By the hand of Ubar Tom Valencia, the city of Port Victoria laws are issued as follows:
Volume 1: Public laws
The Laws of Port Victoria
((The laws were created based upon the explicit laws as described in the 26 novels of Gor.))
The law is divided into six sections:
Public Laws
Public laws dictated how public services were to be provided and how public functions should be conducted. In our example we categorize caste law as a form of public law, but in ancient times it might have determined where a house might be built and what a farmer might export.
Procedural Laws
Procedure law governs how government and law is implemented. Concepts such as due process, habeas corpus and the right of representation are covered in these laws. ((The books are largely silent on procedural law, even though Athens and Rome both had these concepts in their legal structures))
Tort Laws
Tort Laws apply to damages to person or property including murder, rape, assault, theft, fraud and defamation. ((The books provide some examples here, with punishments for murder described. Other crimes we know were understood by the Gorean legal system, with references to theft and fraud))
Family Laws
Family laws govern the expected roles of families. In this section we would find laws defining the rights and roles of the father, free women and children. ((Some of these we can draw directly from the books, whereas others are drawn from ancient manuscript))
Merchant Laws
The only laws that are universal throughout Gor
Public Laws - SECTION A
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1- Swearing of the Oath - CITIZENSHIP
Young men and women of the city, when coming of age, participate in a ceremony which involves the swearing of oaths, and the sharing of bread, fire and salt. In this ceremony the Home Stone of the city is held by each young person and kissed. Only then are the laurel wreath and the mantle of citizenship conferred. The swearing confers the status of CITIZEN.
1a- Residents
They are granted protections within the city at the same level of citizens. However they are not required to swear to the Home Stone. They also are not granted the same privileges that citizens have (such as covering key roles for and within the city). To be resident one MUST register with the caste of Scribes and caste of belonging.
2- Protection of the Home Stone.
The defense of the city is usually entrusted to the Red Caste but all men are expected to come to its defense.
Men of castes other than the Warriors are still obliged to defend the Home Stone, the Free Women, Children and the property of the city and citizens from attack or theft. Deadly force used in the discharge of such duties is considered acceptable by the High Council and any such man who resorts to such force is shielded from arrest and prosecution.
3-False Claim of the Home Stone
To claim a Home Stone that is one's own when it is not is a serious offense, punishable according to the High Magistrate decision, case by case.
4 - Treason.
It is evaluated case by case but it is considered serious business.
Typical punishment for women: enslavement
Typical punishment for men: impalement or a sound beating
The high magistrate has final word in deciding the penalties
5 -Access to the City.
Port Victoria is a peaceful ubarate and its gates are generally open.
Checks by the guards might be carried out randomly and access might be denied if deemed necessary.
6 - The High Council and The Ubar.
Port Victoria is governed by an Ubar. The Ubar gathers the High Council for information and counseling purposes, but his word is final law on all decisions.
In the event of War, the high council will be dissolved and the Ubar will concentrate all power and decisions.
The Ubar remains in charge as long as the conflict continues and has to reinstall the High Council as soon as the war is over.
In matters of voting, the high Council votes by majority.
7-Declaration of War.
Declarations of war can only be issued by Ubar on his own criteria.
8 - Ambassadors.
Ambassadors represent the city and have a duty to comply according to the dispositions of the Ubar and the High Council.
Ambassadors cannot make decisions or speak for the city without having been so authorized by the Ubar or the Council.
Ambassadors can only be chosen among the High Caste of Scribes.
Elected by the Ubar.
9 - Alliances.
The only citizens authorized to discuss alliances with other cities are Ambassadors appointed by the High Council. In additional the Ubar may directly negotiate with other cities. All alliances are subject to approval by the Ubar.
10 - Head Slaver of the City.
Elected by the High Council by majority, it is chosen among the Sub-Caste of Slavers and is in charge of the city kennels. It responds directly to the Ubar and the High Council and not to the High Merchant
Castes Laws. - Public Laws Section B
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1- Head of Caste
The Head of Caste shall be responsible for maintaining standards of the caste within the city.
Head of Caste shall be appointed by the Ubar and serves at the discretion of the High Council. A Head of Caste shall serve until such time as they step down, or be dismissed by a majority vote of the High Council or at the decree of the Ubar.
2- Caste Entitlement
The castes are strict and the laws are written to allow heads of castes to exercise some control over who is allowed to the enter their caste.
Children shall be considered of the same caste as their father. A male child, having obtained adolescence, is expected to practice said caste after an apprenticeship. Free companions may elect to change their caste registration to that of their male companion. Any person, once enslaved, loses their caste protection, rights and entitlement.
3 -Caste Duties
Any discussion of caste needed to make it clear that caste members are expected to perform some functions to support the city.
Any gorean who refuses to practice their livelihood or strives to alter caste without the consent of the Ubar will be stripped of caste and declared an outlaw. Such outlaws are, at the discretion of the Magistrate, subject to execution. Women are not required to practice their caste if they choose not to do so.
4 - Caste Change
Those individuals with a proven aptitude outside their caste may petition to change caste. To do so the permission of Ubar as well as the Head of Castes of both the current caste and the desired caste must be obtained. The individual wishing the change must also find a sponsor in the desired caste to speak for him before the Head of Caste. No man or woman shall be admitted to any caste without the express consent of the Head of Caste.
5 - Caste Expulsion
Those individuals found to be failing to practice their caste, failing to meet its standards or bringing dishonor to their caste may be expelled. The expulsion is requested by the Head of Caste.
B1 -Caste of Initiates
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The Caste of Initiates is known to have held its own council from which a representative is sent to the High Council. They also have their own laws which sometimes conflict with civil law. The law of Port Victoria, being the civil laws written by Scribes, assumes itself to be the superior.
b1.1 Representation on the Council.
