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(Basic) Law – People’s Defender

Most planetary legal systems work on the principle that suspects have the right to either defend themselves in court or hire a lawyer to do the same. These ‘people’s defenders’ are generally highly priced, meaning that only the wealthy (or those with wealthy backers) can afford legal defence. Some governments run legal aid schemes for the poor, where either money is given to them for the purpose of hiring a defender or a defender is appointed to them directly. The Adeptus Arbites and the Inquisition occasionally allow people’s defenders into their courtrooms when trials are being carried out in public. This kind of high-profile case can be extremely lucrative for the defender in question, both financially and in terms of reputation, but defending an enemy of the Imperium too vociferously can lead to charges of heresy or treason, so most are shy of working in Imperial courts.

Advance Scheme

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People’s Defender

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Ogryns and beastmen may not enter this career.

Arcane Language – High Imperial Gothic

Blather

Bluff

Etiquette

Law

Literacy – Advanced

Public Speaking

Lawyer’s wig and pale grey gown

A number of legal journals and statute books

Law – Prosecuting Magistrate

Academic – Archivist

Politician – Representative

(Advanced) Law – Prosecuting Magistrate

For the sake of efficiency, many legal systems combine the roles of judge and prosecutor. In these kinds of trials, a prosecuting magistrate puts the charges to the defendant for their people’s defender to refute. If the defender manages to successfully persuade the magistrates of their client’s innocence, the defendant is acquitted. In many legal systems, citizen juries are allowed to make the final decision, or at least offer their opinions to magistrates before they pass judgement. Sentencing and the right of appeal (if such a right exists) are normally at the discretion of the magistrate, within guidelines set by the law, although juries, victims, or the relatives of victims may have a say on sentencing in certain legal systems.

Advance Scheme

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Prosecuting Magistrate

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Ogryns and beastmen may not enter this career.

Arcane Language – High Imperial Gothic

Etiquette

Law

Literacy – Advanced

Research

Public Speaking

Prosecutor’s wig and black gown

Hanging judge’s cloth cap

Flak armour vest, worn beneath gown

Gavel

A number of legal journals and statute books

A number of bodyguards

Academic – Philosopher

Noble – Knight / Lady

Politician – Senator