Course Overview
This session, led by Abraham Jacobson, serves as the introduction to a 10-lesson course on Gorean merchant and civil law. The course will eventually cover legal defense, investigations, and culminate in mock trials held in Lara's courtroom. Graduates of the full course will receive a certificate and a "wand of caste."
The Four Branches of Gorean Law
A skilled Magistrate must balance and understand four overlapping branches of law:
Initiates Laws: Governed by their own courts with severe punishments (e.g., burning heretics).
City Laws: The specific rules within a city's walls.
Merchant Laws: Regulations governing trade and commerce.
Caste Codes: The internal rules and customs of specific castes (e.g., Warriors, Physicians).
Conflict of Laws: A Magistrate often has to navigate conflicts between City Laws and Caste Codes (for example, a city law banning weapons versus a Warrior's caste code requiring them). Decisions are highly situational and require diplomacy, acting as both an educator and a moderator. (Note: In the context of Second Life, Sim Owner laws supersede all in-character laws).
Magistrate Demographics & Dress
Caste: While usually Scribes due to their extensive education and training, the books do not explicitly state that a Magistrate must be a Scribe. In some cities, Warriors or Merchants assume these roles.
Dress Code: Traditional Magistrates wear white robes (symbolizing impartiality) trimmed in purple (symbolizing justice). Merchant Magistrates wear white robes trimmed in both gold and purple.
The Seven Magisterial Roles
There are several specific titles and functions within the legal office, often inspired by Roman equivalents:
High Magistrate: Similar to a Supreme Court Justice; usually a wealthy, high-ranking city official.
Merchant Magistrates (Judges): Oversee merchant law and tribunals.
Prefects: Equivalent to a Notary Public; they witness and seal official documents.
Praetors: Enforce the law in specific assigned jurisdictions (e.g., Wharf Praetors, Camp Praetors).
Archon: The official record keepers of the city districts.
Aediles: Traveling magistrates who inspect camps and caravans for merchant law violations.
Quaestors: Assistants to the Praetors who wield the Praetor's authority in their absence.
Next Class: The upcoming lesson will cover the steps and paperwork required to conduct a proper legal investigation when someone is accused of a crime.
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Magistrate Codes and Conduct
Recognition of this writing is attributed to Sarin Aeon This is edited to shorten it. have permission granted to use . Abraham Jacobson 2025
[1] AN INDEPENDENT, FAIR AND IMPARTIAL JUDICIARY IS INDISPENSABLE TO OUR SYSTEM OF JUSTICE.
The legal system is based upon the principle that an independent, impartial, and competent judiciary, composed of men and women of integrity, will interpret and apply the law that governs our society. Thus, the judiciary plays a central role in preserving the principles of justice and the rule of law. Inherent in all the Rules contained in this Code are the precepts that Magistrates, individually and collectively, must respect and honor the Magistrates office as a public trust and strive to maintain and enhance confidence in the legal system.
[2] .MAGISTRATES SHOULD MAINTAIN THE DIGNITY OF MAGISTRATES OFFICE SHOULD AT ALL TIMES , AVOID BOTH THE IMPROPRIETY AND APPEARANCE OF IMPROPRIETY IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIVES.
((some choose due to being considered above the rest of the caste by themselves, to put women down, and even fellow scribes forcing some to leave cites or even Gor due to meanness . How their treat others, matters both in OCC and IC. There are real people behind these avi's )) They should aspire at all times to conduct that ensures the greatest possible public confidence in their independence, impartiality, integrity, and competence.
[3] THE MODEL CODE OF MAGISTRATES CONDUCT ESTABLISHES STANDARDS FOR THE ETHICAL CONDUCT OF MAGISTRATES AND MAGISTRATES CANDIDATES
It is not intended as an exhaustive guide for the conduct of Magistrates and Magistrates candidates, who are governed in their Magistrates and personal conduct by general ethical standards as well as by the Code. The Code is intended, however, to provide guidance and assist Magistrates in maintaining the highest standards of Magistrates and personal conduct, and to provide a basis for regulating their conduct through disciplinary agencies.
