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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Confidentiality, professionalism, and respect for due process should be maintained at all times.
5. Interactions with other departments should be strictly professional and procedural. Limit what contact is necessary for trails, investigations, and lawful/legal oversight.

Magistrate

1. 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.
2. Determine whether or not a trail is required.
3. Review any investigation or misconduct referrals from your Internal Affairs Agents. Determine whether further inquiry or a trial is required.
4. Maintain independence from Command-chain influence in all rulings. Ensure decisions focus on Space Law, Evidence, and Fairness rather than any external pressures.
5. Maintain procedural integrity, ensure trials are fair and transparent. Safeguard the magistrate's impartial reputation.

Internal Affairs Agent

1. Carry out assignments or case referrals from the magistrate or from observed or reported misconduct.
2. Investigate allegations of misconduct or procedural violations by any crew member.
3. Collect and document evidence such as: logs, forensic scans, witness statements, and operational reports.
4. Attempt to maintain the recommended chain of custody for evidence in permanent sentence cases.
5. Submit findings, evidence, and recommendations to the magistrate for review.
6. Act as a representative during trials for either the defense or the prosecution.
7. Maintain neutrality and professionalism by avoiding any bias or personal involvement in cases.
8. Monitor departments for procedural compliance and report significant issues to the Magistrate or applicable department head.
9. Recommend corrective actions or removal of personnel from duty if misconduct is observed.
10. DO NOT interfere with arrests or detention or otherwise cause a disturbance.
11. Ensure all documents are complete and prepared for any central command review.

Misconduct

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

1. IAA recieves reports of misconduct from crew members or direct observation. Immediate threats to safety should be immediately reported to the magistrate or relevant department head.
2. IAA collects evidence of misconduct.
3. IAA acts as an investigator only, does not enforce decisions or make judgements.
4. IAA creates a report regarding the misconduct findings, including details of the allegation, date/time, evidence, witnesses
5. Magistrate determines whether or not: A. Case requires a trial B. Case can be resolved administratively
6. Magistrate addressed minor cases of misconduct without a trial.
7. Magistrate decides on administrative action to be carried out by the relevant department head.
8. Cases involving a department head require the administrative action be carried out by the captain, or in extreme cases, will require a trial.

Trials

1. Trial Initiation A. Trials are only for permanent-sentence cases OR extreme crew/command misconduct B. Cases may be requested by: The accused, IAA in cases of extreme misconduct, at the discretion of the Magistrate. C. Security delivers the accused to the courtroom for trial proceedings and is to maintain order during these proceedings.
2. Trial Format A. Magistrate Trial (Bench Trial) This is the default trial. Quicker by design, the Magistrate rules on guilt and assigns sentence. B. Jury Trial (6 Peers) To be optionally selected by the accused. Jury decides guilt/innocence. Magistrate assigns sentence.
3. Preparation A. IAA organizes evidence. B. Magistrate reviews evidence and ensures trial readiness.
4. Trial Procedure - Magistrate Trial A. Magistrate calls case and reads charges. B. Accused responds, presents evidence, and calls witnesses. C. Victim may respond, present their own evidence, and call witnesses. D. Magistrate questions parties as necessary and renders a verdict.
5. Trial Procedure - Jury Trial A. Jury of six peers is selected, Magistrate to disqualify any conflicted jurors. B. Magistrate presents charges and evidence. C. IAA to assist with evidence presentation and procedural guidance. D. Jury deliberates and delivers verdict.
6. Sentencing A. Magistrate assigns all sentences regardless of trial format, in accordance with Space Law. B. Sentences can range in severity from warnings all the way up to execution and DNR.
7. Post-Trial Documentation A. IAA to record trial proceedings, evidence, verdict, and sentencing. B. Documentation to be stored securely for future CC review.
8. Magistrate Authority A. Magistrate rulings are final on-station. B. Only central command may overturn a trial verdict or sentence delivered by a Magistrate.