The justice system in the
City of Spices is all about the smooth running of the city.
Unlike some other cities in the Wilderlands the Watch is very efficient and can be
expected to arrive in an average of two minutes if called for or if there is a disturbance.
They have a habit of detaining anyone who looks remotely like they may have been involved in
an incident and once arrested an individual has to effectively prove their innocence.
Serious cases come before the court of the Zhirquis and there are two lesser courts for civil
and criminal cases both of which are presided over by a Zhir. All the judges like their courts
to run on schedule and time-wasting speeches will only add to a defendants sentence. Defence
counsels do exist but are far too expensive for the average defendant. Hiring a counsel can be
a good move, however, as it will suggest a certain social standing which is an advantage in
the courts. Discrete bribery is a fact of life but most Zhir and Zhirquis are independently
wealthy and will expect the bribe to be large. Most bribes indeed are generally used to lessen
a sentence rather than reverse the verdict. It is up to the defendant to prove their innocence
once charged and a fairly watertight case is generally needed. If the judge merely suspects
you might be innocent he generally indicates this with a lesser sentence.
Sentences are rarely custodial and range from whipping to hanging (with or without torture
first). Forced labour sentences are dependant on the demand for slave labour from the
Empire and some e.g. in the mines of
Gheulost Island are effectively a death sentence.
A sentence to the 'dungeons' may sound like a spell in the cells but the defendant will
not hear a term specified - the 'dungeons' are a monster-infested labyrinth and the sentence
means that you have particularly offended the judge.