Tarantis

The first thing any traveller should know about Tarantian system of justice is that it is based on the principle of presumption of guilt - it is up to the defendant to prove himself innocent. The second thing a traveller should know is that his chances of receiving anything that he recognises as 'justice' depend significantly on which Court he is being tried in and who is presiding over the trial. A quick guide to the Courts is as follows:

The High Court of Tarantis:

Crimes tried: Murder, Treason, Arson

Chance of Aquittal: 10%

Criteria for proving innocence: 100% likely

Legal representation allowed: Yes

Punishments: Execution (many variants), maybe torture first.

The Court of Serious Offences:

Crimes tried: Theft, Fraud, Manslaughter

Chance of Aquittal: 30%

Criteria for proving innocence: Balance of Proof

Legal representation allowed: Yes

Punishments: Branding, flogging with restitution to any victims (and the possibility of being sold into slavery if unable to pay).

The Court of Lesser Offences:

Crimes tried: Petty Theft, Brawling, Duelling, Public Nuisance

Chance of Aquittal: 15% (on average but depends on social class)

Criteria for proving innocence: 80% likely (on average but depends on social class)

Legal representation allowed: No

Punishments: Branding, flogging.

The Court of Citizen Arguments:

Crimes tried: Lawsuits, civil actions

Chance of Aquittal: N/A

Criteria for winning: Balance of evidence and bribes

Legal representation allowed: Compulsory

Punishments: Damages and costs

The Court of Merchant Matters:

Crimes tried: Shoddy Goods, Short Weighing and Disputes between Merchants

Chance of Aquittal: N/A

Criteria for winning: Balance of evidence

Legal representation allowed: No

Punishments: Restituion and possible of public exposure and humiliation (literally in some cases as those convicted are carried on a platform round the city with warnings to the populace of their misdemeanours).