§4.3 - Composition and Jurisdiction of the Judicial Bench

(a) The Judicial Bench of Rivermarch is established as the adjudicative body empowered to hear and resolve criminal, civil, and magical disputes arising under this Codex.

(b) It shall operate independently of any single office, functioning under the collective oversight of the Council and its triadic judicial model per §2.5.9.

§4.3.2 – Tribunal Composition

(a) Tribunals may be composed of:

(i) A magistrate licensed by the Council for Minor Offenses or Civil Wrongs;
(ii) A three-member Judicial Bench for Major Offenses or Civil Claims involving over 500 gold in value;
(iii) A Judicial Triad, consisting of the Warden, Magister, and one rotating Councilor, for all High Crimes or arcane-sensitive cases.

(b) Tribunal members shall be impartial and recused from proceedings involving personal, political, or financial conflict.

§4.3.3 – Jurisdictional Scope

(a) The Judicial Bench shall possess jurisdiction over:

(i) All criminal proceedings initiated under §4.2;
(ii) Civil disputes, including contract enforcement, property claims, and labor disagreements (§5.4, §6.3);
(iii) Arcane infractions, magical malpractice, and planar disturbances (§8.2, §10.1);
(iv) Appeals from local arbiters, civic magistrates, or settlement tribunals.

§4.3.4 – Magical Jurisdiction

(a) All trials involving magical misconduct, leyline disruption, or unauthorized arcane practice shall include the Magister or their appointed deputy as a presiding or advising official.

(b) When arcane evidence, summoned entities, or extraplanar claims are central to the matter, the Magister’s authority to evaluate, classify, and present magical analysis shall be binding unless overruled by unanimous triad vote.

§4.3.5 – Enforcement and Coordination

(a) The Warden shall execute all lawful tribunal orders, including detainments, property seizures, and imposition of magical or martial restraints.

(b) Coordination between tribunal and enforcement bodies shall be logged in the Civic Register and reviewed quarterly by the full Council.

§4.3.6 – Appeals and Review

(a) Any party subject to a tribunal ruling may file a petition for appeal within ten (10) days of judgment, citing error in law, evidence, or magical interpretation.

(b) Appeals shall be reviewed by a separate bench or escalated to full Council review in cases involving High Crimes or legal precedent.