Information Court Rules

[Courts]

✦✦ REPUBLIC OF ANDORN — COURT RULES ✦✦
Governing procedure for all civil and criminal court actions
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INTRODUCTION TO THE COURTS OF ANDORN

AtlasCraft features a robust legal system governed by the Courts of the Republic of Andorn. Players have the right to file lawsuits against other players, businesses, or even the Republic of Andorn itself (the Government). Before initiating a lawsuit, ensure you review this page and our other courtroom guides.

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§ 1 — SCOPE AND STRUCTURE

Rule 1.1 — Authority of the Court
These rules derive their authority from the Constitution of the Republic of Andorn, and they govern all legal proceedings within the Federal Court and Superior Court. The court’s powers are derived directly from the Constitution of the Republic of Andorn.

Rule 1.2 — Forum-Based System
All legal processes must occur on the forums, and all records must be kept in the case threads. In-game trials are permitted if clearly documented on the forums.

Rule 1.3 — Court Jurisdiction
- Federal Court: Hears original civil and criminal cases.
- Superior Court: Handles appeals, constitutional matters, and disputes between government entities.

Rule 1.4 — Court Personnel
Judicial Officers:
- Judges: Preside over Federal Court trials.
- Justices: Preside over Superior Court matters.

Non-Judicial Officers:
- Clerks: Manage filings, deadlines, and case archives.

Rule 1.5 — Self-Representation and Legal Counsel
Players may represent themselves or hire a licensed attorney. The Court will not delay cases for parties seeking representation after proceedings have begun.

Rule 1.6 — Time Standards
- Response to Summons: 72 hours
- Complaint/Answer Amendment Window: Until the end of discovery
- Opening/Closing Statements: 36 hours each
- Witness Testimony and Objections: 24 hours per matter
- Emergency Filings: 24–72 hours depending on court level

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§ 2 — INITIATING A CASE

Rule 2.1 — Filing a Complaint
A civil or criminal complaint must be submitted via the official form and must include:
- Identified parties
- Statement of facts
- Legal grounds for the claim
- Requested remedy or penalty

Rule 2.2 — Answer to Complaint
The defendant must file an answer within 72 hours of being summoned. The answer must:
- Affirm or deny each allegation
- Provide legal defenses, if applicable
- Indicate if any additional facts will be presented

Rule 2.3 — Standing Requirement
The plaintiff must demonstrate:
- A specific injury caused by the defendant
- The injury is connected to unlawful action
- The court can offer a remedy

Rule 2.4 — Sua Sponte Dismissal
If standing is not established, the court may dismiss the case on its own initiative.

Rule 2.5 — Amendment to Complaint or Answer
Pleadings may be amended during discovery. Post-discovery amendments will only be allowed with court approval.

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§ 3 — DISCOVERY

Rule 3.1 — Discovery Period
Discovery shall last 3 days but may be extended by 3 days if mutually agreed upon or approved by the presiding judge.

Rule 3.2 — Submission of Material
Any evidence to be used in proceedings must be submitted during discovery or earlier, clearly labeled, and uploaded directly to the forums.

Rule 3.3 — Voluntary Evidence Submission
Either party may submit evidence at any time during discovery.

Rule 3.4 — Request for Evidence
A party may request specific evidence from the other party. The court may compel the production of this evidence if refused.

Rule 3.5 — Interrogatories
Each side may submit up to 3 written questions. Responses must be provided within 48 hours. Objections must be filed within 24 hours.

Rule 3.6 — Witness Disclosure
Witness lists must be submitted before the end of discovery. Failure to disclose witnesses may result in the exclusion of their testimony.

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§ 4 — TRIAL PROCEDURE

Rule 4.1 — Opening Statements
Each party has 72 hours after discovery concludes to submit opening statements.

Rule 4.2 — Witness Examination
- Direct and cross-examination must occur within 24-hour windows.
- Objections to questions or testimony must be submitted within 24 hours.

Rule 4.3 — Closing Statements
Each party shall submit closing statements within 72 hours after witness testimony concludes.

Rule 4.4 — Verdict Delivery
The presiding judge or panel will deliver the verdict in the case thread, summarizing findings and legal conclusions.

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§ 5 — MOTIONS AND DISMISSALS

Rule 5.1 — Motion to Dismiss
A motion to dismiss may be filed before opening statements. Grounds include:
- Lack of standing
- No legal basis for a claim
- Failure to provide the required discovery
- Duplicate or previously resolved matter

Rule 5.2 — Format and Limits
Motions must cite no more than 2 grounds. The motion must be supported by facts, law, or evidence on record.

Rule 5.3 — Ruling on Motions
The presiding judge will rule on motions within 72 hours of submission.

Rule 5.4 — Recusal of a Judge
A judge may recuse themselves from a case if there is a valid conflict of interest. A motion for recusal may be filed by either party. Grounds for recusal include:
- The judge has a personal or financial interest in the outcome of the case
- Bias or prejudice that may affect impartiality

The motion for recusal must be filed before the trial begins. The judge will rule on the motion within 48 hours.

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§ 6 — SPECIAL COURT FUNCTIONS

Rule 6.1 — Superior Court Review
The Superior Court shall:
- Hear appeals from the Federal Court
- Review constitutional matters
- Resolve disputes between government entities

Rule 6.2 — Appeal Process
Appeals must be filed within 7 days of a decision. The appeal must include:
- A summary of the alleged legal error
- Requested relief
- Supporting citations from the case record

Rule 6.3 — Closed Court Hearings
The presiding judge may seal hearings if sensitive matters are involved. Justification for closure must be included in the docket.

Rule 6.4 — Legislative Dispute Review
The Superior Court may rule on challenges to laws passed by the legislature if:
- Brought by a qualified party
- The law significantly affects rights or obligations

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§ 7 — MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES

Rule 7.1 — Filing Requirements
All filings must comply with standard naming conventions and proper formatting. Non-compliant posts may be stricken from the record.

Rule 7.2 — Judicial Announcements
Amendments to these rules will be posted in the Announcements section of the discord.

Rule 7.3 — Emergency Relief
Emergency motions may be submitted under specific circumstances requiring immediate action by the court. These will be reviewed within 24 hours of submission.

Please ensure you read through the entirety of these rules before proceeding with any legal action. All court decisions are final, and appeals may only be filed within specified timeframes.​

Definitions

Complaint: A formal written statement initiating a lawsuit, outlining the plaintiff's allegations and legal claims.
Discovery: The process by which parties exchange evidence and information prior to trial.
Interrogatories: Written questions submitted by one party to the other, requiring written responses under oath.
Motion to Dismiss: A request for the court to terminate the case based on certain legal grounds, before reaching a trial decision.
Plaintiff: The party initiating the lawsuit or legal action.
Defendant: The party against whom a lawsuit or legal action is brought.
Witness List: A list of individuals who may provide testimony during the trial phase.

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Last updated: May 2025 — Rules subject to amendment by the Court of the Republic of Andorn​