Arcadian Penal Code

Preamble

The Arcadian Penal Code is established to maintain order, uphold the integrity of the Kingdom, and safeguard the sovereignty and security of the Lord High King and the realm. It defines criminal acts, outlines punishments, and ensures justice for all citizens, from the highest nobility to the common people. In particular, crimes of treason, high treason, and imperial treason are regarded as the gravest offenses against the Kingdom, its monarchy, and its security.

Supreme Authority Clause: In all legal, criminal, or judicial matters concerning this Code, the Lord High King shall possess supreme authority to interpret, override, or declare any action or omission to be lawful or unlawful, regardless of prior articles herein. His Majesty's word on any criminal classification shall carry the full force of law.

Chapter 1: General Provisions

Article 1: Definition of a Crime

A crime is any act or omission that constitutes a violation of the penal code, or that is declared by the High King and is punishable under the laws of the Kingdom of Arcadia.

Article 2: Presumption of Innocence

A person shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law by the established standard of evidence, unless by specific decree of either the Emperor or the Lord High King.

Article 3: Classification of Crimes

Crimes are classified into three categories:

Felonies — Grave offenses punishable by severe penalties.
Misdemeanors — Less severe offenses punishable by moderate penalties.
Infractions — Minor violations punishable by fines or other minor sanctions.

Chapter 2: Treason

Article 4: Definition of Treason

Treason is defined as any act that betrays the Kingdom of Arcadia by violating the loyalty and allegiance owed to the High King and the Kingdom, or by attempting to harm its sovereignty, security, or independence. Treason can also be defined by the High King by decree.

Article 5: Acts Constituting Treason

The following acts are considered treasonous:

Espionage — Engaging in espionage on behalf of a foreign power or enemy of Arcadia.
Rebellion — Participation in armed insurrection or rebellion against the Kingdom or its lawful government.
Assassination Plot — Conspiring to assassinate or cause the death of the High King, members of the royal family, or any government official.
Subversion — Engaging in activities aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the Kingdom, its institutions, or its laws.
Acts Declared by the High King — Any act declared by the High King as Treasonous
Aid to the Enemy — Providing material or strategic support to any hostile nation, group, or faction at war with Arcadia.

Article 6: Penalties for Treason

Death — For individuals found guilty of treason involving the death or injury of a high-ranking official or the Lord High King.
Life Imprisonment — For those found guilty of other forms of treason, such as rebellion or espionage.
Confiscation of Property — Any property obtained through treasonous acts shall be seized by the Kingdom.

Chapter 3: High Treason

Article 7: Definition of High Treason

High Treason is the most severe form of treason, committed by individuals who attempt to overthrow or radically change the established political order of the Kingdom of Arcadia.High Treason may also be defined by the High King by decree.

Article 8: Acts Constituting High Treason

High treason includes, but is not limited to:

Usurpation of the Throne — Any attempt by a person, group, or foreign entity to claim or usurp the throne of the Kingdom of Arcadia or to remove the High King from power.
Foreign Conspiracy — Coordinating with foreign governments or groups to incite war against Arcadia or to destroy its sovereignty.
Insubordination to the Crown, or the Throne of Arcadia — Openly rejecting the authority of the High King or refusing to obey orders or commands issued by the monarch or royal council.
Tampering with Government Resources —

(1) Any person who, without lawful authority, knowingly accesses, modifies, disables, damages, obstructs, or otherwise tampers with official government websites, databases, communications systems, secure portals, or any digital or physical infrastructure essential to the governance, defense, or administration of the Kingdom of Arcadia shall be guilty of High Treason.

(2) For the purposes of this statute, "tampering" includes, but is not limited to:
a. Unauthorized access or intrusion into secure government platforms;
b. Alteration, deletion, or insertion of information on official state websites or databases;
c. Disruption of government services, operations, or emergency communication systems;
d. Implantation of malware, surveillance tools, or other unauthorized digital mechanisms within government networks.

