Lex Londinium
From London Requiem
Contents |
The Law of London
(ooc: Recommended reading : Damnation City pg.196-206)
Overview of Changes
- The Metropolitan Council duly recognised the Lord Mayor of the City of London as the Supreme Legal Authority over London. London is so defined in this recognition as The City of London as well as Metropolitan London, and thus does not include lands south of the River Thames. The City of London remains inviolate as the Ancient Heart of London, the centre of Damned Commerce and Trade, and the Ancient Domain of the Lord Mayor. There shall be no interference either temporal or spiritual with this Ancient Domain by those not directly granted permit by the Lord Mayor or his Regent.
- To fully govern a Damned society in Metropolitan London, the position of Mayoral Prince is hereby established by the Lord Mayor. The Mayoral Prince is fully empowered as Head of the Mayoral Office in all things relating to Metropolitan London (London without The City).
- Further, and fundamental to the governance of Metropolitan London, a formal land ownership based system of Aldermen, Landlords and Tenants is hereby established and enforced.
- Permission to reside in or visit London is given or withdrawn by the Mayoral Office.
- Each and every Resident of London is hereby required to give Service and pay Tax for their Rights. When taxes are not fully paid, civil penalties (such as fines or forfeiture) or criminal penalties (such as incarceration) may be imposed on the non-paying entity or individual.
- The Offices of the High Sheriff and Keeper of Elysium are hereby empowered as part of the Mayoral Office.
- The Boroughs of London in the main are to be divided into the Greater Wards of London, each overseen by an Alderman appointed by the Mayoral Prince. The Aldermen of London make up the body of the Alderman Council as the Mayoral Prince's prime advisers.
- Certain supervised common lands are to be allocated as feeding grounds for approved visitors.
Greater Wards of London : Draft
- West Ward : Hammersmith & Fulham, Hounslow, Ealing, Hillingdon, Richmond on Thames.
- North West Ward : Brent, Harrow, Camden, Barnet, Haringey
- North East Ward : Islington, Hackney, Enfield, Waltham Forest, Redbridge
- East Ward : Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Newham, Eastern Tower Hamlets
- Mayoral : Kensington & Chelsea, City of Westminster, Bloomsbury, Western Tower Hamlets
Hierarchy of Land Rights
- The Mayoral Prince holds Allodium Rights and grants land rights to Aldermen or any lower status of Kindred, for their service.
- The Aldermen hold Freehold Rights and pay service to the Mayoral Office. They may grant portions of their Wards to Landlords or any lower status of Kindred, for their service.
- The Landlords hold Leasehold Rights and pay service to a higher status of Kindred (e.g. An Alderman) and the Mayoral Office, and may grant tenancy within their land to any lower status of Kindred, for their service.
- The Tenants pay service to a Landlord and the Mayoral Office, and can allow any vampire who she’s willing to be associated with to spend a few nights in her haven or immediate feeding ground. The Tenant has no authority to grant territory.
- The Landless still officially serve the Mayoral Office, but find themselves in a precarious position. Without land a Resident has only a three month grace period before their Residency is stripped from them and they are seen to be Trespassing. (Perhaps they have only recently been permitted Residency and have not yet acquired land rights, or they have had their lands removed, but the three month grace applies.) The exceptions to this are the Recognised Nomads.
STATUTE : Lex Londinium
Common Law
Under the following statutes all persons are considered competent, unless expressly determined to be otherwise. For these purposes competence is defined as, but not limited to, the ability to predict, estimate, predetermine or otherwise calculate the likely reaction to, or consequence of, any given action they commit. By virtue of their competence all persons accept the rightful judgement of the Mayor in all matters of wrongdoing and individuals acknowledge that they themselves bear full and unequivocal responsibility for their actions.
Such responsibility may be borne only by those of competence, and mitigation will be considered where evidence of malicious external influence is proven or suspected. Those found abusing this provision with false claim of malicious external influence and intent will be dealt with in the severest of terms, for they seek to deny their competence under the law and evade their responsibilities.
For the purposes of the Law, those defined as incompetent include, but are not limited to, unreleased neonates, servants, ghouls, and those determined to be incompetent. Those incompetent under the law will in all cases be the Ward of another, whom will bear the competence themselves.
Acknowledgement
All individuals entering London must introduce themselves to the Mayoral Office within two (2) nights of their arrival, and at that time petition for Visitant or Resident Rights. Whereby night is defined as the period of darkness between dusk and dawn, with the night of entry constituting the first such period. This is to ensure the Mayoral Office has knowledge of those within London. The terms 'Citizen' and/or 'Citizenry of London' refers only to those acknowledged as Visitant or Resident.