The caste of Initiates shall be guaranteed one voting seat on the High Council, the position to be filled by an Initiate nominated by the High Council of Initiates.
b1.2 Initiate Law .
The caste of Initiates is permitted to maintain its own system of courts and laws and shall be granted authority to implement such laws within the walls of the city ,subject to the approval of the High Council. The caste of Initiates do not have access to the city’s Guardsmen or Magistrates and do not have access to the records held by the Scribes
b1.3 Pilgrimage
All free citizens have to, upon notice from the Caste of Initiates, and before their twenty-fifth birthday, execute plans to attend the Sardar Fair and pay suitable homage to the Priest Kings. The Initiates have to maintain a record of all who have completed such pilgrimage and once completed, a second pilgrimage cannot be demanded. Any who claim they have already made their pilgrimage must present before the council at least three free witness of good standing. Failure to comply may be punished by banishment for men and enslavement for women.
b1.4 Access to Temple
All free, regardless of their home stone, are permitted to enter the temple for the purposes of paying homage to the Sardar. Slaves may not enter the temple, and must be chained outside to await their owners.
b1.5 Only Slaves authorised in the Temple
Eunuchs, castrated boys owned by the initiates
B2 - Caste of Scribes
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b2.1 Representation on the Council
The caste of Scribes shall be guaranteed one voting seat on the High Council
b2.2 Sub Branches
Are decided by the High Scribes and a resister kept within the caste
b2.3 Praetor or High Magistrate
All Prefects(or Magisrates) of the city of Port Victoria shall report and be subject to the ruling of the city’s Praetor (or High Magistrate). The Praetor shall be appointed by the High Scribe and serves at their discretion. The Praetor may override any Prefect including commuting sentences or imposing harsher ones.
b2.4 Prefects or Magistrates
Prefects shall serve the role of magistrate within and for the city of Port Victoria. All Prefects shall be drawn from the caste of Scribes and are appointed by the Praetor. Prefects shall listen to complaints from citizens; issue written arrests warrants and send Guardsmen to bring the accused to justice. Prefects shall examine evidence of innocence or guilt and will issue rulings together with applicable punishments. Prefects may also travel outside the city walls to enforce warrants upon the citizens of Port Victoria who are outside of the walls, where said citizens are accused of committing a crime within the city walls.
b2.5 Legal Documents
Documents shall be deemed to be legal once they bear the seal of the city or the seal of a city scribe.
b2.6 Time Recording
Official city records will be recorded using the calendar of Ar ((earh time/date))
b2.7 Maps of the City
Maps of the city are to be kept by authorized Scribes and Warriors only. Such authorizations may be obtained from the Ubar, the High Council, the Praetor or the head of the caste of Scribes. Any man or woman found in possession of a map of the city without such authorization is subject to arrest and the charged with treason.
b2. 8 False Papers
Documents found to bear fraudulent seals are to be declared false and are subject to be seized and destructed. Those found carrying such papers shall be charged with the crime of fraud or theft depending on the purpose of the falsification. If such papers are offered as evidence of service to the Home Stone where no such service was rendered, or permission of the High Council where no such permission was granted, the bearer of the false papers will be tried with treason.
B3 -The Caste of Physicians
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b3.1 Representation on the Council
The caste of Physicians shall be guaranteed one voting seat on the High Council
b3.2 Sub Branches
Are decided by the High Physicians and a resister kept within the caste
b3. 3 False Papers
Documents found to bear fraudulent seals are to be declared false and are subject to be seized and destructed. Those found carrying such papers shall be charged with the crime of fraud or theft depending on the purpose of the falsification. If such papers are offered as evidence of service to the Home Stone where no such service was rendered, or permission of the High Council where no such permission was granted, the bearer of the false papers will be tried with treason.
B4 - Caste of Builders
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b4.1 Representation on the Council.
The caste of Builders shall be guaranteed one voting seat on the High Council
b4.2 Construction.
When hiring for constructions in public buildings, only free citizens may engage in the building and maintenance of city walls and the cylinders of the city, for such work is considered a privilege and unworthy of slaves.
b4. 3 Interference in Infrastructure.
Free men found to have interfered with the city's buildings or infrastructure (or any public building) with the intent of aiding the city's enemies, or causing disruption to the function of the city are subject to execution. Free women so found will be enslaved. Interference includes the poisoning of wells or grain stores.
B5 - Caste of Warriors
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The roles of warriors are for the most part governed by the codes
b5.1 Representation on the Council
The caste of Warriors shall be guaranteed one voting seat on the High Council
b5.2 Deputization
Those of the Red Caste may deputize men of other castes during a time of conflict. There is no need for an official declaration of war or hostilities, nor a state of emergency for a warrior to be authorized to do so. Once deputized, the non-warrior may be assigned weapons and duties consistent with the rank of apprentice warrior. The period of deputization lapses when the immediate danger has passed, or when a warrior of the rank of Captain or above absolves the non-warrior of his duties.
b5.3 Companions of Warriors
Free companions of Warriors may petition to change caste to that of the Warriors. If accepted by the Head of the Warrior Caste, the woman will then be considered of the Red Caste herself, but may not wield weapons in battle, attend warrior training nor present herself as a Warrior.