(3) Any attempt, conspiracy, or incitement to commit such acts shall likewise constitute High Treason.

(4) The Crown shall treat such acts as a direct assault upon the sovereignty, security, and continuity of the Realm, and prosecute them to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Threatening the High King — Any formal warning, ultimatum, or coercive notice issued by a foreign power, it agents, or any individual which implies punitive actions against the person of the High King, including attempts to limit his sovereign powers through legal or extralegal pressure, shall be deemed an act of High Treason when executed within or against the interests of the Realm.

Article 9: Penalties for High Treason

Public Humiliation — Convicts of high treason may be paraded through the streets of the capital in shackles, as an act of humiliation before their execution.
Banishment of Family — The immediate family of those convicted of high treason may be stripped of their titles and banished from the Kingdom, or placed under surveillance for a defined period.
Penalty by Decree — The punishment for High Treason may also be chosen by the High King.

Chapter 5: Terrorism and Political Violence

Article 13: Definition of Terrorism

Terrorism shall be defined as any deliberate act or credible threat of violence, sabotage, cyberattack, coercion, or intimidation intended to:

Undermine, destabilize, or overthrow the constitutional order of the Kingdom of Arcadia;
Cause widespread fear or panic among the population for political, ideological, religious, or ethnic purposes;
Disrupt or destroy public infrastructure, government institutions, or essential services.

Article 14: Designated Terrorist Acts

Use or threat of explosives, biological or chemical agents against civilians or institutions;
Cyber-infiltration of classified systems for sabotage, espionage, or state disruption;
Organizing, financing, or materially supporting armed rebellion or sedition.

Article 15: Penalties for Terrorism

High Treason Charges — Individuals found guilty shall be charged with High Treason and may face life imprisonment, exile, or capital punishment.
Complicity — Any person, group, or state providing support to terrorists shall be prosecuted as complicit in hostile action.
Preventive Detention — The Crown reserves the right to issue emergency decrees for detainment in cases of imminent threat.

Article 16: Designation and Oversight

The Royal Security Council shall maintain a classified registry of individuals and organizations designated as terrorist threats;
Emergency designations may be issued by the High King or the Minister of State Security;
Appeals shall be permitted under closed tribunal review with limited disclosure when national security is invoked.

Chapter 6: Theft

Article 17: Definition of Theft

Theft is defined as the unlawful taking or appropriation of property, goods, or currency belonging to another individual, entity, or the Crown, with the intent to deprive the rightful owner thereof. The Lord High King or the Emperor may declare acts of appropriation to be theft even where consent was fraudulently obtained.

Article 18: Degrees of Theft

Petty Theft — Theft of goods or currency valued below 100 Glawar. Classified as a misdemeanor.
Grand Theft — Theft of goods or currency exceeding 100 Glawar, or theft from the Crown or a noble house. Classified as a felony.
Imperial Theft — Theft of sacred or national artifacts, classified intelligence, or property of the royal household. Automatically considered High Treason or Imperial Treason at the discretion of the Crown.

Article 19: Penalties for Theft

Petty Theft — Fines, up to one year of imprisonment, or compulsory restitution to the victim.
Grand Theft — Imprisonment ranging from 5 to 15 years, public labor, or seizure of personal property.
Imperial Theft — Public execution or exile, depending on severity and ruling by the Lord High King or the Emperor.

Chapter 7: Assault and Violent Crimes

Article 20: Definition of Assault

Assault is the intentional use of force, threat of force, or physical harm directed at another individual, noble, or officer of the Crown, without lawful cause or justification. Assaults on emissaries of the Gheetan Empire shall be prosecuted as crimes under the Treaty of Eternal Union unless waived by the Lord High King.

