Charter of the Emerald Magistrates

The Charter of the Emerald Magistrates was drafted by Soshi Saibankan in the middle of the second century.

Summary

The charter was a substantial document, but it could be summarized as follows:

• Emerald Magistrates are concerned with major crimes: treason, crimes of a national scope, crimes involving organized blasphemy or the Shadowlands, the flight of fugitives across clan or territorial borders, and general civil disorder and lawlessness. If they become aware of lesser crimes, they are duty bound to inform authorities with appropriate jurisdiction.
• Emerald Magistrates are empowered to oversee collection of Imperial taxes and tariffs, issue Empire-wide travel papers, and protect visiting dignitaries. They also have the right to enter any place in the Empire and arrest and question any person in performance of their duties. There is a caveat, though, if this involves samurai of higher social status or station than their own, they must obtain an appropriate writ from the Emerald Champion or from the daimyō or lord of the samurai in question.
• Emerald Magistrates are generally not permitted to address purely local law enforcement matters, although they won't hesitate to intervene in crimes in progress. They also don't involve themselves in blood feuds, nor are they permitted to receive any gifts or other compensation in relation to their duties.

References

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