Legal SOP

Starlight Law SOP

This SOP is intended to assist the station's crew in understanding the duties, authority, and proper conduct of the Law Department, including the magistrate and Internal Affairs Agent. Violations of this SoP should be reported to the magistrate, or if necessary Central Command. SOPs should be interpreted in context and are not rigid. Procedures may be adapted based on circumstances. Space Law should be consulted for guidance on Legal matters.

General Conduct

• Law department personnel shall act impartially in all investigations, trials, and legal proceedings, ensuring that decisions are based on evidence, procedure, and Space Law rather than personal relationships or command pressures.
• The Magistrate and Internal Affairs Agents operate outside the station command structure and must make decisions in the best interest of Nanotrasen while interpreting the law, not the desires of the captain or department heads.
• Law personnel must avoid any behavior that could create the perception of favoritism/relationships with command staff. Appearances of bias can undermine the authority and credibility of the LAW department.
• Confidentiality, professionalism, and respect for due process should be maintained at all times.
• Interactions with other departments should be strictly professional and procedural. Limit what contact is necessary for trails, investigations, and lawful/legal oversight.

Magistrate

• Review case referrals delivered from your Internal Affairs Agents. Confirm that accused crewmembers are being legally held or detained.
• If the case involved a permanent sentence offense, determine whether or not a trail is required.
• Review any investigation or misconduct referrals from your Internal Affairs Agents. Determine whether further inquiry or a trial is required.
• Maintain independence from Command-chain influence in all rulings. Ensure decisions focus on Space Law, Evidence, and Fairness rather than any external pressures.
• Maintain procedural integrity, ensure trials are fair and transparent. Safeguard the magistrate's impartial reputation.
• Overturn unlawful security department sentences.

Internal Affairs Agent

• Carry out assignments or case referrals from the magistrate or from observed or reported misconduct.
• Investigate allegations of misconduct or procedural violations by any crew member.
• Attempt to maintain the recommended chain of custody for evidence in cases within the interest of the court.
• Submit findings, evidence, and recommendations to the magistrate for review.
• Act as a representative during trials for either the defense or the prosecution.
• Maintain neutrality and professionalism by avoiding any bias or personal involvement in cases.
• Monitor departments for procedural compliance and report significant issues to the Nanotrassen Representative or applicable department head.
• Recommend corrective actions or removal of personnel from duty if misconduct is observed.
• DO NOT interfere with arrests or detention or otherwise cause a disturbance.
• Ensure all documents are complete and prepared for any central command review.
• Perform department audits on behalf of themselves, or directed by the Nanotrasen Representative.

Misconduct

The law department investigates all allegations of crew misconduct, documents evidence through IAA, and refers cases to magistrate or Nanotrassen Representative when appropriate, to determine appropriate action.

• IAA receives reports of misconduct from crew members or direct observation. Immediate threats to safety should be immediately reported to security or relevant department head.
• IAA collects evidence of misconduct.
• IAA acts as an investigator only, does not enforce decisions or make judgements.
• IAA creates a report regarding the misconduct findings, including details of the allegation, date/time, evidence, witnesses
• Magistrate/Nanotrassen Representative determines whether or not case requires a trial or case can be resolved administratively
• Relevant department heads should attempt to address minor cases of misconduct without a trial or further Magistrate/Nanotrassen Representative involvement.
• Magistrate/Nanotrassen Representative decides on administrative action to be carried out by the relevant department head.
• Cases involving a department head require the administrative action be carried out by the captain, or in rare cases, will require a trial.

Audits

Internal Affairs Agents are responsible for conducting audits of departments to ensure compliance with Nanotrasen Standard Operating Procedures. Audits are preventative and administrative in nature, intended to identify procedural risks and promote efficient operation of the station. They are not disciplinary actions, but may uncover misconduct which is should then be referred to the Magistrate. The IAA reports all audit findings and summaries directly to the Nanotrasen Representative. The NT Representative may request or direct audits at their discretion.

• Audits may be initiated by the IAA, the Magistrate, or the Nanotrasen Representative. Central Command may also direct audits when deemed necessary.
• When practical, the department head should be informed that an audit is in progress. Surprise audits are permissible when prior notice could compromise integrity or evidence.
• Interviews may be conducted with department staff to verify compliance with SOP and lawful procedures.
• Upon completion, the IAA submits an Internal Investigation Report to the Nanotrasen Representative
• The Nanotrasen Representative reviews audit findings and may order corrective measures, departmental retraining, or further investigation. The IAA may be directed to perform follow-up inspections to verify compliance.

Trials

Trial Initiation

• Trials are recommended for permanent-sentence cases OR extreme crew/command misconduct. Other trials can be called at the discretion of the Magistrate.
• Cases may be requested by: The accused, IAA in cases of extreme misconduct, at the discretion of the Magistrate.
• Security delivers the accused to the courtroom for trial proceedings and is to maintain order during these proceedings.

Trial Format

• Magistrate Trial (Bench Trial) This is the default trial. Quicker by design, the Magistrate rules on guilt and assigns sentence.
• Jury Trial (6 Peers) To be optionally selected by the accused. Jury decides guilt/innocence. Magistrate assigns sentence.

Preparation

• IAA organizes evidence.
• Magistrate reviews evidence and ensures trial readiness.

Trial Procedure - Magistrate Trial

• Magistrate calls case and reads charges.
• Accused responds, presents evidence, and calls witnesses.
• Victim may respond, present their own evidence, and call witnesses.
• Magistrate questions parties as necessary and renders a verdict.

Trial Procedure - Jury Trial

• Jury of six peers is selected, Magistrate to disqualify any conflicted jurors.
• Magistrate presents charges and evidence.
• IAA to assist with evidence presentation and procedural guidance, representing parties where applicable.
• Jury deliberates and delivers verdict.

Sentencing

• Magistrate assigns all sentences regardless of trial format, in accordance with Space Law.
• Sentences can range in severity from warnings all the way up to execution and DNR.

Post-Trial Documentation

• IAA to record trial proceedings, evidence, verdict, and sentencing.
• Documentation to be stored securely for future CC review.

Magistrate Authority

• Magistrate rulings are final on-station.
• Only central command may overturn a trial verdict or sentence delivered by a Magistrate.