Article 21: Types of Assault

Common Assault — Acts of physical intimidation, slapping, pushing, or unlawful contact not resulting in lasting injury.
Aggravated Assault — Assault resulting in serious bodily harm, use of a weapon, or targeting of a noble, official, or foreign dignitary.
Assault Against the Crown — Any attempt to strike or harm a royal figure, officer of the realm, or sacred guardian. Deemed Treasonous or Imperial Treason by decree.

Article 22: Penalties for Assault

Common Assault — Up to 3 years imprisonment, corporal punishment, or fine as determined by local magistrate.
Aggravated Assault — 10 years imprisonment minimum, or trial by combat if permitted by the Crown or the Gheetan Concord Tribunal.
Assault Against the Crown — Life imprisonment or death, at the Lord High King's discretion.

Chapter 8: Judicial Procedures

Article 23: Judicial Authority

The judicial authority in Arcadia is vested in royal courts overseen by appointed Judges of the Crown. The Lord High King retains supreme appellate and interpretive power over all decisions. When applicable, the Treaty of Eternal Union may authorize joint tribunals with the Gheetan Empire for transnational crimes.

Article 24: Trial Process

All accused individuals shall be granted a hearing before a judge unless judgment is passed directly by the Lord High King.
The presence of counsel, witnesses, and evidence shall be permitted unless national security demands a sealed court, as declared by royal decree.
Trials may be conducted by jury, tribunal, or fiat of the Lord High King. The form of trial is determined by the severity and nature of the alleged crime.

Article 25: Appeals and Pardons

Appeals may be lodged before the Royal Court of Final Petition, though such appeals may be denied without justification.
The Lord High King reserves full right to pardon, commute, or alter any sentence at any time.
In matters governed by the Treaty of Eternal Union, decisions rendered by Gheetan tribunals shall only apply within the limits agreed upon by Arcadian law and may be voided by royal decree.

Article 26: Emergency Powers and Martial Trials

In times of declared war or internal rebellion, the Lord High King may suspend standard judicial procedures and institute martial trials.
Verdicts issued under martial authority shall carry immediate legal force and shall not be subject to appeal.
All legal exceptions or modifications granted under emergency authority shall be declared in the Royal Bulletin.

Chapter 9: Espionage, Slander, and Propaganda

Article 27: Definition of Espionage

Espionage is defined as the act of gathering, transmitting, or attempting to gather or transmit information—classified or otherwise—that concerns the security, defense, intelligence, or governance of the Kingdom of Arcadia, with intent to benefit a foreign power, undermine the Kingdom, or cause harm to its sovereignty.

Article 28: Acts Constituting Espionage

Unauthorized access to government, military, or intelligence records or networks.
Providing sensitive information to a foreign state, organization, or unaffiliated faction.
Infiltrating Arcadian institutions for the purpose of gathering or leaking protected information.
Operating as an unregistered agent or informant of a foreign government within Arcadian territory.

Article 29: Penalties for Espionage

Death — When the act leads to the death of Arcadian citizens, compromises national defense, or involves foreign agents during a state of emergency or conflict.
Life Imprisonment — For major espionage crimes not resulting in loss of life.
High Treason Classification — Acts of espionage linked to enemy states or sedition are automatically classified as High Treason.
Confiscation of Assets — All assets of the accused may be seized if used or obtained in connection with espionage activities.

Article 30: Slander and Defamation

Slander shall mean the malicious public dissemination of false or dishonorable claims against the Kingdom, its officers, or the Lord High King. It includes verbal, written, digital, symbolic, or performative statements intended to reduce public trust in Arcadian institutions or destabilize the royal order.

False accusations against noble houses, royal officers, or the monarchy without supporting evidence submitted to court.
Use of satire, caricature, or mockery intended to diminish the sanctity of the Crown.
Amplifying defamatory material originating from foreign or rebellious sources.

Penalties for Slander:

Public Retraction — Required in first offenses with limited reach.
Imprisonment (up to 5 years) — For cases involving reputational damage to royal or state institutions.
Treason Classification — Slander of the Lord High King or aimed at inciting rebellion shall be treated as Treason.

