Dominion Codex WIP

"The promise of the Dominion was lasting peace. The Codex shall be the fulfillment of that promise." - Enu Maputo (2056)

Article One: Preamble
We the People of the Dominion, in order to establish a more perfect confederation for the peoples of Earth and of the Colonies do ordain this Codex as a limit on the tyranny of any single man. With this concord we establish boundaries to the powers granted to the institutions of Earth and of the Government in order to ensure liberty and quality of life for all.

We the People recognize that due to scientific and social advances brought on due to the introduction of the Neural Plate and of Cloning the role of the Government and of the Agencies is no longer to preserve the life and property of its citizens, but instead to preserve the quality of life and property of its citizens. This includes but is not limited to allowing full access to healthcare, protection from undue violence, and protection from unjust seizures and forfeitures.

We the People grant economic and political status to the factions in order that citizens of the Dominion may engage in commerce and limited warfare for the betterment of the Dominion as a whole. Citizens while in a faction surrender some of their political rights as citizens in exchange for the protection of that faction.

We learn from mistakes of our past and seek to preserve the struggle that makes us human and to these ends set out the powers of the Government and the Agencies to unite our strength, to maintain international and interstellar security, and to employ international and interstellar machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement everywhere.


Article Two: Office of the President.
2.1: The President exists as the head of the Senate, his role is to exist as chairman of meetings in the Senate, to this end the President can introduce a bill to the Senate but cannot vote on any of the Senate’s deliberations.

2.2: The President in his role as the head of the Senate is to shape the foreign policy of the Dominion, in both its directives and negotiations.

2.3: In order to preserve the good order of the Dominion and to protect the interests of the Citizens of the Dominion who he serves, the President has the Power of Veto over Bills passed by the Senate. This Veto can be overturned by a two thirds super-majority of the total body of the Senate.

2.4: While the President holds the courtesy title of Commander in Chief of the Dominion Agencies and steers the direction of the Agencies, he cannot unilaterally interfere with internal Agency promotions, demotions, fines, black-listings or other disciplinary matters.

2.5: The President of the Dominion is to be elected by popular vote from a pool of candidates approved by the Electoral Commission once every four months.



Article Three: Dominion Senate

3.1: The Dominion Senate exists as the legislative branch of the Dominion Government and has the powers to pass and repeal the laws of the Dominion.

3.2: The Dominion Senate is to consist of ten citizens of the Dominion to be elected from the populace of the Dominion by popular vote. Senators must be chosen representatives of a political party recognized by the Electoral Commission. Political parties are to provide a list of members seeking election to the Electoral Commission in the order that they would like seats assigned. Seats are assigned based on a threshold of votes, in which every ten percent of the total number of votes cast guarantees a Senatorial seat to the party. Senators serve for a term of three months and the Senate is required to meet at least three times per electoral cycle and at least once a month. Senators who do not attend cannot vote and cannot assign their votes to other Senators.

3.3: The Senate is to have the following Legislative Powers, in order for a bill to pass into law it must be proposed by a Senator and seconded by another. The Senate is then required to meet in order to debate the matter, with the purpose being given an allotment of twenty minutes to present his bill and answer any questions. In order for a Senate meeting to be legal and for its decisions to be legally binding a quorum of at least half of the Senate must be present. This quorum cannot consist solely of one party. All bills except where noted otherwise require a majority vote within the quorum.
3.3.1: The Senate has the power to amend the Codex, subject to legal advice from the Dominion Supreme Court.
3.3.2: The Senate has the power to declare war on behalf of the Dominion and to seek Dominion Agency intervention in ongoing conflicts. The Senate has the power to seek peace terms with any enemies with whom the Dominion is currently at war.
3.3.3: The Senate has the power to enact economic sanctions against both factions and governments, and to request Agency intervention in order to protect intergalactic free trade.
3.3.4: The Senate has the power to declare a vote of no confidence in the President of the Dominion, requiring the immediate removal of the President and the Electoral Commission to begin the process of selecting presidential candidates. A vote of no confidence will only pass if a two thirds super-majority of the total number of senators votes in favor.
3.3.5: The Senate has the power to declare a vote of no confidence in the Chiefs of Staff of the Dominion Agencies, requiring the immediate removal of the Commissioner and the General and the Armed Services Committee to begin the process of selecting leadership candidates from the current high command. A vote of no confidence will only pass if a two thirds super-majority of the total number of senators votes in favor.
3.3.6: The Senate has the power to request changes in the internal policies of the Dominion Agencies. This request is then forwarded to the Dominion Security Council for approval.
3.3.7: The Senate has the power to enact and repeal Dominion Law to be enforced on Earth and its immediate political sphere.
3.3.8: The Senate has the power to override Presidential Veto on legislation with a two thirds super-majority of the total number of senators.