B6 -Low Castes
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b6.1 Representation on the Council
Low Castes shall be represented on the council by a single non-voting representative who shall be responsible for voicing the concerns and opinions of the lower castes of the city. This representative shall be appointed by the Ubar or Ubar and serves until they step down or are dismissed and replaced by another.
b6.2 Caste of Metalworkers
In order to make a copy of a key, a metal worker shall first obtain permission from the legal owner of th key. Permission may also be granted by the council representative for low castes, the Praetor, the High Council or the Ubar. Any member of the caste of metalworkers found to have made a copy of a key without said permission shall be punished by execution.
b6.3 Assassins
Assassins wishing to enter the city on caste business shall present themselves in caste colors and wearing the symbol of the dagger on their foreheads. Assassins caught attempting to enter the city in disguise are subject to arrest and subsequent execution. In addition, all assassins hunting in Port Victoria will need to seek the consent of the head of the black caste, which is represented in the city.
b6.4 Street Performances.
All those companies and individuals wishing to perform music, plays or other forms of entertainment in the streets shall first obtain a license from the Ubar office. Performing without such a license is a criminal offense that may be punished with fines and imprisonment. The Ubar office shall review all such requests and may demand payment before said license is issued. The term of the license may not exceed four weeks. Those wishing to perform for a longer period of time must obtain a renewed license from the Administration office.
PUBLIC LAWS SECTION C - Outlaws
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Any free found within the city walls found to have no caste shall be declared an outlaw. The law applies equally to men and women. Those unable to show evidence of their caste shall be arrested by Guardsmen and held subject to verification. Men found to be outlaws shall be executed. Women shall be enslaved and sold from the public block.
Peasants shall not be considered outlaws.
Those calling themselves Pirates shall be considered no different than Outlaws.
They shall be subject to the same penalties.
The City of Port Victoria does not recognize a caste of thieves.
Those claiming such a caste will be deemed to be outlaws and tried as such.
Panthers and Talunas shall also be treated as Outlaws under the law of the city.
PUBLIC LAWS SECTION D - Kurii
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Kill on sight
PUBLIC LAWS SECTION E - Mambas
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Kill on sight
PUBLIC LAWS SECTION F - Panthers and Talunas
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Capture on sight
Volume 2: Procedural and Tort Laws
The Laws of Port Victoria
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PROCEDURAL LAWS
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From here on:
Praetor = Magistrate
Prefect = High Magistrate
These laws are issued by the Head Scribe of Port Victoria. with the approval of the Ubar of Port Victoria. Any law in the city of Port Victoria so approved, will have with immediate effect. The Ubar shall only have the final word to dismiss the changes and keep the law unchanged, or allow the changes to be written into law.
Punishments/Sentences
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Punishments, and sentences will be decided by the Magistrates (or Praetors) for minor offenses and High Magistrate for higher offenses, and all court cases will be overseen by the High Magistrate.
Due Process
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The laws of the city of Port Victoria are written to promote harmony and strength, they shall be enforced by the Prefects and Guardsmen of the city, or where such Guardsmen are unavailable, by the Warrior caste. Those seeking relief under the law shall present evidence and allegations of criminal activity to a Prefect of the city. Those accused of crimes shall have an arrest warrant issued that they may be presented before a Prefect of the city to answer such allegation. All free men and women, charged with a crime, are entitled to a hearing before a Prefect and to present evidence of innocence. Both the accuser and the accused may call upon the services of a single lawyer to assist them with their case. All accused are considered innocent until proven guilty, the final determination being made by the Prefect assigned to the case.
Praetor or Magistrates
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Praetors are law enforcers who can handle minor crimes and may also issue arrest warrants for citizens/residents who have allegedly broken the law for further investigations as required. They belong to the caste of scribes.
Appeal
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Decisions can be reviewed by the High Council.while the city has an Ubar.
When the city is under an Ubarate, the Ubar has the right to carry out, review and/or overturn any sentence if he so chooses, or the citizen requests a review.
Detention
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Once convicted the criminal is subjected to detention according to sentencing.
Those accused of crimes may be held by the Guardsmen at the discretion of the Prefect, Praetor, High Council or Ubar, pending the investigation of the facts of the case and the preparation of a trial. Those so held shall not be held for a period longer than three hands without the express approval of the Ubar.
Autrefois Convict and Autrefois Acquit.
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Once a sentence has been passed, citizens cannot be convicted of the same crime, unless the crime was committed again.
Convictions in Absentia
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Any person summoned before a Prefect or the High Council who refuses may be brought bound by Guardsmen. Any person who cannot be found by the Guardsmen may be tried and convicted in absentia.
Pardons
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Pardons can only be granted by the Ubar.
Release
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At the end of sentence or when pardon is granted, the person is released, having served the time given
Reduction of Sentence
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The Ubar may upon his pleasure reduce any sentence passed by any Prefect or the Praetor. Reduction of sentence does not absolve the convict of their crime.
Perjury
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It is a crime in the city of Port Victoria to present false witness and testimony before a Prefect, the Ubar or the High Council. Such cases are punishable by execution or banishment.
Jurisdiction
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The City of Port Victoria does not recognize the laws of other cities, nor does it authorize the the execution of arrest warrants or collection of debts of other cities unless said city has a written "extradition treaty" with Port Victoria that has been agreed upon by city officials and the High Council. Cities with extradition treaties must notify local authorities before attempting to execute any warrant within the city or its territories.
Executions
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For those convicted of serious crimes, the city retains the punishment of execution, where the convict shall be hung by the entrance gates, that their shame be manifest to all those visiting the city and passing by. Once so chained, the convicts shall remain there until they are pronounced dead by a Physician of the city. Their bodies shall then be discarded into the river that there shame be washed away from the city. Upon the discretion of the Prefect, the condemned may instead be impaled upon a stake until they are declared dead by a Physician of the city.
Executions are sentenced by the High Magistrate and can be carried out as:
- impalement
- hanging in iron collars
All execution sentences can be appealed.