Article 31: Propaganda and Subversive Materials

Propaganda is any publication, speech, symbol, broadcast, or campaign designed to influence the populace against the lawful order of the Kingdom or promote ideologies hostile to Arcadian sovereignty.

Circulation of foreign political manifestos, revolutionary texts, or banned histories.
Promotion of disloyalty toward the Lord High King or encouragement of alliance with hostile entities.
Use of foreign media, symbols, or slogans within Arcadia without Royal License.

Penalties for Propaganda:

Exile — For first-time offenders with minor circulation.
Imprisonment (5–25 years) — For organized campaigns or material intended to destabilize the regime.
Death or Decree Punishment — For propaganda acts conducted during war, foreign interference, or insurrection, or those involving foreign coordination as defined under the Treaty of Eternal Union.

Article 32: Censorship and Oversight

The Ministry of Truth and Heraldic Purity shall oversee censorship, media licensing, and enforcement against slander and propaganda.
The Lord High King may issue emergency censorship decrees during wartime or unrest to preserve the Realm.
Foreign citizens caught spreading propaganda shall be prosecuted under imperial espionage law and may be extradited or executed under joint authority, per the Treaty of Eternal Union.

Chapter 10: Corruption and Abuse of Power

Article 40: Definition

Corruption is defined as the misuse of public office or entrusted power for personal gain, political manipulation, or institutional sabotage. This includes but is not limited to bribery, nepotism, and embezzlement.

Article 41: Offenses

Bribery — Offering or accepting illicit rewards to influence decisions.
Embezzlement — Theft or misappropriation of state or royal funds.
Nepotism — Appointing relatives or allies to positions of power without merit.
Abuse of Authority — Exploiting office for coercion, intimidation, or suppression of justice.

Article 42: Penalties

Removal from office and permanent disqualification from public duty.
Imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life, depending on the extent of the abuse.
Confiscation of all unlawfully gained assets by royal decree.

Chapter 11: Cybercrimes and Information Sabotage

Article 43: Definition

Cybercrime encompasses all criminal acts committed through or against digital systems, including unauthorized access, information theft, or sabotage of data critical to the Kingdom.

Article 44: Offenses

Unauthorized Access — Illegally entering secure digital systems or networks.
Information Theft — Stealing state data, military secrets, or classified communications.
Digital Sabotage — Corrupting, deleting, or damaging important public data.
Malware Deployment — Disseminating viruses, spyware, or ransomware targeting national infrastructure.

Article 45: Penalties

Imprisonment up to 25 years for breaches involving classified or sensitive systems.
Mandatory cybersecurity ban or digital activity monitoring for offenders.
Cybercrimes committed during wartime may be classified as High Treason.

Chapter 12: Civil Unrest and Sedition

Article 46: Definition

Sedition refers to speech, writing, or actions intended to incite disloyalty, rebellion, or resistance against the Crown or its institutions. Civil unrest encompasses unlawful assemblies, riots, or insurrections.

Article 47: Offenses

Seditious Speech — Publicly calling for the overthrow of the Crown.
Unlawful Assembly — Gathering of persons for rebellion without permit.
Incitement to Riot — Urging crowds toward violence or disobedience of royal law.

Article 48: Penalties

Imprisonment from 5 to 30 years depending on scale and danger posed.
Loss of citizenship or noble title in cases of organized sedition.
Royal Watch may issue preemptive detention orders for suspected sedition leaders.

Chapter 16: Economic and Trade Violations

Article 49: Definition

Economic crimes undermine the financial stability and sovereignty of the Kingdom, including illegal trade, tax evasion, price fixing, and counterfeiting.

Article 50: Offenses

Smuggling — Importing or exporting goods unlawfully across Arcadian borders.
Currency Counterfeiting — Producing fake currency or financial instruments.
Market Manipulation — Artificially inflating or crashing prices of goods or stocks.

