View source for The Court System of Saxum


The court system in Saxum is divided into two main branches: '''the State Court System''' and '''the Federal Court System''', each with its own jurisdiction and responsibilities.

=== State Court System ===

The state courts handle most legal matters within their respective states, ensuring justice is administered at the appropriate level.

* '''County Courts''' – The lowest level of the system, these courts handle local disputes, minor criminal offenses, and civil cases such as property disagreements, contract disputes, and lesser infractions of the law. They also determine whether more serious cases should be escalated to the '''State Courts'''. County Courts are presided over by locally appointed judges or magistrates, often influenced by regional economic and political powers.

* '''State Courts''' – These courts deal with serious criminal cases, major civil disputes, and appeals from County Courts. Their rulings are binding within the state, and they have the authority to interpret state law. Judges here are often more experienced, overseeing cases ranging from murder trials to large-scale fraud.

* '''Federal Courts''' – Cases of national importance, constitutional challenges, and disputes between states may be escalated beyond the state level to the '''Federal Court System'''.

=== Federal Court System ===

The '''Federal Court System''' in Saxum operates independently from the state courts and is responsible for interpreting and enforcing federal laws. It consists of three levels:

* '''Supreme Court''' – The highest court in Saxum, located in Fortune City. It has ultimate authority over all legal matters and serves as the final avenue of appeal for both state and federal cases.

* '''Courts of Appeals''' – These intermediate courts review decisions made by the '''District Courts''', ensuring the correct interpretation of federal law before cases reach the Supreme Court.

* '''District Courts''' – These trial courts cover a state or part of a state and handle federal cases at the local level. Some states, like Goldrock, are large enough to have multiple districts.
** '''Goldrock''': East & West
** '''Wheatstan''': North & South
** '''Tamarillo''': East, Northwest & Southwest
** '''Fortune City''': Capital District

Each '''District Court''' has at least one federal courthouse and only hears cases that fall within its '''federal jurisdiction''', which must be granted by '''The Assembly''' before a lawsuit can proceed.

Federal judges are appointed by the '''President''', confirmed by the '''House of Elders''', and serve for life unless they resign, are impeached, or die. To prevent unnecessary trials, federal judges encourage parties to reach agreements whenever possible.

This structured system ensures justice is upheld at both local and national levels, balancing state governance with federal oversight.