Banishment
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The Ubar alone reserves the right to banish any citizen found to have dishonored the Home Stone. Banishment shall occur in the chamber of the High Council by the public refusal of bread, salt and fire. The Cylinder of Knowledge shall maintain a permanent record of all such banished citizens. Banished citizens shall be re-admitted to the city only if they are granted permission by the Ubar to partake in a new citizenship ceremony.
Work chains
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Free men of the city convicted of crimes and sentences to imprisonment may, as the discretion of the Praetor, be sold to work chains for the period of their sentence. Monies collected from the proprietors of work chains shall be deposited with the city treasury. Work chains operating in the vicinity of the City of Port Victoria are guaranteed neutrality provided they are not actively working on fortifications to the benefit of an enemy of the city.
Capture Rights
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Port Victoria does not applies capture rights. Any slave or free person (who is bound) and taken into the city will be held by the Warriors until a Slaver from the city Kennels can collect and process the slave/bound person.
Testimony of slaves
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The testimony of slaves can be taken under torture and maybe used as valid evidence in court. As torturers from Turia are not readily available, any male citizen of Port Victoria is able to torture a slave if a law scribe is in presence and has requested the slave be tortured for questioning.
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CRIMINAL ACTS - TORT LAWS
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Section 1 - These crimes can result in death, enslavement, or other punishments as deemed fit by a magistrate/High Magistrate
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Treason - Betraying or attempting to overthrow the city of Port Victoria
1-a - Falsely claiming to be of a Caste
1-b - Forging papers for self-gain
1-c - Aiding enemies of Port Victoria
1-d - Requiring/ Found in possession/Making maps of Port Victoria while not a Cartographer of the city.
1-e - Selling information about Port Victoria to others
1-f - Spying on the citizens of Port Victoria
Murder and Attempted Murder - Any act intending to harm, maim, or kill without explicit authority, or sentence to do such. It is a crime within the city of Port Victoria to take the life of another free person without a death warrant issued by a Prefect. Penalties for murder may include execution, banishment or the payment of substantial fines to the family of the murdered free.
Those accused of murder may plead their innocence before a Prefect, or may claim the act was justifiable homicide. In these cases a Prefect will mount an investigation as to the case and the action taken and rule accordingly.
Justifiable Homicide shall be defined as:
- Defense of the Home Stone
- An agent of an enemy power, found in the city and where arrest would not be feasible, may be killed by any citizen
- No agent of the city shall be charged with murder where such act was in accordance with a sentence already passed by a Prefect
- Self Defense
- Protection of Others - Free men may use deadly force to protect women and children, their fellow free men as well as the property of others, from imminent attack.
- Physicians. The city recognizes that the Caste of Physicians may upon occasion, cause deadly consequences to their charges in the discharge of their
duties. In these cases another Physician shall be called to testify as to the merits of the case and the presented defense.
- Euthanasia. Any free of Port Victoria may take their own life. The city shall not interfere in such cases. Assisting euthanasia is also a permissible act provided that the dead free left a signed note. Such notes will be subject to authentication by the caste of Scribes.
- Refusal of Submission. The City of Port Victoria recognizes that Warriors have a Caste obligation to accept the submission of a free woman or kill her.
- Refusal to Submit. Any man granted capture rights over a female of another city, who refuses to submit to her collar, MAY BE slain ((NOT: WILL BE))
- Assassins. Any man claiming the caste of assassin as protection from the charge of murder shall present such evidence of his caste duties to the Praetor. The Praetor shall determine if the case proceeds, or if the accused is released. Any man so released shall depart the city immediately or be subject to arrest for the murder for which he was originally held.
Theft or destruction of property - Taking/destroying property, or possessions without permission from whom they belong. Theft by a slave is punished by execution. The first offense by a free is punished by an ear notching. A second offense by a free man results in the removal of their right hand. The third offense their left hand and both feet. A free women convicted of her second offense is punished by enslavement. Wherever possible, the stolen property shall be seized and returned to its rightful owner.
Rape - It is a crime within the city of Port Victoria to force a free person to engage in sexual acts against their will. Those found guilt of rape shall face execution or banishment, at the discretion of the Prefect. Witness and Physician testimony are admissible at a rape trial, and no man of Port Victoria shall be convicted of rape without a preponderance of testimony supporting his guilt.
Slander - Making a false statement of another citizen of Port Victoria which could cause harm to their reputation, or business income
Defamation. It shall be a crime within the walls of the city of Port Victoria to assert as true, by any means oral or written, any mis-truth known by the author to be a mis-truth, the utterance or repeat of which is designed to harm another free of Port Victoria. In such cases, if the accused is found guilty, he shall be subject to fines and imprisonment. However, if the Prefect determines that the accused spoke the truth, then the plaintiff shall be subject to fines and imprisonment equal to that to which the accused would have been subject, had the truth not been spoken.
Face stripping a Free Woman when not given the explicit authority to do such by a court order, or her companion.
Disregard of Safety - Disobeying a city official when they give an order to keep a free person out of danger.
Assault - physical assault on a citizen of the city must be investigated and is punishable as seen fit by the city's magistrate.
Fraud -It is a crime in the city of Port Victoria to present false witness and testimony to any free person of the city with the intention of obtaining monies or items of intrinsic worth that they would not otherwise have had access to. Such crimes may be punished with fines and imprisonment.
Arson - Arson is a crime investigated by the city Magistrate, and punishable by imprisonment or enslavement as determined by the investigation.
False Accusations - Any citizen, resident or slave that falsely accuses a citizen or resident of a crime may be subject to penalties including fines, imprisonment, or enslavement.
Kidnapping - Abducting any citizen or resident against their will and without the authority of the law or a Magistrate's order.
False Imprisonment - Keeping a citizen or resident locked inside a building, cage, or other structure, with or without physical restraints, without the proper authority of the law or a Magistrate's order.
