harrah]] would fail. Pacts with eternals that lead to acts of slavery in Imperial lands would also fail. The Conclave could not endorse a ritual that resulted in the deaths of a specific group of people, e.g. the Sand Fishers in Holberg, but could endorse a ritual that resulted in widespread death in Holberg.

	In practice such decisions are rarely clear cut - but the essential test is on the core intent of the action. Such considerations are an essential part of the legal framework of the Empire. Imperial citizens die all the time because of orders issued by Imperial generals, but those orders are still legal and constitutional, provided the murder of citizens was not the primary purpose of the order. In situations where magic causes death or property damage, the Court will scrutinize the act to see if that was the primary intention of the magic (which would be illegal) or whether such repercussions were incidental, the regrettable consequences of an act of magic which clearly had other goals as the primary intention (which would usually be fine if endorsed by the Conclave).		In practice such decisions are rarely clear cut - but the essential test is on the core intent of the action. Such considerations are an essential part of the legal framework of the Empire. Imperial citizens die all the time because of orders issued by Imperial generals, but those orders are still legal and constitutional, provided the murder of citizens was not the primary purpose of the order. In situations where magic causes death or property damage, the Court will scrutinize the act to see if that was the primary intention of the magic (which would be illegal) or whether such repercussions were incidental, the regrettable consequences of an act of magic which clearly had other goals as the primary intention (which would usually be fine if endorsed by the Conclave).

Hailmur: /* Scrutiny */

2023-07-17T13:05:04Z

Scrutiny

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:05, 17 July 2023
Line 40:		Line 40:
	* '''An Endorsement that fails scrutiny has no standing and provides no legal protection from prosecution by magistrates'''		* '''An Endorsement that fails scrutiny has no standing and provides no legal protection from prosecution by magistrates'''
	* '''Grandmasters may obtain advice in advance from the Chief Magistrate or the Office of the Speaker of the Senate on the wording of a Declaration of Endorsement'''		* '''Grandmasters may obtain advice in advance from the Chief Magistrate or the Office of the Speaker of the Senate on the wording of a Declaration of Endorsement'''

	Because Endorsement has significant legal ramifications, it is subject to the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court\|scrutiny of the Constitutional Court]], just as the motions of the Imperial Senate that create new laws or legal titles are. Every endorsement is examined carefully by the Court to ensure that it does not violate the terms of the [[Imperial Constitution]], either by over-reaching the powers of the Conclave or by violating the rights guaranteed to citizens. If the Court find that a Declaration of Endorsement is not compatible with the Constitution they will strike it down - at which point the Declaration is null and void.		Because Endorsement has significant legal ramifications, it is subject to the [[Scrutiny#Constitutional_Court\|scrutiny of the Constitutional Court]], just as the motions of the Imperial Senate that create new laws or legal titles are. Every endorsement is examined carefully by the Court to ensure that it does not violate the terms of the [[Imperial Constitution]], either by over-reaching the powers of the Conclave or by violating the rights guaranteed to citizens. If the Court find that a Declaration of Endorsement is not compatible with the Constitution they will strike it down - at which point the Declaration is null and void.

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	Situations where an Endorsement subverts the agencies of state or thwarts the explicit powers of another house will usually fail scrutiny. For example, an endorsement that explicitly endorsed an act of magic that the Civil Service had publicly identified would be treated as a declaration of war by another nation would fail. Only the Imperial Senate has the right to declare war, so it would be illegal for the Conclave to endorse an act of magic that they knew would trigger a war, in the same way that it is illegal for an Imperial general to order their army to attack a foreign power. Any endorsement of a ritual or pacts involving counterfeiting would likewise fail as the Constitution reserves such matters for the Mint.		Situations where an Endorsement subverts the agencies of state or thwarts the explicit powers of another house will usually fail scrutiny. For example, an endorsement that explicitly endorsed an act of magic that the Civil Service had publicly identified would be treated as a declaration of war by another nation would fail. Only the Imperial Senate has the right to declare war, so it would be illegal for the Conclave to endorse an act of magic that they knew would trigger a war, in the same way that it is illegal for an Imperial general to order their army to attack a foreign power. Any endorsement of a ritual or pacts involving counterfeiting would likewise fail as the Constitution reserves such matters for the Mint.

	A Declaration of Endorsement will fail scrutiny is if it clearly violates the right to dignity, freedom, and prosperity granted to citizens under the Constitution. A ritual that the Conclave judged benefited the Empire but which caused widespread property damage would be fine - but a ritual that allowed a magician to use a ritual to steal the property of another citizen would not. The Conclave could endorse a pact with an eternal even if the consequences were so painful that lives were lost in the collateral damage, but endorsing a pact to murder a citizen and deliver their heart to Irra Harrah would fail. Pacts with eternals that lead to acts of slavery in Imperial lands would also fail.		A Declaration of Endorsement will fail scrutiny is if it clearly violates the right to dignity, freedom, and prosperity granted to citizens under the Constitution. A ritual that the Conclave judged benefited the Empire but which caused widespread property damage would be fine - but a ritual that allowed a magician to use a ritual to steal the property of another citizen would not. The Conclave could endorse a pact with an eternal even if the consequences were so painful that lives were lost in the collateral damage, but endorsing a pact to murder a citizen and deliver their heart to [[Irra Harrah]] would fail. Pacts with eternals that lead to acts of slavery in Imperial lands would also fail.

	In practice such decisions are rarely clear cut - but the essential test is on the core intent of the action. Such considerations are an essential part of the legal framework of the Empire. Imperial citizens die all the time because of orders issued by Imperial generals, but those orders are still legal and constitutional, provided the murder of citizens was not the primary purpose of the order. In situations where magic causes death or property damage, the Court will scrutinize the act to see if that was the primary intention of the magic (which would be illegal) or whether such repercussions were incidental, the regrettable consequences of an act of magic which clearly had other goals as the primary intention (which would usually be fine if endorsed by the Conclave).		In practice such decisions are rarely clear cut - but the essential test is on the core intent of the action. Such considerations are an essential part of the legal framework of the Empire. Imperial citizens die all the time because of orders issued by Imperial generals, but those orders are still legal and constitutional, provided the murder of citizens was not the primary purpose of the order. In situations where magic causes death or property damage, the Court will scrutinize the act to see if that was the primary intention of the magic (which would be illegal) or whether such repercussions were incidental, the regrettable consequences of an act of magic which clearly had other goals as the primary intention (which would usually be fine if endorsed by the Conclave).