Canon 1
A Magistrate shall uphold and promote the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary, and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety. ((If you are friends with or dislike someone who may have broken the law, call a moderator or another Magistate ))
Rule1.1: Compliance with the Law
A Magistrate shall comply with the law, including the Code of Magistrates Conduct.
Rule 1.2: Promoting Confidence in the Judiciary
A Magistrate shall act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence,* integrity,* and impartiality* of the judiciary, and shall avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.
Rule 1.3: Avoiding Abuse of the Prestige of Magistrates Office
A Magistrate shall not abuse the prestige of Magistrates office to advance the personal or economic interests* of the Magistrate . ((Taking the job knowing you will be Afk most days or not in your city but want the nice home and the title is not ethical and is against Gor Law.))
Canon 2
A Magistrate shall perform the duties of Magistrates office impartially, competently, and diligently.
Rule 2.1: Giving Precedence to the Duties of Magistrates Office
The duties of Magistrates office, as prescribed by law,* shall take precedence over all of a Magistrate’s personal and extra-Magistrates activities. ((Being in the tavern most days or in bed with your slave and ignoring you duties is what this covers. And violates the Gorian Law dealing with not working))
Rule 2.2: External Influences on Magistrates Conduct
-(A) A Magistrate shall not be swayed by public clamor or fear of criticism.
-(B) A Magistrate shall not permit family, social, political, financial, or other interests or relationships to influence the Magistrate’s conduct or judgment.
-(C) A Magistrate shall not convey or permit others to convey the impression that any person or organization is in a position to influence the Magistrate.
Rule 2.3: Competence, Diligence, and Cooperation
-(A) A Magistrate shall perform Magistrates and administrative duties, competently and diligently.
-(B) A Magistrate shall cooperate with other Magistrates and court officials in the administration of court business. ((this is a special group of scribes and they are called brethren for a reason. Act like it!))
Rule 2.4: Responsibility to Decide
A Magistrate shall hear and decide matters assigned to the Magistrate, except when disqualification is required
Rule 2.5: Decorum, Demeanor, and Communication
-(A) A Magistrate shall require order and decorum in proceedings before the court.
-(B) A Magistrate shall be patient, dignified, and courteous to litigants, witnesses, advocates, court staff, court officials, and others with whom the Magistrate deals in an official capacity, and shall require similar conduct of advocates, court staff, court officials, and others subject to the Magistrate’s direction and control.
Rule 2.6 Disqualification
-(A) A Magistrate shall disqualify himself or herself in any proceeding in which the Magistrate’s impartiality* might reasonably be questioned, including but not limited to the following circumstances:
(1) The Magistrate has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party or a party’s advocate, or personal knowledge* of facts that are in dispute in the proceeding.
(2) The Magistrate knows* that the Magistrate, the Magistrate’s FC* is:
(a) a party to the proceeding, or an officer, director, ;
(b) acting as an advocate in the proceeding;
(c) likely to be a material witness in the proceeding.
Rule 2.7: Supervisory Duties
-(A) A Magistrate shall require court staff, court officials, and others subject to the Magistrate’s direction and control to act in a manner consistent with the Magistrate’s obligations under this Code.
-(B) A Magistrate with supervisory authority for the performance of other Magistrates shall take reasonable measures to ensure that those Magistrates properly discharge their Magistrates responsibilities, including the prompt disposition of matters before them.
Rule 2.8: Responding to Magistrates and Advocate Misconduct
-(A) A Magistrate having knowledge* that another Magistrate has committed a violation of this Code that raises a substantial question regarding the Magistrate’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a Magistrate in other respects shall inform the appropriate authority.*
-(B) A Magistrate having knowledge that an advocate has committed a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct that raises a substantial question regarding the advocate’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as an advocate in other respects shall inform the appropriate authority.
-(C) A Magistrate who receives information indicating a substantial likelihood that another Magistrate has committed a violation of this Code shall take appropriate action.
-(D) A Magistrate who receives information indicating a substantial likelihood that an advocate has committed a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct shall take appropriate action.
Canon 3
A Magistrate shall conduct the Magistrate’s personal and extra-Magistrates activities to minimize the risk of conflict with the obligations of Magistrates office.