Bribery - The act of offering anyone payment, services, or goods to falsely testify, to obtain unfair influence over the actions of another, or to neglect their duties as a citizen, resident, or city official.
Accepting a Bribe - The act of accepting from anyone payment, services, or goods to falsely testify, to obtain unfair influence over the actions of another, or to neglect their duties as a citizen, resident, or city official
Breaking & Entering - Forcing your way into someone’s private property without permission of a Magistrate or a signed search warrant. Warriors can enter private houses or shops while in pursuit of a criminal or when there is a reasonable evidence of danger inside the property.
Resisting Arrest - Any person who flees after a valid arrest order signed by the High Magistrate or an appointed official may be charged with resisting arrest. Any person who refuses to halt or flees after a Warrior has issued a command to halt or attempted to apprehend an individual, with or without a signed warrant.
Face Covering - Men outside of the Clan of Torturers, or with a physician's note explaining the reason, are forbidden to be about the city with their face obscured. They will be allowed one chance to remove the face covering with a verbal warning.
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Section 2- Of the enslavement of free persons
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Free Women who act in a slavish manner will be enslaved.
Reasons for enslavement will include:
a.1 - Slavish Behavior:
a.2 - Behaving, speaking, or dressing in such a way that is not indicative of a Free Woman
a.3 - Dancing, or kneeling in a slave's kneel
a.4- Submission to any Man, or addressing a man as their Master
a.5 - Signed Free Companionship Contract explaining how the companion may be enslaved
a.6 - No existing manumission papers brought forth after finding slave papers, or noticeable brand
a.7 - Attempting to, or succeeding in couching another person slave.
a.8 - Public displays of lust
a.9 - Wearing earrings in public
a.10- Vagrancy
a.11- Dressing as a slave in public, except during Kajuralia
a.12- Performing slave dance in public, except during Kajuralia
a.13- Repeated public drunkenness or nudity
Debt - If a man cannot pay his debts, his creditors may apply to the Prefect to seize his property to discharge the debt. In the event that such property is insufficient to meet his obligations, the Prefects may also seize his daughters and companion, who will be enslaved and sold from the public block, the monies raised being applied to the outstanding debt. Additional monies owed may be discharged by arresting the debtor and selling his services to a work chain until such debt is repaid. Free women who refuse or are unable to meet the obligations of notes in their name may be enslaved by the city and sold from the public auction block. The creditor may also petition the city to have the woman enslaved and given to him as direct payment for his note..
Free women not residents/citizens of the City of Port Victoria are not protected under the law and could be collared without repercussions
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Section 3 - Dispute Resolution - Challenges
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Intra Caste Dispute
In the case of a dispute between members of the same caste, for which the written law offers no resolution, the Head of Caste is expected to make a ruling on the matter. Once a ruling is made it may optionally be recorded with the Cylinder of Knowledge for future reference. All parties are expected to abide by such rulings.
Inter Caste Dispute
In the case of a dispute between a man of one caste and a man of another, the respective Heads of Caste are expected to resolve the dispute.
Challenges
In the event such disputes cannot be settled, a challenge may be issued. The challenger must publicly state the challenge. The man challenged then has the choice of mode of combat and time. The challenged man may also choose a champion to fight in his place if he is not skilled with in the arts of the red caste. The dispute is settled when one party demands mercy or is killed. The victor of the challenge has no claim to the estate of the vanquished. In the event that the vanquished is dead, his estate shall be distributed according to the inheritance law.
Volume 3: Free persons and family laws
The laws of Port Victoria
1. Of free people
Port Victoria is an Ubarate and with such a classification, certain expectations of conduct are expected. With that being said, these rules apply:
WITHIN THE CITY OF Port Victoria, THE IMMEDIATE SURROUNDINGS AND THE FARMLANDS
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1.1a Port Victoria respects all local customs from other Gorean lands. The local customs are here tolerated and will not be acted upon or differently enforced.
1.1b FREE MEN
Free men of Gor have complete freedom to portray themselves in all ways they see fit.
However, these buildings cannot be accessed without a shirt and/or kilts/pants on:
- Castes buildings
- Administration
- Temple
Access can be denied by any member or caste
If a free man is found inside the building, he will be asked to leave and return clothed or escorted out.
1.2 FREE WOMEN
a. High Caste Free Women: EXPECTED to wear Robe of Concealment which includes Head cover, veils, gloves and covered toes.However, there will not be any policing about this.
You might be asked to comply by prominent figures.
b. Low Caste free women: can wear no veil and no head cover.
TOLERATED
1.open toes
2.naked forearms
3.absence of veils, head cover and gloves
4.Light make-up
5.Local Customs (Pani, Tuchucks, Red Savages, Red Hunters and so on)
NOT TOLERATED - ever
1.tattoos
2.nailpolish on hands and or feet (exposed - allowed in private)
3.earrings (slave embellishment)
4.visible piercings (slave embellishment)(exceptions for local customs apply)
5.exposed cleavage
6.exposed legs
7.flowing hair in public (Grand Baths are not considered public)
2. Of Family Laws
2.1. Paternal Authority.
2.1.1. The city of Port Victoria respects the role of the father to manage his family as he sees fit and shall limit its interests in such matters.
2.2. Inheritance.
2.2.1. Upon the death or enslavement of a man of Port Victoria, his assets and estate shall be transferred in equal parts, to all his children. If no such offspring can be found, the estate shall instead be transferred to the nearest living relative by blood. If no such relative can be found, the assets shall instead be transferred to his companion. If no companion exists, then said assets shall instead be transferred to the High Council of the city.
