Preamble
The Penal Code of Bradictoria is established to maintain order, uphold the integrity of the Empire, and safeguard the sovereignty and security of the Emperor and the realm. It defines criminal acts, outlines punishments, and ensures justice for all citizens. Crimes of treason, high treason, and imperial treason are regarded as the gravest offenses against the Empire, its sovereignty, and its supreme ruler, the Emperor.
Supreme Authority Clause: In all legal, criminal, or judicial matters concerning this Code, the Emperor shall possess supreme authority to interpret, override, or declare any action or omission to be lawful or unlawful, regardless of prior articles herein. His Majesty’s word on any criminal classification shall carry the full force of law.
Chapter 1: General Provisions
Article 1: Definition of a Crime
A crime is any act or omission that constitutes a violation of the penal code or that is declared by the Emperor and is punishable under the laws of Bradictoria.
Article 2: Presumption of Innocence
A person shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law by the established standard of evidence, unless by specific decree of the Emperor.
Article 3: Classification of Crimes
Crimes are classified into three categories:
- Felonies — Grave offenses punishable by severe penalties.
- Misdemeanors — Less severe offenses punishable by moderate penalties.
- Infractions — Minor violations punishable by fines or other minor sanctions.
Chapter 2: Treason
Article 4: Definition of Treason
Treason shall be defined as any deliberate, unlawful act committed by a citizen, subject, or resident of the Empire of Bradictoria that constitutes a betrayal of the sacred loyalty and allegiance owed to the Emperor and the Imperial Realm. Such acts include, but are not limited to, attempts to overthrow the lawful government, endanger the Emperor’s life or authority, or diminish the Empire’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security, or global standing. Furthermore, any act or omission deemed treasonous by Imperial Decree shall be recognized as such, as the Emperor retains absolute authority to define treason in accordance with divine and imperial law.
Article 5: Acts Constituting Treason
The following actions, when committed with intent to harm the Empire or undermine its sovereign authority, shall be deemed treasonous under Imperial Law:
- Espionage — The act of gathering, transmitting, or attempting to acquire sensitive or classified information on behalf of a hostile nation, foreign power, or adversarial entity, with the intent to injure the Empire or advantage a foreign interest.
- Rebellion — The organization of, participation in, or support of any armed insurrection, mutiny, or seditious uprising against the Emperor, the Imperial Guard, or any lawful branch of government established by the Crown.
- Assassination Plot — Conspiring to cause harm to, attempt to assassinate, or succeed in the assassination of the Emperor, members of the Imperial Family, or any high-ranking government officials appointed by Imperial Authority.
- Subversion — Disseminating seditious propaganda, inciting civil disobedience, or conducting covert operations designed to delegitimize the Empire’s institutions, sow discord among its citizens, or bring contempt upon the Throne.
- Aid to the Enemy — Offering material, financial, logistical, or strategic assistance—either directly or indirectly—to any nation, group, insurgency, or militant force recognized by the Empire as hostile or in a state of war with Bradictoria.
Article 6: Penalties for Treason
- Death — The sentence of death shall be imposed for acts of treason resulting in the death, attempted assassination, or grievous harm inflicted upon the Emperor, the Imperial Family, or senior state officials. Execution shall be carried out in a manner deemed just by the Emperor or His appointed magistrates.
- Life Imprisonment — Perpetrators found guilty of espionage, organized rebellion, or prolonged acts of sabotage may be sentenced to life imprisonment within a high-security Imperial Correctional Fortress, without possibility of parole or pardon unless granted directly by the Emperor.
- Confiscation of Property — Any estate, land, title, financial assets, or material wealth acquired or employed in service of treason shall be seized by the Imperial Treasury and redistributed or repurposed as the Emperor sees fit. In cases of noble treason, hereditary titles may be annulled or reassigned by Imperial Writ.