Rule 3.1: Extra-Magistrates Activities in General
A Magistrate may engage in extra-Magistrates activities, except as prohibited by law* or this Code. However, when engaging in extra-Magistrates activities, a Magistrate shall not:
-(A) participate in activities that will interfere with the proper performance of the Magistrate’s duties;
-(B) participate in activities that will lead to frequent disqualification of the Magistrate;
-(C) participate in activities that would appear to a reasonable person to undermine the Magistrate’s independence,* integrity,* or impartiality;*
-(D) engage in conduct that would appear to a reasonable person to be coercive;
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Intro to Magistrates
This class was originally put together by Jarvis Quan a long time ago
"I have never been too clear as to the grounds on which the disputes of scribes are to be adjudicated, and it is not too infrequently that both disputants leave the field each fully convinced that he has had the best of the contest. In differences among members of my own caste, that of the Warriors, it is easier to tell who has carried the day, for the defeated one often lies wounded or slain at the victor's feet. In the contests of scribes, on the other hand, the blood that is spilled is invisible and the valiant foe men retire in good order, reviling their enemies and recouping their forces for the next day's campaign."
I will begin now.
This class is designed to be an introduction to the legal branches of the scribe caste for beginners
Of necessity then it will be light on details.
My hope is to arouse interest in this sector so that apprentices might consider making this their particular field of choice.
I myself have served as a magistrate it is not an easy job if done correctly. Some view it as a holiday since in today's Gor, we tend not to go to trial. but if you do walk around and do street justice and not sit in your office their is more to it.
You will not be able to walk out after class today and be magistrates.
There is a saying on Gor that the laws of a city extend no further than its walls.
In fact that is not really correct.
There are four branches of laws used in determining laws and administration of justice
A good magistrate needs to be aware of all four of these, to have a solid understanding of them and some of these do transcend the mere walls of cities.
The four branches of law are:
a. Initiates Laws
b. City laws
c. Merchant laws
d. Caste codes
(( Handout: 9.Initiate Class 2021: Class 9: Initiate Law))
So within a city a certain weapon might be outlawed for example.
However it might be permissible under the warrior codes for a warrior ot have such a weapon.
In that case a magistrate would need to take account of the caste codes of the warrior AND city laws if making a determination on an issue involving a warrior. This is why scribes should study the caste codes of Gor , it take them into account if an issue comes up.
Enforcement and interpretation of a city law conflicting with a caste code would be extremely difficult and need to be decided on a case by case basis.
In general I think a wise High Council would not create such a conflict.
City law will supersede caste codes, as caste codes are adjudicated within the caste, and City laws must be adjudicated by a Magistrate. For example, if the city has a law that visiting rarii are not permitted a crossbow in the walls. Though the Crossbow is a common weapon among tarns men.
Sim owners laws trumps all.
Another example: many of the physicians believe their caste code requires they not carry weapons.
However other physicians will strenuously declare this is nonsense.
SO if you are a magistrate ruling on a city law that requires all Free Men to carry weapons and defend the city, you would better off knowing the physician caste codes of your city before you arrest the physician who does not carry weapons.
Now if Vonda had a law that all visiting free women had to unveil in order to assure their identity, that's a matter of law conflicting with custom. That's when a magistrate's judgment would intervene, review circumstances, and precedent, and make a decision.
I really do not think it can be clear cut and obvious in all cases. A magistrate must know laws and customs and codes well beyond just the city laws. City laws should be the first thing you need to look at in a new city. Look at it closely so as to see when you need to intervene .
Or be someone who is diplomatic, open to hearing all sides and making reasoned decisions. Which is one reason being a moderator is taught in my classes. There is a fine line between being a moderator or a magistrate , both require listening and making decision and getting frustrated people back on the proper path.
So it's more a blending of situations and not absolutes
Don't go by what people say the sim rules are.
Read the sim rules
Not being legally obligated to a custom, also doesn't absolve a person of the consequences of In some cities wearing the veil is not mandatory,,,, but if a woman chooses to wear the veil,,, it would take a magistrate of the city to take it from her.
That's about right, and custom prefers it, so you go veil less at your peril
City Magistrates judges situation based on both city laws and caste codes. Esp if warriors are involves, they have the most complete set of codes
This is one reason why being a magistrate can seem arbitrary.
