Supreme Court
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Ms Christina Nowell
The Supreme Court is outlined in Article VI: Judicial Power of the Constitution which describes the Empire only having one Court - the Supreme Court, which is defined as a separate branch of government; however, the Emperor and Autocrat retains immense power under the Constitution - including the power to override judgements.
No Justice is permitted to hold a Judicial Seat whilst holding power in one of the other Branches of Government; this ensures the true separation of government this means the judicial can be independent of the Imperial Government.
One of the Supreme Court's most important duties is forming a Constitutional Review Board - this board reviews Constitutional Decree's and can vote to Veto said Decree if it is found to be unconstitutional. This power provided by Constitution ensures that nothing harmful or against the ideals of Lehmark can occur to the Constitution - which serves as the Empire's basic law.
While the Constitution has been amended multiple times and the judiciary has changed - the Supreme Court has been around since the Constitution's first version - showing the Emperor recognising the need for organised and efficient judiciary.
Supreme Court Functionality
The Supreme Court is made up of three Justices' - the Chief Justice, Criminal Justice and Civil Justice. The Chief Justice is the de fact leader of the Judicial Branch of Government.
The Civil Justice reviews Civil Suits and passes judgment on them accordingly.
The Criminal Justice reviews Criminal Cases and passes judgment using the Criminal Law Code.
The Chief Justice and two Justices of the Supreme Court are appointed by the Emperor and are usually based on recommendations from the Department of Justice.
Appeals can be made to the Chief Justice and then finally the Emperor himself. Appeals must be based on the point of law, material procedural irregularity or severity of sentence.
The Supreme Court reviews Constitutional Decree's before their enactment, which if found to be unconstitutional the Supreme Court can vote to veto them and force the Emperor to amend the Decree before its acceptance. The Emperor can override this Veto - for the continuance of government.
The Judicial Procedure Manual was written by Mr Wald Friedeli, Ms Christina Nowell and His Imperial Majesty William I Emperor and Autocrat of Lehmark and outlines Court Procedure and Court Documents.
Court Documents found in the Manual: Supreme Court Summons, Supreme Court Pleadings, Supreme Court Judgement.
Court Procedures found in the Manual:
Court Ethics
Summons
Pleadings
Evidence
Judgement
Execution of Judgment
Constitutional Decree Review
Recusal Rules
Case Codes
Court Filing Guidelines