Free women who die or are enslaved shall have their assets transferred to her children. If no offsprings are present, the assets are to be transferred to the nearest male relative by blood. Protectors may not inherit from their protectorates. In the event that no male relative can be located, a woman’s assets shall instead be transferred to the High Council of the city.
For both free men and women, the city shall make efforts to locate heirs of the deceased for a period of not less than four hands before such assets can be transferred to the city. If any free of Port Victoria wishes his estate to be divided otherwise he may deposit an official will prepared and sealed by a Scribe and deposited at the Cylinder of Knowledge. Alternatively he may choose three witnesses to his will, who must be free citizens of Port Victoria. Such witnesses are expected to come forth before a Prefect of the city upon the man’s death or enslavement and recite the will they witnessed as well as the date the will was made.
2.3. Companionship.
2.3.1. Contract of Free Companionship
2.3.1.1. The city of Port Victoria recognizes the institute of Free Companionship between one man and one woman only. Although travelers speak of some cities having sanctioned same gender companionships, they are not recognized in the city of Port Victoria. Visitors to the city wishing their companions to enjoy the rights of companionship within the walls of the city of Port Victoria may deposit proof of companionship with our Cylinder of Knowledge. Those visitors from regions where multiple companions are permitted may only deposit proof of one companionship. The father of the woman to be companioned, or one protector of record, must consent to the companionship for it be considered legal.
2.3.2. Rights of Companions
2.3.2.1. Free Companions are protected by law, but the authority of the man over his companion is recognized and upheld. A Free Companion may act as proxy for her male companion if he is unavailable, including sitting on the council and voting on his behalf. Written authorization must be obtained and be on record with the Cylinder of Knowledge for such authority to be transferred.
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2.3.3. Bride Price
2.3.3.1. The Bride Price is paid by the man to the father or principle protector of record of the woman he is taking as his companion. Such amounts shall be mutually agreed by both parties.
2.3.2. Renewal
2.3.2.1. Free Companionships must be renewed in the presence of a Scribe annually. The Scribe will sign a renewal form, a copy of which must be placed with the Cylinder of Knowledge. Failure to renew the companionship results in its dissolution.
2.3.5. Termination
2.3.5.1. The companionship terminates if either partner dies or is enslaved, or if the companionship is not renewed upon its anniversary. Companions who renew their pledges of companionship outside of the walls of the city of Port Victoria should obtain an official certification of the ceremony by the local authority where the renewal takes place and have a copy deposited with the Cylinder of Knowledge in the city of Port Victoria for the city to recognize the continuation of the companionship. Companions may also petition the Ubar to dissolve their companionship if they can cite evidence of why said companionship should be dissolved.
2.3.6. Division of Assets
2.3.6.1. In the event that the companionship terminates, both companions are entitled to those assets and monies they brought into the companionship and those which they purchased for themselves. Additional assets and estates purchased during the companionship for which clear title is not discernable by law are the property of the man. If the companionship is terminated due to death or enslavement of the man, the estate of the man shall be transferred according to Port Victoria law on inheritance.
2.4. Children
2.4.1. Status
2.4.1.1. A child's status as slave or free is determined by the status of the mother at the time of birth. The children of slaves are themselves slaves and the property of the mother's owner. A child of a free woman is a free child, subject to the law of its father.
2.4.2. Protection
2.2.2.1. No child in the city of Port Victoria be they free or slave, shall be subject to sexual practices by any person. Any man, slave or free, who engages with sex with a pre-pubescent shall be castrated and sold to Tahari traders for use as a eunuch. In the event that any man is charged with such an offense, a Physician shall be called to determine the age of the alleged child. In those cases where the alleged minor cannot be presented for inspection, public records may be consulted to determine the alleged minor's age.
2.4.3. Birth Out of Companionship
2.4.3.1. Children born to free women who have allowed their companionships to lapse by a failure to renew, and have not pledged new companionships, shall be subject to their former companion and said child be presented to him, that the child may be raised properly as his son or daughter.
2.4.2. Adoption
2.2.2.1. Free men of the city may petition the High Council to adopt an orphan or illegitimate child as their son or daughter. The High Council shall consider such requests and if granted, the child shall be henceforth considered the child of the adopter. Said child will be accepted into the caste of the father and shall be expected to practice said caste when the child reaches puberty. Said child may also share in the inheritance of the father and his companion upon their death or enslavement.
2.4.5. Disowning.
2.4.5.1. Any free man may disown any child by publicly stating in the Council Chambers before the High Council of city. A further Certification of Disownership shall be filed with the Cylinder of Knowledge for public record. Upon disowning a son or daughter, said father relinquishes all rights and responsibilities to the former dependent. Disowned children remain member of their caste. Disowned children no longer may lay claim upon the estate of the father or mother upon the death or enslavement of the former parent. Disowned daughters become protectorates of the Ubar unless a protector of record is registered with the caste of scribes.
2.5. Changing Names
2.5.1. Any free person may petition the High Council to change their name from the one given to them by their father. Such petitions should be written down by a Scribe and presented before the council. If the High Council grants such a request a record will be made with the Cylinder of Knowledge. All properties and obligations will be carried forward to the new name.
2.6. Free Women
2.6.1. Rights
2.6.1.1. Free Women of Port Victoria are those women of city who have reached puberty and have sworn allegiance to the Home Stone in an official ceremony of citizenship. The Free Women of Port Victoria are entitled to the protection of the Home Stone and the walls of the city. Free Women may own property and manage their businesses. Free Women may speak their minds on whatever topic they choose. Free Women are free to move about the public space of the cities without a male escort.
The same rights apply to RESIDENT free women of the city.
2.6.2. Access to Taverns and Brothels
2.6.2.1. Free Women may not enter a Tavern or Brother Punishments include: stripping down to the veil and transportation back to her domicile in chains, enslavement.