Much of it is situational.
They also often act as educators, reminding people of the laws as well.
Their mere presence enough to ensure everyone check themselves.
Again as in so much of the material in the books, there is no set name or precise job description.
In addition to magistrates we have terms like praetor, prefect, archon to name a few.
In some situations and cities it would seem that the Praetor is the same as what is commonly known as Chief magistrate
Magistrates are commonly accompanied by "guards" which are presumed to be warriors. Honestly, i have never seen that. Selnar has a lot of warriors but seldom do they travel with the Magistrate unless asked too
The "guards" enforce the magisterial decisions.
Which brings me to the next point-clearly there are two kinds of magistrates,
Merchant magistrates and city magistrates.
Is a magistrate always a scribe? Or could a magistrate be appointed, for example can a merchant become a merchant magistrate?
*** My Chamber Slave's accent had been pure High Caste Gorean though I could not place the city. Probably her caste had been that of the Builders or Physicians, for had her people been Scribes I would have expected a greater subtlety of inflections, the use of less common grammatical cases; and had her people been of the Warriors I would have expected a blunter speech, rather belligerently simple, expressed in great reliance on the indicative mood and, habitually, a rather arrogant refusal to venture beyond the most straightforward of sentence structures.
Priest-Kings of Gor Book 3 Page 52
I would say that most often, scribes take these roles because they are most likely to have the training and experience to make them qualified
However I think it may be that in certain circumstance someone who is especially qualified even though not a merchant could take that role.
I personally have not found a clear quote that says magistrates MUST be scribes only scribes can take magisterial posts. I welcome correction.
The position of Magistrate is an appointed position. The appointments would come from the Administrator and/or High Council of the city. In some cites the HOC hires his workers , this part will vary by city. They would have been the person or people who enforced the civil law within a city.
Dress of a Magistrate :
White is color of impartiality in Gor, magistrates where robes are white with purple the color of Justice. trim. https://www.colorwithleo.com/what-is-the-color-associated-with-justice/
Color by Eve sells the correct outfit .
Now lets look at the different positions in the law office
1 . The first is the High Magistrate.
According to the books, this would have been a person of means and among the highest ranked of a city, best compared to an Earth Supreme Court Justice. Most cities have this type only but the others below does show up depending on the HOC and the Owner of the city
Here's the quote from Dancer of Gor..."Similarly, if it seems understandable that, say, a high magistrate, a general, a Ubar, or such, might enjoy sitting in his pleasure gardens and inspecting his women, having them before him naked, or clothed according to his preferences, it is just as understandable that a less rich or well-fixed person might, similarly, on a more modest level, enjoy the sight of his girl, or girls, indeed, the fewer he has, perhaps the more he will relish the one, or ones, he had."
"I saw first the girl, stumbling. She was already stripped. Her hands were tied behind her back. Something, pushing her from behind, had been fastened on her neck. Behind her came a flat-topped wagon, of some four feet in height. It was moved by eight tunicked, collared slave girls, two to each wheel, pushing at the wheels. It was guided by a man walking behind it, by means of a lever extending back, under the wagon, from the front axle. Flanking the wagon, on both sides, were the musicians, with their drums and flutes. Behind the wagon, in the white robes trimmed with gold and purple of merchant magistrates, came five men. I recognized them as judges." This from Hunters of Gor.
2. Merchant Magistrates
Merchant magistrates are described as wearing white robes with both purple and gold trim. if you check with the person at Color by Eve she would make one .
3 .They are followed by the Prefects.
Prefects seemed to be the equivalent of the Earth Notary Public. These scribes witnessed and sealed documents.
Prefect – Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin praefectus, from past participle of praeficere to place at the head of, from prae- + facere to make -- 14th century
"The fourth man was Brandon. He was from Vonda. He was a prefect in that city. His certifications on certain documents would be important. The two ladies, both of Vonda, were Leta and Perimene, both friends of the Ladies Florence and Melpomene. As free citizens of Vonda they could witness legal transactions." Quoted from Fighting Slave of Gor
4. The fourth type of Magistrate is the Praetor.
Praetor – Middle English pretor, from Latin praetor -- 15th century
An ancient Roman magistrate ranking below a consul and having chiefly judicial functions. The Praetor enforces the law, particularly over the area they have been assigned. The books mention wharf praetors and camp praetors by name and generally in several other instances. In each one, they are passing sentence or enforcing the law with warrants.