Visitant
Those from without London hold no rights whilst within unless their presence is officially recognised and their legal status as as Visitant is affirmed by the Mayoral Office. The legal status as a visitor permits such individuals to attend Court and to feed within designated areas specific for the purposes. Upon the confirmation of the legal status of a visitor, that individual submits themselves to the Jurisprudence of the Mayoral Office and is considered Competent under the law. Visitant rights come at a price.
OOC Notes: On presentation a Trivial/Minor/Major Boon (depending on how well known and respected the visitor) is gifted to the Mayoral Office and held on account for the duration of the visitor's short stay. Should the visitor leave without having caused issue, then the boon is then considered paid.
Resident
All individuals seeking residency within London (for periods longer than Visitant Rights permit) must seek official approval from the Mayoral Prince. If affirmed, the legal status as a Resident permits such individuals to hold title within London and petition for land. Upon the confirmation of the legal status of a Resident, that individual submits themselves to the Jurisprudence of the Mayoral Office and is considered Competent under the law. Residency comes at a price.
Taken From London
All competent Residents within London shall be subject to the Mayoral Office's protection and Jurisprudence. No acknowledged competent Resident shall be taken from London against his or her will, howsoever enticed or taken. Such will be classed as Kidnap and those caught engaging in such activity will be judged according to law. Only the Mayoral Prince may permit any such Resident to be taken from London against their own will, for the purposes of trial. Such will require evidence to be brought forth before the Mayoral Prince at a Mayoral Court to determine if there is a charge to answer. Any whom would prosecute a Resident as so classified within this paragraph, outwith the Boundaries of London in the absence of the rightful judgement of the Mayoral Prince falls forfeit of the Kidnap of a Resident and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law.
Representation
All Residents of London are expected to comport themselves with dignity and good grace whilst without the Boundaries of London. To do otherwise is to draw shame upon London and will be punished upon their return. The reputation of London is based upon that of it’s government and Citizens.
Taxes
Beyond the standard tithes and rents of lands, all Residents of London are required once in every calendar year to yield an appropriate levy to the Mayoral Office to permit it to maintain the safety of those same subjects within its boundaries.
Civil Requirements
In time of civil need, all Residents are requested and required to cooperate fully with the directives of the Mayoral Prince, and make available all resources and contacts as necessary. This is to provide the most effective response to situations including but not limited to Breaches of the Silence.
Census
Once in every calendar year all Residents of London are expected to attend court for an annual census. Failure to attend (or send appropriate notice to the Mayoral Office) will result in Residential status being revoked, thus leaving the absentee unprotected by Law.
Nomads
London accepts a number of Recognised Nomads, deemed Landless. The Mayoral Prince grants to them a right to pass within the territories of Metropolitan London, bar the Mayoral Boroughs, Parks and Districts. For such right they are expected to fulfil these obligations; firstly that they present themselves at Court at least once in every year, secondly that they may hold no haven nor territory, thirdly that they may remove nothing from those lands they cross nor garner sustenance therefrom without prior permission of the Landholder, and lastly that should a Landholder decide to close their borders that this be fully respected. Nomadic subjects may request Hospitality from Landholders and may temporarily receive it, for which a fair exchange of payment is desirable.
Trespass
Details to be added. Fundamentally, those who trespass in London (those without acknowledged Visitant or Resident rights) are illegal and unprotected, at the mercy of the Citizenry of London and the Mayoral Office.
Religion
Established Church
The Dark Church of the Lancea Sanctum is the established official Church of London. Private acts of faith are tolerated, further Religious freedoms within London are permitted to an extent mostly determined by the established Church. Within London the Bishopric of London is hereby recognised.
Lords Spiritual
The position of Bishop of London is likewise recognised as a Lord Spiritual, and is therefore entitled to sit with the Council of Alderman (Metropolitan Court). Lords Spiritual normally do not have a deciding voice in the Metropolitan Court, but they may do so in special cases as determined by the Mayoral Prince. Visitant Archbishops and Cardinals of the Lancea Sanctum are also entitled to serve as Lords Spiritual temporarily, should the Lord Spiritual of London give consent.
