Imperial Constitution
Overview
The Constitution was produced at the dawn of the Empire, by the First Empress and her supporters. It is a set of axioms which dictate how the Empire can be governed and the rights of the nations of the Empire and their citizens. It is not legally possible to change the Constitution, although the Senate can pass law which change the way the Constitution is interpreted or applied.
Purpose
The point of the Constitution is to ensure that Empire remains an enjoyable game to play. Senators have wide ranging powers to change the laws of the Empire, but the Constitution exists to reduce the chance that they use these powers to make the game less enjoyable. It inhibits players from reducing the complexity of the political system (in the interest of making it more fair) and tries to prevent them using undue power in the Senate to victimize disenfranchised groups. The Constitution limits the powers of players in the interest of keeping the game fun.
CUT
The nations which comprise the Empire are governed by Imperial Law which applies equally everywhere in the Empire. While each nation has its own traditions and customs they are superseded in circumstances where they conflict with Imperial Law. Imperial law itself is based on principles rather than legalistic precedents of previous cases. Those accused of crimes or engaged in civil claims would normally be expected to speak for themselves. Accordingly, there is no strong tradition of lawyers within the Empire.
Magistrates are accorded wide-ranging discretionary powers under the constitution. There is no right to appeal against the lawful judgement of a magistrate, except to the mercy of the Empress. Amongst her other constitutional powers the Empress may submit bills (draft legislation) to the Senate for their approval. Senators may also submit bills for approval in the Senate but these are subject to veto by the Empress. The Synod also has a limited power of veto over the Senate (and in effect, Senators) in their role as guardians of virtue. Any law, bill or motion in the Senate which contravenes the principles of the constitution shall be struck out.
There is a lengthy and difficult legal process by which the constitution may be changed. All constitutional changes made by the Senate must be ratified by both the Empress and the Synod. The body of criminal law provides the state with sanctions against citizens who have breached their social obligations to the state. In turn the body of civil law governs legal remedies available to individuals against other individuals (for example, as a result of a contractual dispute).
The Synod have some other legal powers in relation to the law: sanctuary, clemency, witness, and inquisition. There are also some religious crimes: blasphemy, idolatry and heresy.