Chapter 3: High Treason
Article 7: Definition of High Treason
High Treason is the gravest of all offenses under Imperial Law, encompassing acts that seek to destroy, dethrone, betray, or otherwise imperil the Emperor, the Imperial Household, the Sovereign Government, or the very existence and integrity of the Empire of Bradictoria. It includes any attempt—whether by force, conspiracy, sedition, or foreign alliance—to subvert the Emperor’s rule, alter the structure of Imperial governance without lawful sanction, or diminish the authority vested in the Crown by divine right and tradition. His Imperial Majesty reserves the eternal right to define or expand this designation by Imperial Decree, and no mortal law may override such proclamation.
Article 8: Acts Constituting High Treason
The following acts, whether successful or attempted, shall be deemed High Treason and prosecuted with utmost severity:
- Assassination Attempt — Any effort, plan, or conspiracy to cause the death or grievous harm of the Emperor, the Empress, heirs to the Throne, or senior members of the Imperial Household, by any means direct or indirect.
- Military Coup — Seizing, attempting to seize, or inciting rebellion within the Imperial Armed Forces, including unauthorized mobilization, mutiny, or use of force against loyalist units or institutions.
- Secession or Partition — Leading, funding, or supporting any regional, ethnic, political, or religious movement seeking independence, separation, or autonomy from the unified and indivisible Empire of Bradictoria.
- Collusion with Foreign Powers — Engaging in espionage, diplomacy, or military cooperation with any foreign sovereign, hostile faction, or rival empire to the detriment of Bradictoria’s sovereignty, defense, or territorial integrity.
- Attempted Usurpation — Declaring oneself ruler, emperor, regent, or head of state without lawful succession, coronation, or investiture under Imperial Law.
- Desecration of the Imperial Seal — Forging, stealing, misusing, or defiling the official symbols, banners, or emblems of the Crown for treasonous or deceitful purposes.
- Sabotage of Imperial Institutions — The deliberate destruction or impairment of palaces, fortresses, treasuries, or vital organs of the State for the purpose of destabilization or rebellion.
Article 9: Penalties for High Treason
Given the mortal threat High Treason poses to the continuity of the Empire and the sacred person of His Imperial Majesty, penalties shall be absolute, ceremonial, and beyond appeal:
- Capital Punishment — Execution by a method deemed symbolically appropriate by the Emperor, such as beheading, hanging, or dismemberment, shall be carried out with public solemnity to deter others. Execution shall be swift, final, and witnessed by Imperial officials.
- Confiscation of Property and Titles — The entirety of the traitor’s estates, wealth, and noble or civil titles shall be forfeit to the Imperial Treasury, to be reassigned to loyal subjects as deemed fit by the Crown.
- Erasure from Record — The traitor’s name may, by decree, be struck from all public records, family trees, and monuments. No tombstone shall bear their name. Their legacy shall be declared null in the eyes of history.
- Punishment of Conspirators — All accomplices, enablers, and beneficiaries of the traitor’s plans, including family members aware of the plot, may be tried under this Chapter and receive equal or lesser punishment as the Imperial Tribunal shall determine.
- Posthumous Retribution — Should High Treason be discovered after the death of the perpetrator, the Empire reserves the right to confiscate any inherited property, disinter and dishonor remains, and deny the family future titles or positions of trust.
Chapter 4: Imperial Treason
Article 10: Definition of Imperial Treason
Imperial treason consists of any act or omission that betrays the Emperor’s authority or undermines the sovereign power of the Empire.
Article 11: Acts Constituting Imperial Treason
The following acts are considered imperial treason:
- Bribery or Corruption — Engaging in bribery or corruption to gain favor or power from foreign agents.
- Impersonating the Emperor — Any attempt to impersonate the Emperor or act in a manner that confuses or misleads the populace into believing false authority, or may be defined by His Imperial Majesty by Imperial Decree.
Article 12: Penalties for Imperial Treason
- Execution — For the most severe forms of imperial treason, including impersonating the Emperor.
- Imprisonment — For lesser forms of imperial treason, such as bribery or corruption.