Sanctuary
The Mayoral Prince hereby recognises the Sanctuary of all Churches and Cathedrals of London. Let none bring violence upon these grounds, nor shed blood within them nor force the wills of others while therewithin. Those who seek refuge here may find it at the pleasure of the landholder and should fear no evil upon these grounds. Those whom trespass or bring violence and bloodshed upon these grounds will face the Mayoral Office's fullest justice.
Tradition
London recognises the primacy of the Traditions within society. It is the express duty of all present in London to uphold the Traditions at all times. The authority to sentence those who transgress against the Traditions lies with the Mayoral and Metropolitan Courts. Such cases are to be brought forward and prosecuted with due speed.
On the Masquerade
Do not reveal your true nature to those not of the Blood. Doing so forfeits you your claim to the Blood.
In pursuance of this, all present in London are expected to uphold the secrecy of the Masquerade. Competent individuals who willfully or carelessly transgress this will be punished in the harshest of terms and to the fullest extent of the Law. Breaches of Secrecy are to be attended to immediately and in the most expedient manner possible, that will draw as little further attention. In the event of such a breach the Mayoral Office or a representative is to be contacted immediately, such that action can be taken to stem the matter at source.
On Progeny
Sire another at the peril of both yourself and your progeny. If you create a childe, the weight is your own to bear.
No one present in Metropolitan London shall create another of our kind without the leave of the Mayoral Prince. Nor shall any Citizen of London circumvent this by creating their progeny without the area to bring them into the London thereafter. Those found in violation of this provision will be dealt with accordingly. Society exists in delicate balance with the world around, and it is the duty of the Mayoral Office to ensure sufficient resources are available for all Residents within its boundaries.
On Amaranth
You are forbidden from devouring the heartsblood of another of your kind. If you violate this commandment, the Beast calls to your own Blood.
Under no circumstances will any individual drain the life’s blood of another and consume them fully. To do so is to commit a most heinous act and is punishable only in the severest of terms.
On Destruction (Final Death)
It should be well noted that the right of destruction over the Citizenry of London is reserved by the Mayoral Office alone. The act of destruction may be administered only by a duly sanctioned representative of the Mayoral Prince, excepting the case of a Blood Hunt where all competent individuals within London are permitted to administer the act. Nor shall any Citizen of London circumvent this by destroying another Citizen of London without the area. Those found in violation of this provision will be dealt with accordingly.
On Elysium
London upholds the fourth Tradition of Elysium as the Mayoral Office sees it. Let none bring violence upon these grounds, nor shed blood within them nor force the wills of others while therewithin.
Law
Jurisprudence belongs to the Mayoral Office alone. The Mayoral Office may appoint sanctioned and authorised representatives to dispense its jurisprudence at the varying London Courts of Law at its convenience and pleasure. Within London the following Courts of Law are hereby recognised; The Common Court, The High Court and the Mayoral Court. The following principle officers are recognised and appointed by the Mayor; Magistrates, Justices and Justices of the Mayor.
Legal Hierarchy
- The Common Court (Magistrates: Landlords, Prisci and Freemen) - Civil
- The High Court (Justices: Aldermen) - Traditional
- The Mayoral Court (Justices of the Mayor) - Supreme
The Common Court
The Common Court will be convened for petty offences and those occurring within the specific holdings of subjects other than the Mayoral. In such circumstances another landholding subject will be appointed Magistrate, with the consent of the Mayoral Office, and will hear the case. It will remain within their remit whilst the matter remains petty. Should the Magistrate feel the matter will stray without their authority or remit, they may petition the Mayoral Office to have the case heard at Metropolitan Court. The sentencing powers of Magistrates extend to fines, short term incarceration or enforced torpor, and similar punitive measures of a corporal nature.
High Court
High Court will be convened once in every quarter year on a circuit around London. The High Court will hear cases of greater crimes, such as those involving Elysium and minor Breach of Traditions, as well as cases passed up by Magistrates. High Courts will be held by either an appointed Justice or Justices. Such Justices will be appointed by the Mayor and drawn from Aldermen. In normal session the High Court will not sit with a Jury. At the behest of the Mayoral Prince, the High Court may sit with either Jury or multiple Justices. Such is usually reserved for cases where significant doubt exists, and in the case of petition by external parties for the right to try subjects without London.
Justices hold the power to hand down longer and larger sentences than Magistrates. Should the case warrant it, and the Justice petitions the Mayoral Prince, the powers of a Mayoral Court might be conferred upon the High Court Justice, further extending powers temporarily (allowing the right to utilise Capital measures).
