§4.4 - Modes of Trial (Verbal, Martial, Arcane)

(a) All individuals formally indicted under §4.2 shall be entitled to trial through one of three recognized modes: Verbal Trial, Martial Trial, or Arcane Trial, determined by the Judicial Triad in accordance with the nature and classification of the offense.

(b) The accused may request a specific mode of trial, but final determination rests with the triad based on:

• (i) The severity and type of the alleged offense;

• (ii) The evidentiary and magical complexity of the case;

• (iii) The preservation of public safety, civic order, and magical stability.

(c) No trial may proceed without a majority decision of the triad affirming both the mode and tribunal composition.

---

§4.4.2 – Verbal Trial

(a) A Verbal Trial consists of formal presentation of arguments, testimony, and evidence before a tribunal, adjudicated under the principles of logic, law, and fact.

(b) Verbal Trials shall be used for:

• (i) Civil Wrongs and Minor Offenses;

• (ii) Major Offenses not involving arcane or extraplanar elements;

• (iii) Disputes concerning contracts, land, or resource rights.

(c) The tribunal shall hear testimony, evaluate records, and may permit character witnesses. Magical verification is admissible when approved by the Magister.

---

§4.4.3 – Martial Trial

(a) Martial Trial shall be trial by sanctioned physical combat or challenge, overseen by the Warden or appointed officer of the Guard and affirmed by tribunal decree.

(b) Martial Trial may be approved only when:

• (i) Both parties are willing and physically or magically capable;

• (ii) The matter is classified as a personal grievance, insult, or dispute of honor not requiring precedent;

• (iii) The outcome poses no risk to bystanders, public property, or planar boundaries.

(c) Martial Trials are strictly prohibited for:

• (i) High Crimes;

• (ii) Arcane offenses or spiritual claims;

• (iii) Cases involving summoned, extraplanar, or constructed entities.

---

§4.4.4 – Arcane Trial

(a) Arcane Trial shall be employed when magical evidence, causation, or instability is central to the proceedings, or when the accused or harmed party is of arcane or extraplanar nature.

(b) Arcane Trial procedures include:

• (i) Magical reconstruction, scrying, or leyline readings;

• (ii) Summoned testimony from bound entities or spirits, if ethically and lawfully obtained;

• (iii) Verification of spell interactions or arcane residue by the Magister or licensed proxy.

(c) Arcane Trial may only proceed under triadic oversight with the Magister present or represented.

---

§4.4.5 – Binding Verdict and Review

(a) All trial outcomes are binding and enforceable by the Warden unless overturned by successful appeal under §4.5.

(b) Verdicts issued without triadic authorization, or by improper tribunal composition, shall be rendered null and subject to immediate review.