ECLIPSE Roleplay - User contributions [en]

San Andreas Judicial Branch

2024-07-18T21:03:55Z

JudgeJudy: Added intro, services, and the three court system

[[File:San Andreas Judicial Branch Seal.png|alt=SAJB Seal|thumb|Seal of the San Andreas Judicial Branch]]The '''San Andreas Judicial Branch''' is a government faction dedicated to running the court system in San Andreas. The branch is comprised of three distinct divisions: the Prosecution Division to represent the State of San Andreas during criminal trial, the Defense Division to defend citizens who are charged with crimes, and the State Judiciary to hear the evidence and administer justice.

== Mission of the San Andreas Judicial Branch ==
<blockquote>''"To enforce the law and defend the interests of the State of San Andreas according to the law;''

''to provide judicial leadership in preventing and controlling crime;''

''to seek punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior;''

''and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all citizens."''</blockquote>

== History ==
The San Andreas Judicial Branch was first introduced by the San Andreas State Government on February 14th, 2021 in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=73522 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #28] Introducing the Judicial Branch</nowiki>]. The first event held in the Los Santos Courthouse was the swearing in of a number of Judges including James Mayfeld, Bret Hyland, Darby Adler, and Andrew Vinewood, tasked with reviewing search warrant applications and building a system that would later become Criminal Appeals, allowing citizens of the state to dispute their charges in an attempt to get them removed from their record and be compensated for their time spent incarcerated.

Approximately one month later in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=78305 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #29] Appointment of Chief Justice</nowiki>], the first head of the faction, James Mayfeld, was introduced to the public.

As time progressed, the branch released the first iteration of the Appeals Court in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=82735 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #1] Appeals Court</nowiki>] and began hiring a number of new members - most notably former-Court Clerk and Head of Recruiting Hank Holt, former-Attorney General and Head of the Bar Association Aurora James, and then-Court Clerk Judith Mason, who all worked hard to revamp the Judicial Branch's hiring processes and develop the different services that would later be provided.

Chief Justice James Mayfeld later stepped down from his position in September 2021, handing the reigns to Associate Justice Bret Hyland, who worked diligently to help the branch succeed until the start of the new year.

After much deliberation, the Board of Commissioners finally appointed the leader of the new administration: Colt Daniels, a longtime Sheriff's Deputy who had joined the Judicial Branch, had shown hard work and dedication in order to quickly climb the ranks, starting as a public defense attorney, becoming the first District Criminal Defense Attorney, and shortly after, rose to the occasion to become a Judge himself. The Board of Commissioners agreed that his commitment to the pursuit of justice would make him the best candidate to become the Chief Justice of the San Andreas Judicial Branch, later announced in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=97886 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #35] Appointment of Chief Justice and SADOC Warden</nowiki>].

Chief Justice Daniels then appointed Judith Mason to become his next Associate Justice, and the two of them led the Supreme Court of San Andreas for the next several years.

On May 20th, 2023, Chief Justice Colt Daniels announced a decision to take a step back from his position into the role of Associate Justice, at which point Governor Lewis Langley appointed Judith Mason to become the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of San Andreas.

Judith Mason remained as the Chief Justice for approximately 9 months until Governor Lewis Langley decided that the branch had not been progressing quickly enough and that a change in leadership was required.

On February 3rd, 2024, Robert Winejudge was sworn in as the next Chief Justice and he would remain within that position for approximately 5 months, however, his extended absences in addition to a general lack of activity ultimately led to his removal and Governor Lewis Langley's decision to appoint Judith Mason to become Acting Chief Justice on July 13th, 2024.

== Services ==

=== Criminal Court ===
Facing a criminal charge is a serious and potentially life-changing situation and as such, one of the most important functions of the San Andreas Judicial Branch is that of the Superior Court of San Andreas. Citizens arrested for any misdemeanor or felony charge may petition the courts to hear their case, in which one of the Judicial Branch’s Judges will review evidence and testimony in both a professional and timely manner, evaluating legal arguments from a neutral and unbiased view so that proper justice may be upheld.

