Swordfell/Constitution

The Constitution of the Republic of Swordfell

The Constitution is the second pillar of the Republic. It is a growing body that regulates aspects of the Republic such as defining the positions of power, such as aspects of the military tradition, or the economy, or the legal system of the realm, or the religious and social views of the realm. It is different than the Laws of Swordfell since the laws govern the realm and are either broken or obeyed, whereas the Constitution is applied to general practice. As enshrined in the Code of Nobility, articles of the Constitution are added to Absolute Majority and repealed by 2/3 Majority.

Articles of the Constitution

1. Article on Ducal Armies

As per a Referendum of Spring 21 YD, ducal armies are not permitted. Armies may only be sponsored to serve the Republic.

2. Article on Forums

As per a Referendum of Winter 22 YD, there will be two forums organizing the voices of Swordfell. The upper house will be the Fellish Senate, comprised of nobles elected to high office (past and present) and will serve as an advisory to the Republic. The lower house will be the Fellish Assembly, composed of nobles who choose to participate in the realm's affairs and will serve as the deliberative body of the Republic. Executive power remains with the Fellish Public.

3. Edict on Duchy Names

As per an Edict dictated by Lord Imperator Bowie in the Winter of 22 YD, the duchy of Balance's Retreat is hereby named the Duchy of Sol and the duchy of Flowrestown is hereby named the Duchy of Aquil.

4. Article on Federations

As per a Referendum of Winter 22 YD, Swordfell may join a Federation only if it receives a unanimous vote by the Public. If but one nay is cast than the federation is rejected.

5. Article on Civil Court

As per a Referendum of Spring 22 YD, the legal process to which the Republic can investigate and sentence guilty nobles is as follows:

• Trials are called in session only when three nobles join to accuse another noble
  
• The court is held in public for the nobility to share and examine evidences and testimonies. The Fellish are a jury of peers
  
• After a set amount of time (three to six days) a referendum is held in the public to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused; majority vote wins
  
• If innocent, the trial is concluded and the accused is free of association with the alleged crime
  
• If guilty, the Chancellor, in association with the ruling nobility, shall determine a fair and satisfying punishment
  
• If guilty, the accused must obey the punishment set forth. If they refuse, they shall be immediately and harshly banned from the realm (an OOC ban)
  

6. Article on Battle Honours

As per a Referendum of Spring 22 YD, the Fellish military tradition now includes the following awards for glorious nobles in the army:

• The Red Pin: Awarded to those who are wounded in combat
• The Medal of Valour: Awarded to those who participated in an extraordinary battle
• The Hood of Danger: Awarded to those who have wounded an enemy
• The Ring of Death: Awarded to those who have killed an enemy, this is an infamous decoration
• The Cloak of Command: Awarded to those who serve as a Marshal or Vice-Marshal during time of war
• The Circlet of Supremacy: Awarded to those who serve as Archmarshal during time of war