Chapter 5: Sedition
Article 13: Definition of Sedition
Sedition shall be defined as any act, speech, publication, conspiracy, or coordinated behavior that aims to incite unrest, disobedience, rebellion, or loss of confidence in the lawful authority of His Imperial Majesty, the Imperial Government, or the institutions of the Empire of Bradictoria. Sedition includes not only overt rebellion but also covert efforts to undermine the Emperor’s divine mandate or weaken the unity of the Imperial State. His Imperial Majesty retains full discretion to redefine or expand this classification by Imperial Decree.
Article 14: Acts of Sedition
The following actions, whether conducted publicly or in secret, shall be deemed seditious and punishable under Imperial Law:
- Inciting Public Disorder — Disseminating speech, literature, or information that provokes or encourages rioting, protests, rebellion, or violent resistance against the Empire or its representatives.
- Disrupting Imperial Authority — Attempting to interfere with or delegitimize the governance of the Emperor or his ministers through organized dissent, defiance of orders, or obstruction of Imperial functions.
- Seditious Publications — Creating, publishing, or distributing materials—written, spoken, digital, or artistic—that question the sovereignty, divine right, or legitimacy of the Emperor or advocate for disobedience or disunion.
- Organizing Unlawful Assemblies — Forming or participating in unauthorized groups, councils, or movements aimed at challenging or resisting the authority of the Crown.
- Collusion with Known Dissidents — Communicating with or providing aid to individuals, factions, or foreign agents engaged in seditious activity.
- Seditious Symbolism or Gestures — Displaying flags, symbols, hand signs, or attire designed to represent opposition to the Emperor or the Empire.
- Mockery of the Throne — Any act of verbal, written, or performative mockery directed at the Emperor, the Imperial Household, or sacred Imperial rituals.
Article 15: Penalties for Sedition
Those found guilty of sedition shall face strict and exemplary penalties intended to preserve the order and dignity of the Imperial State:
- Imprisonment — Terms may range from ten years to life, depending on the severity and reach of the seditious act.
- Exile — Seditionists who pose an ongoing ideological or strategic threat to Imperial unity may be banished to remote territories or beyond the borders of Bradictoria by decree.
- Public Censure and Branding — In cases of widespread influence, the convicted may be subject to public shaming, revocation of all honors, and physical branding as a traitor.
- Confiscation of Assets — All titles, lands, and possessions of the seditionist may be seized by the Crown and redistributed for loyal service.
- Enhanced Sentencing — Should the act of sedition occur during wartime, an Imperial Emergency, or in cooperation with foreign enemies, the crime shall be elevated to High Treason and punished accordingly.
- Penalty by Imperial Decree- A penalty may be issued by Imperial Decree for any individuals accused of Sedition
Chapter 6: Cyber Sedition and Electronic Treason
Article 16: Definition of Cyber Sedition and Electronic Treason
Cyber sedition refers to the use of electronic systems or the internet to incite rebellion, spread sedition, or undermine the authority of the Emperor,or may be defined by His Imperial Majesty by Imperial Decree.
Article 17: Acts of Cyber Sedition and Electronic Treason
The following acts are considered cyber sedition and electronic treason:
- Hacking Imperial Systems — Unauthorized access to or disruption of any Imperial electronic infrastructure.
- Disseminating Seditious Content — Posting or distributing content online that encourages rebellion or insults the Emperor.
Article 18: Penalties for Cyber Sedition and Electronic Treason
- Imprisonment — For individuals convicted of cyber sedition or attempting to destabilize the Empire electronically.
- Execution — For those found guilty of severe electronic treason that threatens the security of the Empire.
Chapter 7: Offending the Emperor's Dignity
Article 19: Offenses Against the Emperor
Any act or statement that disrespects or undermines the dignity of the Emperor shall be punishable under this chapter.
Article 20: Penalties for Offending the Emperor's Dignity
- Imprisonment — For minor offenses, such as disrespectful speech or actions.
- Exile — For individuals who repeatedly or significantly offend the Emperor.