=== San Andreas Bar Association ===

==== Bar Licensing Office ====
In the State of San Andreas, you must have a valid Bar License in order to practice law - this can include but is not limited to, giving legal advice, representing clients, and filing lawsuits on behalf of another person. The only exception to this is if a defendant chooses to self-represent in their own criminal trial.

Those found to be practicing law without a valid Bar License issued by the San Andreas Bar Association will be subject to fines and potential criminal prosecution as outlined by the Bar Ethics Review Board, the Business Licensing Bureau, and the State of San Andreas Penal Code.

The Bar Examination itself is a 50 question multiple choice test that will assess one's knowledge of the penal code, courtroom procedures, and other various aspects of being an attorney. To pass the Bar Examination, you must receive a minimum score of 70%. Should you fail the examination, you must wait 30 days from receiving your results before requesting another attempt.

==== Bar Ethics Review Board ====
The San Andreas Bar Ethics Review Board was established to investigate, evaluate, and act upon complaints alleging unethical conduct by attorneys licensed in the State of San Andreas. The Bar Ethics Review Board is responsible for ensuring that all attorneys practicing law within the State are properly licensed to practice and uphold minimum requirements to remain actively licensed within the State.

The San Andreas Bar Ethics Review Board is comprised of select members of the San Andreas Judicial Branch, tasked with overseeing attorney conduct to ensure they are fulfilling their professional responsibilities and upholding their oath to preserve the dignity and respect of the court system.

=== Public Notary ===

==== Office of Marriage and Civil Partnerships ====
Within the State of San Andreas, marriage, civil partnerships, or civil unions are the legal joining of two people in a personal relationship. Unlike a Common-Law Marriage, civil partnerships registered with the San Andreas Judicial Branch are valid in the eyes of the law of the State and are entitled to all legal perks that come along with it, including but not limited to marital privilege, meaning private statements made between spouses intended to be confidential are ensured to remain private in the eyes of the law.

In order to get married or enter into a civil partnership, you must apply for and obtain a marriage license prior to your ceremony. A marriage license is a required legal document in the State of San Andreas for a couple to legally marry or enter into their civil partnership and certifies that both individuals are eligible to enter into these unions.

==== Officiant Licensing Office ====
The Public Notary is also tasked with running the Officiant Licensing Office, which reviews qualifications and administers classes that one must attend before becoming licensed to perform the ceremony of matrimony. All it takes is a short application, a small fee, and your attendance to one of our classes. Each class is taught by an experienced member of the Judicial Branch, who is ready and willing to answer any of your questions in regards to performing the rite of marriage.

==== Office of Contract Authenticity ====
The Contract Authenticity Office is a division in the San Andreas Judicial Branch that handles the authentication of legally binding contracts. This may include, but is not limited to, private sale of assets (Residential, automotive, etc.), residential or automotive rental agreements, employment agreements, and business agreements.

== Three Court System ==
The San Andreas Judicial Branch is separated into three distinct courts: the Superior Court of San Andreas, the San Andreas Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court of San Andreas. Each court has its own requirements on how cases are accepted and handled, with cases first being heard in the Superior Court, decisions from the Superior Court may be appealed to the Court of Appeals, and an appeal of a decision from the Court of Appeals may be made to the Supreme Court.

=== Superior Court of San Andreas ===
The Superior Court of San Andreas is the trial court that members of the public will interact with most often. The Superior Court has what is called "Original Jurisdiction" in the majority of situations, meaning they are the lowest court that hears the case first, with the Superior Court being where a traditional trial for both civil and criminal cases are held.

=== San Andreas Court of Appeals ===
If a judge presiding in a Superior Court case makes a decision in the trial court that one party is not happy with, that party can submit an appeal of the decision in the San Andreas Court of Appeals. Not every decision is appealable, however, as the Double Jeopardy rule states, a citizen may not be placed in jeopardy of life or limb twice for the same offense, meaning that only the defendant may appeal a decision made after the issuance of the verdict.

