Customs & Law
The Divine Commonwealth believes that justice exists not merely to punish wrongdoing, but to preserve the peace, prosperity, and welfare of society.
Unlike many governments throughout the galaxy, The Commonwealth does not traditionally distinguish actions simply as legal or illegal. Instead, Commonwealth law recognizes two guiding principles:
- Justified Actions
- Unjustified Actions
This philosophy reflects the belief that circumstances matter, intentions matter, and justice must ultimately serve the common good.
Justified Actions
A Justified Action (or Just Act) is an action that would normally be considered improper but is permissible because of lawful authority, necessity, or extraordinary circumstance.
For example, emergency responders may operate outside normal traffic regulations while responding to emergencies. Likewise, actions taken in immediate defense of oneself, another person, or Commonwealth property may ultimately be determined to have been justified.
Another example may involve stolen property. If Tomas unlawfully steals your landspeeder and, in response, you seize Tomas’ bacta crates to compel restitution, your actions may initially appear improper. However, after hearing the facts, the Tribunal may determine that your actions were justified given the circumstances.
Only the Commonwealth Tribunal has the authority to determine whether an action is ultimately justified.
This doctrine predates the formation of The Divine Commonwealth itself, originating from an era when isolated settlements lacked formal law enforcement and communities were forced to resolve disputes themselves. The Commonwealth preserved this tradition while establishing an orderly judicial system capable of applying it fairly and consistently.
Unjustified Actions
An Unjustified Action (or Unjust Act) is any act determined to violate the safety, rights, dignity, or welfare of another individual or of The Commonwealth itself.
Simply taking another citizen’s landspeeder because it is convenient, for example, is an obvious Unjustified Action.
The Commonwealth recognizes that no written code can anticipate every possible circumstance. Therefore, the Tribunal retains the authority to determine whether conduct not specifically listed here nevertheless constitutes an Unjustified Action when necessary to preserve public safety and justice.
The Commonwealth Tribunal
Justice within The Divine Commonwealth is ultimately administered by the Commonwealth Tribunal.
Complex disputes, criminal proceedings, appeals, and matters requiring interpretation of Commonwealth doctrine may be heard before the Tribunal.
Every sentient possesses the right to appear before the Tribunal, present evidence, call witnesses, and be heard before judgment is rendered.
Individuals may appoint any trusted representative to speak on their behalf, serving a role similar to legal counsel in other governments.
While Commonwealth authorities—including the Crimson Brigade, Templars, or other authorized officials—may temporarily detain individuals or take enforcement action to protect public safety, such actions do not constitute a final determination of guilt.
Only the Tribunal may render final judgment.
Citizens are therefore encouraged to cooperate with lawful authorities while preserving their right to a fair hearing before the Tribunal.
Examples of Unjustified Actions
The following actions are generally recognized as Unjustified Acts.
The Tribunal may also determine that additional conduct constitutes an Unjustified Action whenever necessary to protect the people and interests of The Commonwealth.
- Theft
- Petty Theft (under 1,000,000 credits)
- Theft (1,000,001 – 10,000,000 credits)
- Grand Theft (over 10,000,000 credits)
- Fraud, scams, and other deceptive schemes.
- Vandalism or destruction of property.
- Assault outside lawful training or self-defense.
- Sexual misconduct.
- Species trafficking, including kidnapping, slavery, or unlawful transport of sentient beings.
- Racism, speciesism, or other forms of unlawful discrimination and bigotry.
- Murder.
- Espionage against The Commonwealth or its citizens.
Special Legal Considerations
Droid Rights
By decree of High Priest Xanxus Drol, droids possessing Semi-Self-Aware or Self-Aware intelligence are recognized as sentient beings within Commonwealth territory.
Manumitted droids registered with The Commonwealth enjoy full citizenship and receive the same legal protections afforded to biological citizens.
Slavery
The Divine Commonwealth prohibits slavery within its territory.
Limited exceptions exist solely to recognize lawful property rights originating outside Commonwealth jurisdiction and to avoid creating diplomatic disputes.
However, the buying, selling, or transfer of ownership of enslaved sentients while within Commonwealth territory constitutes Species Trafficking, an Unjustified Action.
Debt servitude contracts are recognized only under strict regulation. Such agreements must provide fair compensation, reasonable duration, housing, medical care, and humane treatment. The Tribunal retains authority to invalidate contracts deemed exploitative.
Recognition of Sentience
Player characters, Lost Souls, registered Commonwealth citizens, qualifying droids, and other recognized sentient beings receive equal protection under Commonwealth law.
Bounty Hunters
Licensed bounty hunters possessing valid contracts may present legal claims within Commonwealth territory. The validity and enforceability of such claims shall be determined solely by the Commonwealth Tribunal.
The Commonwealth Ideal
Justice is not measured by punishment alone.
Justice is measured by whether society emerges safer, stronger, and more prosperous than before.
Every judgment rendered by The Commonwealth seeks to protect the innocent, restore what has been lost where possible, and preserve harmony among the people.