2.6.3. Obedience to Fathers, Companions, Protectors
2.6.3.1. Free women who are not companioned are expected to obey their father’s instruction. Those free women whose fathers have moved on to the cities of dust, or for whom their whereabouts is unknown, may petition another free man of the city to be their protector of record. Said protector, or protectors, may fulfill the role of father for the free woman, including being responsible for her behavior in public, setting her bride price and giving permission for her to companion. A free woman is not expected to adopt the caste of her protector if it differs from her own. A free woman may list multiple protectors, records of which should be deposited with the caste of Scribes. Those free women who refuse or are unable to obtain protection from a free man will be considered protectorates of the Ubar. In these cases the Ubar will fulfill the role of father or protector for the free woman where such permission is needed. In the event that the Ubar of the city is a woman, such roles of protection shall be borne by the highest ranking male member of the High Council. Protectorates are not mandatory. A free woman without companion or male relatives may choose to self-administer, knowing well what that might imply for her safety.
2.6.4. Assault
2.6.4.1. The striking a free woman by a man is a crime in the city of Port Victoria punishable by fines. Repeated offenses will lead to imprisonment. The striking a free woman by another free woman is punishable by a fine set forth by a Prefect of the City.
2.6.5. Face Stripping
2.6.5.1. Within the city walls, a free woman shall not be forcibly face stripped without the order of a Prefect. Those found guilty of such a crime shall be subject to fines and imprisonment.
2.6.6. Submission
2.6.6.1. Within the city walls, a free woman may offer herself in submission to a man who then has the opportunity to accept said submission and collar the woman, making her a slave, or refuse. If the act submission is refused the free woman may continue to live as a free, enjoying all the rights and freedoms of the free woman. A free woman submitting herself before a free man grants the free man the ability to collar her without the order of a Prefect. The free man should obtain witnesses to the submission that he might rightfully obtain papers from the Cylinder of Knowledge proving his ownership. The right of submission is suspended once an arrest warrant is issued for a free woman. From the moment the arrest warrant bears an official seal, the named free woman shall only have the right of submission to a Prefect of the city. Any man who accepts the submission of a woman for whom an arrest warrant has been issued is subject to the charge of theft, since said woman, once enslaved may only be considered the property of the city of Port Victoria. The Prefect may grant leniency in such cases if he believes that the man was unaware of the outstanding warrant.
2.6.7. Life Debt
2.6.7.1. Any free woman NOT of Port Victoria, whose life is saved by a free man of Port Victoria, who is not a relative of the free woman, by blood or companionship, may be claimed as a slave by said free man if he wishes her. Free men asserting such claims must present the woman and such evidence as exists pertaining to her rescue before a prefect of the city. If such evidence is found to support the claim the woman shall be sent for branding and collaring and papers issued to the free man confirming the woman as his property. Should the evidence be found not to support the claim of rescue the woman shall be released and escorted back to her domicile by Guardsmen.
Volume 4: Merchant Laws
Merchant laws of the city of Port Victoria
The Caste of Merchants shall act as the authority on all matters of Merchant Law and coin with the exception concerning disputes.
The Head of Caste will determine, under authority and approval of the High Council, standard for weight for all coins stamped with the seal of the City of Port Victoria. The City of Port Victoria recognizes and follows the Merchant Laws as drafted at the Sardar Fair.
All disputes in matter of Merchant Laws will be dealt by Scribes Magistrates, according to Sardar's agreements special exemption.
The administration of all laws falls under the High Council and the Scribes which, in turn, adhere to the Merchant Laws agreed at the Sardar fairs.
Acts Against Merchant Law
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Punishments will be at the discretion of the Scribe Magistrate.
A) Trade (Fraud)
1) Scales failing calibration, tested 4 times a year
2) A merchant using a deceptive Foot or Stone
3) Alteration of coin weights (shaving, etc.)
4) Falsification of Pedigree Papers on any slave
5) Falsification of any bill of sale
6) Running a business without formal registration with the caste of merchants
B) Property(Theft)
1) Failure to pay debts
2) Sale of stolen items
C) Slaves
1) Public sale of an unbranded slave or unbranded slaves in general
2) Failure to register a slave according to law in the City of Port Victoria
3) Failure of an owner to have their slave wear a visible token of their slavery.
Taxes
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All residents and citizens are required to pay taxes.
The tax on sold goods, services and any merchandise is 1/4 of that of Ar
The tax on rental and real estate (homes) is 5%.
The Harbor Master will be responsible for charging a 1% tax on all imports and exports of The City of Port Victoria.
Weights and Measures
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1. The caste of merchants shall maintain a single reference weight and a single reference stone that will be calibrated against the standard measures at the Sardar Fairs. Other merchants are required to calibrate their own weights against this reference standard at least once a year. Merchants found to be selling using measures that deviate by more than fifteen percent shall be charged with fraud.
2. Work Chains
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Work Chains operating within the vicinity may be inspected by the city’s prefects and guardsmen to ensure that no innocent free men are being held illegally.
3. Slaves
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3.1. Slaves - Protection under the law.
3.1.1 Adult slaves are offered no protection under the law of Port Victoria. They must obey their owners in all things without hesitation. The owner of a slave has absolute rights over his property. He may do with his slaves as he pleases, including killing displeasing slaves.
3.2. Slaves - Child Slaves
Slaves who have not reached puberty are granted limited protections consistent with their legal status as children.
3.3. Slaves - Dismissal of Past Offenses, Cancellation of Debt
Once a formerly free person is enslaved, their past is canceled. They may not be tried for crimes committed as free persons, and all monies owed are erased.