When a specific decision made by a judge in the Superior Court is disputed by one of the parties, they may bring it to the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals is intended to ''only'' hear disputed decisions from the lower court and, as such, this court has what is known as Appellate Jurisdiction.

Typically, the decisions that are appealed to the Court of Appeals are ones involving motions. For example, if I were to deny a specific Motion to Suppress that you believe should be granted and you have a legal basis for believing so, then you may post that decision to the Court of Appeals and file a Motion to Stay Pending Appeal in the original case to let me know that the decision is being reviewed by the Court of Appeals.

=== Supreme Court of San Andreas ===
The Supreme Court of San Andreas is the court of highest authority within the State. All decisions made by the Supreme Court are binding to all lower courts and cases brought to the Supreme Court have the chance to overturn a ruling made in the Court of Appeals.

The Supreme Court requires that the case originate in the Superior Court, then a specific decision has already been appealed to the Court of Appeals, and ''then'' the decision may be brought to the Supreme Court.

The biggest difference in the Supreme Court is that the court is not ''required'' to take on any cases. As such, most of the time, the decision made in the Court of Appeals is likely the final decision on the matter because only a select few ever are accepted to be heard by the Supreme Court.

San Andreas Judicial Branch

2024-07-18T19:26:29Z

JudgeJudy: Added SAJB Seal

[[File:San Andreas Judicial Branch Seal.png|alt=SAJB Seal|thumb|Seal of the San Andreas Judicial Branch]]

= San Andreas Judicial Branch =
<blockquote>''"To enforce the law and defend the interests of the State of San Andreas according to the law;''

''to provide judicial leadership in preventing and controlling crime;''

''to seek punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior;''

''and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all citizens."''</blockquote>

== History ==
The San Andreas Judicial Branch was first introduced by the San Andreas State Government on February 14th, 2021 in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=73522 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #28] Introducing the Judicial Branch</nowiki>]. The first event held in the Los Santos Courthouse was the swearing in of a number of Judges including James Mayfeld, Bret Hyland, Darby Adler, and Andrew Vinewood, tasked with reviewing search warrant applications and building a system that would later become Criminal Appeals, allowing citizens of the state to dispute their charges in an attempt to get them removed from their record and be compensated for their time spent incarcerated.

Approximately one month later in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=78305 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #29] Appointment of Chief Justice</nowiki>], the first head of the faction, James Mayfeld, was introduced to the public.

As time progressed, the branch released the first iteration of the Appeals Court in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=82735 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #1] Appeals Court</nowiki>] and began hiring a number of new members - most notably former-Court Clerk and Head of Recruiting Hank Holt, former-Attorney General and Head of the Bar Association Aurora James, and then-Court Clerk Judith Mason, who all worked hard to revamp the Judicial Branch's hiring processes and develop the different services that would later be provided.

Chief Justice James Mayfeld later stepped down from his position in September 2021, handing the reigns to Associate Justice Bret Hyland, who worked diligently to help the branch succeed until the start of the new year.

After much deliberation, the Board of Commissioners finally appointed the leader of the new administration: Colt Daniels, a longtime Sheriff's Deputy who had joined the Judicial Branch, had shown hard work and dedication in order to quickly climb the ranks, starting as a public defense attorney, becoming the first District Criminal Defense Attorney, and shortly after, rose to the occasion to become a Judge himself. The Board of Commissioners agreed that his commitment to the pursuit of justice would make him the best candidate to become the Chief Justice of the San Andreas Judicial Branch, later announced in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=97886 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #35] Appointment of Chief Justice and SADOC Warden</nowiki>].

Chief Justice Daniels then appointed Judith Mason to become his next Associate Justice, and the two of them led the Supreme Court of San Andreas for the next several years.