From Vagabonds of Gor, "In a moment or two, I stopped a few yards from a registration desk. There one of Ina's pursuers, I recognized him from earlier, was making inquiries of one of the five camp prefects, fellows under the camp praetor. The perfects are identified by five slash marks, alternately blue and yellow, the slavers' colors, on their left sleeve, the praetor himself by nine such stripes, and lesser officials by three. Turning about, apparently alerted by the prefect's notice, the fellow with one hand suddenly turned the prefect's desk to its side so that it stood wall-like between us, and hurried behind it."
5. The Archon
The Archon is the fifth form of Magistrate and is the record keeper of the cities. Archon – Latin, from Greek archon, from present participle of archein -- circa 1579
1) a chief magistrate in ancient Athens
2) a presiding officer
"One of the two magistrates, he who was senior, Tolnar, of the second Octavii, an important gens but one independent of the well-known Octavii, sometimes spoken of simply as the Octavii, or sometimes as the first Octavii, deputy commissioner in the records office, much of which had been destroyed in a recent fire, was at the other portal. His colleague, Venlisius, a bright young man who was now, by adoption, a scion of the Toratti, was with him. Venlisius was in the same office. He was records officer, or archon of records, for the Metellan district, in which we were located. Both magistrates wore their robes, and fillets, of office." as quoted from Magicians of Gor.
6. The Archon is followed by the sixth type...the Aediles.
These were traveling Magistrates who inspected camps and caravans for violations of the Merchant laws. Aedile – Latin aedilis, from aedes temple -- circa 1540
An official in ancient Rome in charge of public works and games, police, and the grain supply.
This from Dancer of Gor..."Two days ago, aediles had come to the camp to inspect the chains. They found none which contained illicit prisoners. No mention was made of the fact that a third of the chains was absent. The next day the auspices had been taken, and, seemingly, all had gone well. The chains in camp were already back at work. Preceding the time of taking the auspices, of course, and until they have been taken, things are very quiet."
7 .The seventh form and sometimes arguably the last is the Quaestor.
These Magistrates served as assistants to the Praetors and wielded the same authority in the Praetor's absence.
Quaestor – Middle English questor, from Latin quaestor, from quaerere -- 14th century
One of numerous ancient Roman officials concerned chiefly with financial administration.
"Some may have been as innocent as those I had lured; others might have been murderers and brigands, suitably enchained for the expiation of sentences, their custody having been legally transferred to Ionicus, my master, at the payment of a prisoner's fee, by the writ of a praetor or, in more desperate cases, by the order of a quaestor." Dancer of Gor
In a moment or two, I stopped a few yards from a registration desk. There one of Ina's pursuers, I recognized him from earlier, was making inquiries of one of the five camp prefects, fellows under the camp praetor. The perfects are identified by five slash marks, alternately blue and yellow, the slavers' colors, on their left sleeve, the praetor himself by nine such stripes, and lesser officials by three. Turning about, apparently alerted by the prefect's notice, the fellow with one hand suddenly turned the prefect's desk to its side so that it stood wall-like between us, and hurried behind it. ---Vagabonds of Gor, 47:453-454
"There is no justice without the sword," "First the sword-then government-then law-then justice" Tarnsman
Common punishments.
In general the punishment for just about everything seemed to be death for men and enslavement for women.
Some less harsh punishments seem to be things like cutting off the hand of the perpetrator.
enslavement for debt
Also sentences seemed ot be carried out immediately with little recourse to appeal.
A magistrate could order a woman enslaved and she was stripped on the spot, hauled off to jail and branded and sold within an hour or so.
So the magistrate would seem to have enormous power and little accountability.
However this world fit with the general way life was run in Gor.
I cannot imagine someone sentenced to death spending eight years on death row running through various appeals in Gor.
This may seem brutal but I remind you that the books are very specific that there was no mental illness in Gor so people who broke laws knew what the doing and could not claim they were the product of broken homes or failed society.
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