Law and Order in Lalenth
The Star Chamber, named for its frescoed ceilings, is the hall of justice in Lalenth. Its construction began in 179 by the Six Great families, after it was decided that the city's long running tradition of cooperation within the nobility should be formalised. Lalenthrium has been skilfully integrated into the frescoes to prevent the manipulation of the Threads within the hall, nullifying all Thread Weaving affects there. Perversely enough, this is the only place in the city where you can be sure that your thoughts are your own.
The Magistrate presiding over the trial is also the man who is responsible for investigating the initial crime and gathering evidence and witnesses. In short, if you appear in court it is because there is enough evidence to convict you and the onus is upon you to prove your innocence. A Wordsmith is required to be in attendance to record events accurately. Punishments are normally fines, short prison spells, or a period of indentured service but particularly severe crimes have two possible punishments. The first is execution by poison, with the body then turned into a golem. The second is exile to the Wastelands for as long as the court sees fit.
Serious crime in Lalenth is rare. In the last year, only three men have suffered the maximum penalty. The first was Nathan Crane, who was executed for the murder of a minor noble. The second, a man named Heth Banner, was exiled to the Wastelands for dealing in the illegal drug, Daze; a highly addictive substance. The third was the now infamous Falco Aeolus, who murdered Verita Evron. [There is an appendix at the end of this document detailing the more unusual Lalenthrian laws.
For the purposes of legal administration Lalenth is divided into its rings which are referred to as "Arches". Each Arch has an independent team of investigators and magistrates that report to the Arch Captain. In total there are seven Arch Captains; one responsible for each Arch and one who secures the Under-Levels. These Arch Captains are responsible to three Star Chamber Magistrates: Ella Autumgate, Horus Holdfast and Penter Towwahl. These Star Chamber magistrates have a great deal of involvement in the creation of new laws but are ultimately responsible to General Vishreon, head of House Vishreon and hereditary leader of the militia.
All contracts and licences in Lalenth are regulated by the Wordsmiths scribes. For any contract or agreement to be legally binding it must have been transcribed and sealed by an officially recognised scribe. This includes all trading contracts, marriage documents, contracts of service, patents and seals of nobility. This provides the Wordsmiths Guild with a continual source of income, as they are able to attach whatever fee they see as fitting to their services.