All cases involving breach of the Law against the Mayoral Prince will be Judged by the Mayoral Court.
Mayoral Court
Mayoral Court will sit only in exceptional circumstance. Such courts will be presided over by the Mayoral Office to hear cases between Aldermen and other notable subjects. Such Courts will hear actions concerning the holdings, reputations and the like of such subjects.
The Mayoral Courts reserve all powers invested under the Mayoral Prince and have the freest hand in sentencing. This court is free to prescribe final Capital sentencing and may invoke vendetta between feuding Aldermen or landholding subjects if no alternative may be found. This Court will specify the precise terms of vendetta between the concerned parties. Should either break those proscribed terms then they are forfeit and are subject to penalty therefore.
Appeal
The Mayoral Court represents the final Court and will hear appeals arising from the Lower Courts. The judgements of the Mayoral Courts are final and binding, there is no right of appeal from this Court. In cases heard at High Court, if one party is an Alderman they may petition to the Court to have the case heard by the Mayoral Court. Similarly, in cases heard at Common Court, if one party is a Landlord or Priscus they may petition to the Court to have the case heard by the High Court. In all such cases this right might only be invoked once per session of the Court and must be entered prior to the trial commencing. Failure to enter the request to the presiding Magistrate or Justice before the Court hears evidence invalidates the invocation of the right. Those Plaintiffs or defendants who request the case to be heard in higher courts, either by right or by plea agree to be bound by the decision of that court and waive the right to appeal for they have pre-emptively used such right.
The Mayoral Prince may at any time hear and judge any case or petition without holding Court should the need to do so be proven and clear as well as immediate.
Those individuals involved in cases who are not acknowledged legally as competent Citizens are without protection within London and are at the mercy of the attentions of the Mayoral Office’s sanctioned agents.
Trade
All trade conducted within the Bounds of Metropolitan London is done so at the risk of both vendor and purchaser, caveat emptor. Those seeking greater surety in their dealings may take them to The City of London, where under the observation of a duly appointed representative of the Lord Mayor both parties enter into a contractual arrangement which is binding by Law.
Dealings conducted herewithin will be binding by law, and record should be made in writing. All written transactions will require the presence of a representative of the Worshipful Company of Scriveners of the City of London, whom are hereby appointed as the official, and sole, agency for the witnessing and verification of transactions occurring within The City of London, by Mayoral Warrant.
Those dealings so witnessed will be subjected to a minimal levy to recompense the City for its protection of the contract. Such levy as is applied will be stipulated in the contract and recorded with the Worshipful Company of Scriveners of the City of London.
Within London this charter hereby provides for the holding of a maximum of one (1), annual Market within each major Ward per calendar year. Such a market will enjoy the protection of the Mayoral Office on all contracts (without levy). No market may fall within 3 clear calendar months of any other within any one calendar year. Such Markets are most likely to occur in relation to festivals and events of local significance, and it is encouraged for these to form a theme for the market held.
Lands, Honours and Dignities
All Lands, Honours and Dignities conferred with regards to areas of Metropolitan London are so granted at the pleasure of the Mayoral Prince. To claim, use or take such honours and dignities without leave of the Mayoral Prince is Personation to be prosecuted by Mayoral Justices.
Any grant of Honours and Dignities will be made by Letters Patent to the concerned individual. Such Letters Patent will form the basis of any claim or evidence against counter claim. The Mayoral Office in its grant of Letters Patent will define the exact Honours and Dignities to be received and likewise any Arms that may henceforth be borne.
Just as the Mayoral Prince may confer Honours and Dignities at will, such may they also be revised under deserving circumstances. Alternatively the Mayoral Prince may reissue Letters Patent further redefining or revising the specified Honours and Dignities held.
All Letters Patent will be registered with the Worshipful Company of Scriveners and Heraldic matters pursued with the College of Arms.
Mayoral Boroughs, Parks and Districts
The Mayoral Boroughs, Parks and Districts form seats of the Mayoral Prince within the territory of Metropolitan London. Under this Charter the Boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea, The City of Westminster, (include various high profile parks), the Districts of Southern Camden and Western Tower Hamlets are hereby incorporated as Mayoral Lands. Under such status these Boroughs, Parks and Districts enjoy extra rights and protections.
Only the Mayoral Prince may frequent these Boroughs without express permission, nor may any other possess property, host functions or otherwise utilise said Mayoral Boroughs without explicit authorisation of the Mayoral Prince.