On May 20th, 2023, Chief Justice Colt Daniels announced a decision to take a step back from his position into the role of Associate Justice, at which point Governor Lewis Langley appointed Judith Mason to become the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of San Andreas.

Judith Mason remained as the Chief Justice for approximately 9 months until Governor Lewis Langley decided that the branch had not been progressing quickly enough and that a change in leadership was required.

On February 3rd, 2024, Robert Winejudge was sworn in as the next Chief Justice and he would remain within that position for approximately 5 months, however, his extended absences in addition to a general lack of activity ultimately led to his removal and Governor Lewis Langley's decision to appoint Judith Mason to become Acting Chief Justice on July 13th, 2024.

File:San Andreas Judicial Branch Seal.png

2024-07-18T19:22:58Z

JudgeJudy:

Seal of the San Andreas Judicial Branch

San Andreas Judicial Branch

2024-07-18T17:50:42Z

JudgeJudy: Added general history

= San Andreas Judicial Branch =
<blockquote>''"To enforce the law and defend the interests of the State of San Andreas according to the law;''

''to provide judicial leadership in preventing and controlling crime;''

''to seek punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior;''

''and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all citizens."''</blockquote>

== History ==
The San Andreas Judicial Branch was first introduced by the San Andreas State Government on February 14th, 2021 in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=73522 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #28] Introducing the Judicial Branch</nowiki>]. The first event held in the Los Santos Courthouse was the swearing in of a number of Judges including James Mayfeld, Bret Hyland, Darby Adler, and Andrew Vinewood, tasked with reviewing search warrant applications and building a system that would later become Criminal Appeals, allowing citizens of the state to dispute their charges in an attempt to get them removed from their record and be compensated for their time spent incarcerated.

Approximately one month later in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=78305 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #29] Appointment of Chief Justice</nowiki>], the first head of the faction, James Mayfeld, was introduced to the public.

As time progressed, the branch released the first iteration of the Appeals Court in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=82735 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #1] Appeals Court</nowiki>] and began hiring a number of new members - most notably former-Court Clerk and Head of Recruiting Hank Holt, former-Attorney General and Head of the Bar Association Aurora James, and then-Court Clerk Judith Mason, who all worked hard to revamp the Judicial Branch's hiring processes and develop the different services that would later be provided.

Chief Justice James Mayfeld later stepped down from his position in September 2021, handing the reigns to Associate Justice Bret Hyland, who worked diligently to help the branch succeed until the start of the new year.

After much deliberation, the Board of Commissioners finally appointed the leader of the new administration: Colt Daniels, a longtime Sheriff's Deputy who had joined the Judicial Branch, had shown hard work and dedication in order to quickly climb the ranks, starting as a public defense attorney, becoming the first District Criminal Defense Attorney, and shortly after, rose to the occasion to become a Judge himself. The Board of Commissioners agreed that his commitment to the pursuit of justice would make him the best candidate to become the Chief Justice of the San Andreas Judicial Branch, later announced in [https://gov.eclipse-rp.net/viewtopic.php?t=97886 <nowiki>[PRESS RELEASE #35] Appointment of Chief Justice and SADOC Warden</nowiki>].

Chief Justice Daniels then appointed Judith Mason to become his next Associate Justice, and the two of them led the Supreme Court of San Andreas for the next several years.

On May 20th, 2023, Chief Justice Colt Daniels announced a decision to take a step back from his position into the role of Associate Justice, at which point Governor Lewis Langley appointed Judith Mason to become the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of San Andreas.

Judith Mason remained as the Chief Justice for approximately 9 months until Governor Lewis Langley decided that the branch had not been progressing quickly enough and that a change in leadership was required.

On February 3rd, 2024, Robert Winejudge was sworn in as the next Chief Justice and he would remain within that position for approximately 5 months, however, his extended absences in addition to a general lack of activity ultimately led to his removal and Governor Lewis Langley's decision to appoint Judith Mason to become Acting Chief Justice on July 13th, 2024.