Chapter 8: Unauthorized Governance
Article 21: Definition of Unauthorized Governance
Unauthorized governance is defined as the act of governing or attempting to govern any part of Bradictoria without the Emperor’s express permission or without proper imperial authority.
Article 22: Acts of Unauthorized Governance
- Attempting to Assume Imperial Authority — Any attempt to rule or govern without the Emperor’s decree.
Article 23: Penalties for Unauthorized Governance
- Imprisonment — For those found guilty of attempting to assume governance illegally.
- Execution — For those found guilty of attempting to overthrow the Emperor or seize control of the Empire.
Chapter 9: Denial of Imperial Order
Article 24: Definition of Denial of Imperial Order
Denial of Imperial Order involves any act of disobedience against the direct commands or decrees of the Emperor or his appointed representatives.
Article 25: Acts of Denial of Imperial Order
- Refusal to Obey Direct Orders — Refusing to comply with a lawful order from the Emperor.
Article 26: Penalties for Denial of Imperial Order
- Imprisonment — For refusal to comply with less severe orders.
- Execution — For actions involving direct harm to the Empire or defiance of high-level imperial decrees.
Chapter 10: Theft and Larceny
Article 27: Definition of Theft and Larceny
Theft is the unlawful taking of property without the consent of the owner, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it.
Article 28: Acts of Theft and Larceny
- Theft — Stealing property, including money, goods, or resources.
- Burglary — Breaking and entering with the intent to commit theft.
Article 29: Penalties for Theft and Larceny
- Imprisonment — For those caught committing theft.
- Fines — For minor theft offenses.
- Execution — For repeated or large-scale theft.
Chapter 11: Emergency Powers
Article 30: Definition of Emergency Powers
In times of national crisis, the Emperor has the right to declare emergency powers and override certain sections of the penal code to maintain order and security.
Article 31: Exercise of Emergency Powers
- Suspension of Rights — During an emergency, civil rights may be suspended temporarily by decree of the Emperor.
Article 32: Penalties During an Emergency
- Severe Punishments — For individuals who actively undermine the Imperial emergency orders during a crisis.
Chapter 12: Crimes Against the Emperor
Article 33: Definition of Crimes Against the Emperor
Crimes against the Emperor include any act or statement that threatens the life, dignity, or authority of the Emperor.
Article 34: Acts Against the Emperor
- Attempted Assassination — Attempting to harm or kill the Emperor.
- Defamation — Publicly insulting or defaming the Emperor.
Article 35: Penalties for Crimes Against the Emperor
- Execution — For individuals convicted of threatening the life of the Emperor or attempting to assassinate.
- Imprisonment — For those who defame or insult the Emperor.
Chapter 13: Extraterritorial Jurisdiction
Article 36: Definition and Scope
Extraterritorial jurisdiction refers to the legal authority of the Empire of Bradictoria to apply its laws, exercise legal control, and impose penalties upon individuals, organizations, or entities located outside the territorial boundaries of the Empire, provided that their actions affect the interests, security, citizens, or sovereignty of Bradictoria. This authority is derived from the divine mandate of the Emperor and extends to any realm where the Empire maintains diplomatic, commercial, cultural, or strategic presence or influence.
Article 37: Conditions for Assertion of Jurisdiction
The Empire shall assert extraterritorial jurisdiction under the following circumstances:
- Imperial Citizens Abroad — All citizens, including dual nationals, are subject to Imperial law regardless of their physical location. Breaches of Imperial law abroad may result in prosecution within the Empire.
- Crimes Against the Empire — Any person, regardless of nationality, who commits an act abroad that endangers the Empire’s sovereignty, military assets, or diplomatic interests may be tried under Bradictorian law.
- Protected Assets and Missions — Crimes committed against Bradictorian embassies, consulates, military bases, royal missions, or official representatives abroad fall within the Empire’s jurisdiction.
- Universal Jurisdiction Offenses — The Empire shall claim jurisdiction over acts universally condemned under international law, such as piracy, slavery, terrorism, and crimes against humanity, when committed against Bradictorian subjects or by those seeking sanctuary within Imperial lands.