3.4. Slaves - Allocation of former Assets
Once a formerly free person is enslaved, any assets that they might have owned as a free person are discharged according to the law of inheritance. In the event that the slave is subsequently released from bondage, she shall have no right of claim on said properties.
3.5. Slaves - Sale
Only the owner of record may sell a slave within the city walls. Those caught selling slaves that are not legally theirs will be charged with theft. A Free Companion may not sell slaves purchased by her man. To do so is considered theft and will be punished accordingly.
3.6. Slaves - Theft
If a slave is stolen, the owner has two weeks to attempt to recovery his property. If the slave is not recovered in that time the slave is then considered the property of the thief, the thief may then apply for slave-ownership papers in his own name. A stolen slave who attempts to escape her captor is subject to capture by Guardsmen and will be returned to the thief as a runaway.
3.7. Slaves - Runaways or wandering
Slaves who attempt to escape their Masters are subject to a sound whipping for the first offense.
The second offense will result in the slave being hamstrung. Free persons coming into contact with a runaway slave of a citizen of Port Victoria are required to apprehend the slave and hand them over to Guardsmen for return to their rightful owner.
Free persons coming into contact with a runaway or a wandering slave of another city may bring them to the city kennels or hand them over private kennels. Compensation or right to first offer for the buying of the slave might be requested (one or the other, not both). Capture Right s do not apply in the territories governed by Port Victoria. Violation of this law will translate in fines
3.8. Slaves - Transportation
Slaves may not exit the city unless in the company of their owner or one acting on the owner's behalf. Slaves attempting to leave the city un-escorted are subject to seizure by the Guardsmen, a sound whipping and return to their owner of record. Attempting to leave the city with another man's slave is ground for arrest and charges of theft.
3.9. Slaves - Legal Documents
Slaves may not touch legal documents unless allowed to do so. When slaves are required to transport legal document, such documents must be sealed inside leather document holders that the slave cannot open without breaking the seal.
3.10. Slaves - Legal Testimony
The testimony of slaves shall commonly be taken by a magistrate, the slave being subject to torture to ensure the truth is heard. The testimony of slaves is considered less reliable than that of a free person.
3.11. Slaves - Weapons
Slaves may not touch any weapons of attack, at any time, even for the purposes of cleaning.
Defensive weapons may be touched and carried by slaves if needs arises. Fighting slaves may use whips and short knives during practice and combat. At other times they are subject to execution.
3.12. Slaves - Collars
Female adult slaves must wear locked slave collars at all times in public. Removal of the collar by one other than the slave's owner or without the order of a Magistrate is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment.
3.13. Slaves - Impersonating a Free
Slaves shall not impersonate a free person except during public plays for the purposes of entertainment where the slave shall continue to wear a visible token of her bondage. Those slaves caught impersonating a free shall be subject to a severe whipping for the first offense and hamstringing for the second.
3.14. Slaves - Papers
Papers proving the ownership of a slave should be deposited with the Scribes by all citizens. Travelers intending to remain in the city walls more than a few days are also advised to present such papers to the Scribes for authentication and copying. Citizens who have purchased slaves from a Slaver's House within Port Victoria should obtain a receipt from the house, together with proof of health, pedigree, which may then be presented to the Scribes who shall then issue official Slave Ownership papers for the owner. It is not necessary for a slave to carry ownership papers with them when conducting errands about the city. Any slave whose ownership is in doubt will be seized by the City and held until the owner can be contacted.
3.15. Slaves - Pedigree
It is a crime to forge or falsify pedigree papers on any slave. Such crimes may be punished by imprisonment.
3.16. Slaves - Offspring
The children of female slaves are also slaves belonging to the owner of the female that bore them.
3.17. Slaves - Branding
The absence of brands on a slave is a crime in Port Victoria, punishable by fines and the seizure of the merchandise. The preferred brand location is high on the left thigh, just under the hip. Such crime is punishable by fines and the seizure of the merchandise.
3.18. Slaves - Authenticity
It is a crime to sell a slave as auburn haired if she is truly not so. Such a crime is punishable by fines and the seizure of the merchandise.
3.19. Slaves - Striking a Free
Any female slave who strikes a free person will be tortured and executed. The owner of the errant slave will receive no compensation. Male slaves acting as bodyguards are permitted to strike in the execution of their duties as slaves. Male slaves who are not bodyguards or who act outside of such duty will be tortured and executed, with no compensation to their owner.
3.20. Slaves - Abandoned / Un-Collared Slaves
Any slave found within the city walls that does not have an owner of record, or whose owner has died, or fled the city, shall be brought to the city kennels and will belong to the city from that moment on.
3.21. Slaves - Rescuing
Slaves taken in the fall of an enemy city shall become the temporary property of the warrior who finds them. Warriors of Port Victoria are required to turn over such properties to their superiors for processing. Slaves who are former free women of Port Victoria shall not be freed, but shall remain slaves. Their slavery is a shame upon the city and its Home Stone.
3.22. Slaves - Manumission
An owner wishing to free his slave should have a scribes create papers of manumission bearing the owner's seal. Copies of such papers should be held by theScribes for future reference. The freed slave is granted a twenty ahn exemption from collaring within the city walls, during which time she should secure proper attire and removal of the collar. Former female slaves should keep copies of their manumission papers with them at all times in case they are challenged by Guardsmen. Former slaves who are challenged and found to be branded without proper manumission papers shall be re-enslaved and sold from the public block.
Ignorance of the laws is not an excuse
If anything should be unclear, please book an appointment with the Ubar, the Ubara or the Head Scribe.
A copy of the laws is available at the Scribes and one is distributed, by mail service, to all households
Ubar of Port Victoria
Tom Valencia
The Head Scribe of Port Victoria
James Boswell
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