Article Four: Electoral Commission.

4.1: The Electoral Commission exists to maintain the smooth running and ‘integrity’ of elections within the Dominion.

4.2: The Electoral Commission is to consist of the Dominion Supreme Court and the Dominion Circuit Court in regards to the elections of the President and the Senate approving political parties and potential senators, and holding the final list of Senatorial and Presidential candidates. In the deliberations of the Electoral Commission the Chief Justice is to have a injunction power against all candidates and parties in order to maintain the good order and direction of the Dominion.

4.3: The Electoral Commission is to consist of the Dominion Supreme Court in regards to the elections of Magistrates of the Dominion Circuit Court, approving political parties and potential magistrates. In the deliberations of the Electoral Commission the Chief Justice is to have a injunction power against all candidates and parties in order to maintain the good order and direction of the Dominion.

4.4: During elections the Electoral Commission holds finalized party election lists which cannot change once the election begins. Each recognized political party is required to send their party list to the Electoral Commission for approval, members of political parties that are currently warranted by the Dominion Agencies, attacking Earth, or members of factions that are warranted or attacking Earth cannot be included on party lists. The list is to note in order which candidate is to be considered per ten percent of the vote with the name top of the list being included in the first ten percent and progressing down the list.

4.5: During elections the Electoral Commission can with a majority vote bar a political party from running. This can only be done in cases where the majority of the party’s membership is attacking Earth, are members of a faction that is doing so or as a result of a Chief Justice’s injunction. This barring only remains in force for one election cycle.

4.6: Only members of political parties can run for government office. Political Parties are to consist of at least five members including a chairman and secretary-general. Political parties must also pay 100,000 UC to the electoral commission in order to be considered each election cycle.


Article Five: Supreme Court

5.1: The Supreme Court is to consist of three justices whose role it is to provide oversight of Senatorial and Presidential affairs and to listen to appeals from the Dominion Circuit Court.

5.2: The Chief Justice is selected from a pool of legal experts and serves for life.
5.2.1: Legal experts will be selected from, the Dominion Department of Economic Affairs, Dominion Department of Archives, the Dominion Department of European Affairs, the Dominion Departments of Administrative Actions, the Dominion Bureau of Censorship and the Dominion Department of Re-education.

5.3: The two remaining Justices are to be appointed by the Office of the President with confirmation by the Dominion Senate. Justices serve for life or until retirement/recusement.
5.3.1: These Justices must be selected from current or former Magistrates of the Dominion Circuit Court.

5.4: The Supreme Court can hear appeals from the Dominion Circuit Court and if necessary overturn the lower court’s decisions, if the Supreme Court finds that a case does not need to be heard, the decision of the lower court stands.
5.4.1: The Supreme Court may alter the punishments given by the Dominion Circuit Court including fines and warrants.

5.5: The Supreme Court has the power to impeach the President, members of the Dominion Senate and magistrates of the Dominion Circuit Court. Impeachments require a unanimous decision by the total number of Justices.

5.6: The Supreme Court has the power to make a summary legal judgement as to the legality of an action of the Dominion Senate, President or Dominion Agencies. This requires a unanimous decision by the total number of Justices.

Article Six: Dominion Circuit Court.

6.1: The Dominion Circuit Court is to consist of five individual magistrate seats elected by popular vote from the populace of the Dominion. Magistrates are empowered to adjudicate cases involving GD corruption and Dominion Law. Magistrates are to serve a four month term initially, with three magistrates chosen to continue for two additional months based on a dice roll, and the remaining two seats up for election.