- Extraterritorial Agreements — Where treaties or diplomatic accords permit it, the Empire may exercise jurisdiction over individuals or disputes on foreign soil, as defined by the terms of said agreements.
Article 38: Mechanisms of Enforcement
- Imperial Extradition — The Empire may request the extradition of suspects from foreign jurisdictions based on bilateral or multilateral treaties, or by invoking sovereign authority where such treaties do not exist.
- In Absentia Proceedings — Where extradition is denied or impossible, courts of the Empire may proceed with trials in absentia and issue binding verdicts under the authority of the Emperor.
- Imperial Agents Abroad — Authorized agents of the Empire may be dispatched beyond Bradictorian territory to collect evidence, protect witnesses, or execute operations essential to Imperial justice, with or without the consent of local authorities depending on the threat level.
- Diplomatic Enforcement — Enforcement through diplomatic pressure, sanctions, or formal demands shall be coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Enforcement in service of Imperial Law.
Article 39: Limitations and Immunities
Notwithstanding the above, the exercise of extraterritorial jurisdiction shall respect the sovereignty of other recognized states, except where such states are deemed hostile, unrecognized, or in breach of imperial agreements. Diplomatic personnel with appropriate immunities shall not be prosecuted without express revocation of immunity by the Emperor or their sending state. Any limitation on jurisdiction must be authorized by Imperial Decree.
Chapter 14: Imperial Emergency Powers
Article 40: Declaration of Emergency
An Imperial Emergency may be declared by the Emperor through Royal Proclamation when the Empire is faced with circumstances that threaten the existence, sovereignty, order, or divine integrity of Bradictoria. Emergencies may include, but are not limited to: war, rebellion, foreign invasion, internal insurrection, catastrophic disaster, or any event deemed perilous to the Imperial Throne or the State.
Article 41: Supreme Authority of the Emperor
Upon the declaration of an Imperial Emergency, the Emperor shall wield supreme, unchallengeable authority over all branches of governance, military command, civil administration, and judicial organs. The Emperor’s word shall carry the full force of law, requiring no ratification or consent from any council, tribunal, or legislative body.
- Direct Decrees — The Emperor may issue binding decrees, edicts, or commands which supersede all existing laws for the duration of the Emergency.
- Martial Rule — The Emperor may suspend civil courts and implement martial law in any region of the Empire deemed unstable or rebellious.
- Asset Seizure — All private property, institutions, and resources may be requisitioned by the Imperial Crown for purposes of national stability.
- Detention Without Trial — The Emperor may order the arrest and indefinite detention of individuals suspected of disloyalty, sedition, or subversion, without the necessity of charge or trial.
- Suspension of Rights — All rights, liberties, and immunities, whether statutory or customary, may be temporarily suspended by order of the Emperor.
Article 42: Military and Civil Command
During an emergency, all military commanders, provincial governors, magistrates, and local authorities shall answer directly to the Emperor or his designated agents. Failure to obey Imperial directives during this time shall constitute High Treason and be punishable as such.
Article 43: Duration and Termination
An Imperial Emergency shall remain in effect until the Emperor declares it concluded through Imperia; Proclamation. No other institution may nullify, review, or question the continuance of emergency status. The Emperor alone determines the restoration of normal governance.
Article 44: Immunity of Action
No act carried out under the authority of the Emperor during an Emergency shall be subject to legal challenge, future prosecution, or public inquiry. Such acts are deemed inherently lawful by virtue of divine mandate and necessity.
Article 45: Record of Actions
All actions taken under emergency powers shall be recorded in the Imperial Register of Crisis Orders, to be sealed under the Emperor's signet and made available only by express command. Records are not subject to public or parliamentary inspection.
Article 46: Oath of Emergency Obedience
All military officers, civil administrators, and noble houses shall swear anew an Oath of Emergency Obedience, binding them to the will of the Emperor for the duration of the crisis. Refusal shall constitute immediate forfeiture of rank, land, title, and honor.