6.2: The Circuit Court is to work on a rotational basis with one magistrate hearing each individual case. When a case is presented to the Circuit Court magistrates have twenty four hours to claim the case. If a case is not claimed within twenty four hours it is to be assigned by the Chief Justice of the Dominion Supreme Court to a magistrate of his choosing.

6.3: The Circuit Court shall have the authority to levy fines both of penalty points and universal credits, issue warrants, and impose other forms of compensation. The Dominion Agencies are responsible for the enforcement of the Court’s decisions.

6.4: The Circuit Court can hear the following types of case. Any party arguing before the court is entitled to representation by a counsel of their choice. Any individual, faction, government department or entity brought before the Court has the right of presumption of innocence until such time as they are found liable or guilty.
6.4.1: Damages: Any individual may sue another or a faction to which they do not currently belong for damages caused when the defendant has been in breach of Dominion Law or Codex. The party requesting the damages has the burden of proof and guilt is based on a balance of probabilities. If the defendant is found guilty the Court may demand restitution, assign penalty points or issue a limited AOS warrant not exceeding thirty days.
6.4.2: Warrant Appeals: Any individual may seek to reduce the length of a warrant issued against them by a Dominion Agency. While evidence of wrongdoing or innocence will be considered in these cases the primary concern of the court in regards to warrants is that of risk of re-offense. The appellant may present any mitigating circumstances to the Court while the Dominion Agencies may submit aggravating circumstances. The Court may then amend the length of the warrant as the Magistrates see fit.
6.4.3: Factional Disputes: Factions may request the Court mediate conflicts in order to reach a non-violent resolution. Both factions must agree to abide by the Court’s judgment before any such mediation can begin.
6.4.4: Abuse of Power: Individuals alleging wrongdoing against a member of the Dominion Agencies may request an abuse of power lawsuit in order to obtain restitution. In order for the case to proceed an IA ticket must have been filed, and IA given at least one week notice in order to investigate the alleged offense. IA’s report on the incident as well as the testimonies of both the GD member and the plaintiff will be considered as evidence.


6.5. The Circuit Court may hear cases in two ways via multicomm ((forums)) and via court appearance. Multicomm cases carry less strict penalties for the defendant but can be resolved quickly: The plaintiff presents his case and any evidence that they have, and the defendant has 72hrs with which to reply with their evidence. The magistrate then weigh the evidence and give notice of findings within a further 36hrs. Cases requiring a court appearance have more dire consequences for the defendant. The involved parties arrange a time and meet at a place of the magistrate’s choosing. Both sides then have a chance to make an opening statement outlining their claims at which point the plaintiff will make his case before the court presenting any evidence or witnesses. The defendant will then present his witnesses and evidence before both sides make a closing statement. The magistrate will then issue a notice of findings within 36hrs.


Article Seven: Dominion Agencies
7.1: The Dominion Agencies consist of the Freedom Defense Corps, the Law Enforcement Department, and the Galactic Intelligence Service.

7.2: The Dominion Agencies must follow all orders, and prescribed policies of the Security Council and the Senate except any orders that are contrary to law. Any edicts of the above parties, in addition to those already approved by the government, will be enforced by the Dominion agencies immediately. In the event that the Dominion agencies consider the above parties orders to be contrary to law, they must submit their case to the Dominion Supreme Court and carry on enforcing the law in question until the case is decided.

7.3: The Dominion Agencies enforce Dominion Laws, executive orders of the Security Council, the Senate and may enforce local (factional) policies on designated federal territories.

7.4: The Dominion Agencies are authorized to keep warrant lists of people, persons, groups or factions which are viewed as threats to the security of the Dominion and/or in breach of Dominion Law. The details of the warrant are at the discretion of the High Command of the agencies.

7.5: Authorized Actions by Dominion Agencies
7.5.1: Permanent
7.5.1.1: Officers of the Law Enforcement Department, excluding those of Colonial Patrols are to enforce Dominion Law on Earth and DeMorgans Castle. Officers of the Law Enforcement Department are to use Stun Weapons and to arrest where possible.
7.5.1.2: Soldiers of the Freedom Defense Corps are to assist the Law Enforcement Department and to engage in off world patrols ensureing freedom of trade and movement across all colonies.
7.5.2: State of Emergency
7.5.2.1: A State of Emergency can be declared by a majority vote of the Dominion Security Council. The state of Emergency must be declared openly by both the Dominion Security Council and the High Command of the Dominion Agencies.
7.5.2.2: A State of Emergency must last for a minimum of twenty four hours and after three days the Dominion Security Council must meet inorder to either escalate the State of Emergency to Martial Law or to extend the period of emergency. The Security Council may agree to end the State of Emergency early.
7.5.2.3: During a State of Emergency lethal force is to be employed in the enforcement of Dominion Law.
7.5.3: Martial Law
7.5.3.1: Martial Law may be declared by majority vote of the Dominion Security Council. Martial Law must be declared openly by both the Dominion Security Council and the Dominion Agencies.
7.5.3.2: Lethal force will be employed during Martial Law to remove threats to the Dominion and restore peace. Discretion is given to the FDC High Command to determine these threats which will be specified in the Martial Law declaration.
7.5.3.3: During Martial Law, the FDC High Command may temporarily create and abolish rules as necessary for the duration of the Martial Law. Classification of threats and discretion in the application of this article is under the jurisdiction of FDC High Command and the designated active area commander. The authority given under this Act may be defined on any zone within any world or station within the borders of the Dominion.
7.5.3.4: Once employed Martial Law may only be removed by a majority vote of the Dominion Security Council.

7.6. The Dominion Agencies have the right to maintain facilities for the security and safety of the citizenry of the Dominion this are to include but are not limited to the DeMorgans Castle Prison Colony and the Senate Hall.
7.6.1: All hostile actions and unauthorized presence of organized groups of a faction will be considered hostile intrusions. Hostile intrusions into Dominion Facilities will be answered with retaliatory actions by either or both Dominion Agencies.
7.6.2: A majority vote of the Senate may designate any building, compound, area or colony as either a Dominion Facility, for any amount of time and have the authority to revoke said status except in the case of the Prison Colony and Senate Hall.


Article Eight: Dominion Security Council.

8.1: The Dominion Security Council oversees the day to day operation of the Dominion Agencies and exists as its governing body.

8.2: The Dominion Security Council is to consist of the Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Department, the General of the Freedom Defense Corps and a member of the Senate elected by majority vote.




Article Nine: Armed Services Committee

9.1: The Armed Services Committee exists to determine the Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Department and the General of the Freedom Defense Corps by majority vote.

9.2: The Armed Services Committee is to consist of the President, two senators from different parties as chosen by the Senate and two members of the Dominion Agencies, one from the Law Enforcement Department and one from the Freedom Defense Corps chosen by popular vote from within that faction.

9.3: The Armed Services Committee is to select the General of the Freedom Defense Corps and the Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Department from the current High Command of the Dominion Agencies.

9.4: The General of the Freedom Defense Corps and the Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Department are to serve for a period of four months before the selection cycle begins again.



Article Ten: Bill of Rights

10.1: Preamble
These rights are hereby established for the protection and preservation of the freedoms and liberties at the essence and foundation of humanity and of this Federation.

10.2: Rights and Responsibilities

10.2.1: The Senate shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

10.2.2: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free Dominion, the right of the People to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

10.2.3: Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on faction, color, sex, sexuality, age, or mental or physical disability. This does not preclude any law, program or activity that has as its object the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are at risk of disadvantage because of faction, color, sex, sexuality, age, or mental or physical disability.

10.2.4: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, homes, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the individual, faction, and place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized, arrested, or engaged with lethal intent.

10.2.5: In all criminal trials, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial magistrate of the Global Dominion, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

10.2.6: The enumeration in the Codex, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

10.2.7: The powers not delegated to the Dominion by the Codex, nor prohibited by it to the Factions, are granted to the Factions respectively, or to the people. ((Keeping in mind this is a very basic Codex designed to get the government operational first))