Article 51: Penalties

Fines up to ten times the illicit profit made.
Imprisonment from 3 to 20 years.
Revocation of trade licenses or merchant guild membership.

Chapter 17: Environmental and Sacred Lands Protection

Article 52: Definition

This chapter protects the natural and sacred territories of Arcadia, recognizing their cultural, spiritual, and environmental importance.

Article 53: Offenses

Pollution — Contaminating rivers, forests, or the air with industrial or magical waste.
Sacred Site Desecration — Damaging lands or structures deemed holy by royal or ancestral tradition.
Illegal Harvesting — Extracting rare resources from protected lands without Crown authorization.

Article 54: Penalties

Restitution to the Kingdom or local communities harmed.
Imprisonment of up to 15 years.
Exile or tribal condemnation in culturally sensitive regions.

Chapter 18: Crimes Against the Lordly Dignity

Article 52: Definition

Crimes Against the Lordly Dignity include any words, acts, gestures, or productions that insult, mock, undermine, or degrade the honor, person, symbols, or authority of the Lord High King, the Royal Family, or the Crown itself.

Article 53: Offenses Constituting a Violation

Public Defamation — Making statements, whether true or false, intended to tarnish the reputation of the Lord High King or Royal Family.
Desecration of Lordly Symbols — Any act of vandalism, destruction, or misuse of royal insignias, portraits, banners, or ceremonial items.
Mockery or Parody of the Crown — Intentional satire or parody that belittles the monarchy in a disrespectful or hostile tone.
Unauthorized Use of Titles — Using titles, styles, or designations reserved for the Crown or Royal Family without explicit authorization.
Insult by Omission — Purposeful refusal to show due respect to the Lord High King during formal occasions, court sessions, or public addresses.

Article 54: Penalties

Imprisonment — Up to 15 years for serious offenses such as symbolic desecration or persistent propaganda aimed at delegitimizing the monarchy.
Fines — Hefty financial penalties may be levied against individuals or organizations found guilty of minor slanders or unauthorized representations.
Public Apology — Offenders may be required to issue a formal, public apology, as dictated by the Crown or Royal Court.
Stripping of Titles or Ranks — Any noble or appointed figure found guilty may be stripped of their status or rank.

Article 55: Royal Prerogative

The Lord High King may choose to pardon any individual convicted under this chapter or impose an alternative sentence based on perceived contrition, context, or national interest. The Royal Word shall be final and binding.

Chapter 19: Foreign Agents and Registration Requirements

Article 52: Definition of Foreign Agents

A foreign agent is defined as any individual, group, or organization acting on behalf of, or under the direction of, a foreign power, government, or entity. Such agents may engage in political, diplomatic, military, economic, or other activities intended to influence the policies, governance, or security of Arcadia.

Article 53: Registration Requirement

Any individual or entity engaging in activities on behalf of a foreign power must, within 30 days of initiating such activities, register with the Crown. This includes, but is not limited to, political lobbying, business deals, public diplomacy, or military relations.
Failure to register within the specified timeframe will result in presumed espionage, and the individual or entity will be subject to legal action and penalties under the laws of Arcadia.
Agents must provide detailed information about their activities, affiliations, and objectives as part of the registration process.

Article 54: Registration Process

The registration application must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or an appropriate government body designated by the Crown.
The information submitted for registration will be reviewed for national security concerns and may include interviews, background checks, and asset declarations.
If the Ministry deems an applicant a potential threat to national security or sovereignty, they may be denied registration, and their activities will be considered illegal under this chapter.

Article 55: Penalties for Failure to Register

Espionage Charges — Failure to comply with registration requirements will be presumed as espionage, leading to prosecution under the appropriate espionage laws.
Imprisonment — Individuals found guilty of acting as unregistered foreign agents may face up to 25 years of imprisonment, depending on the severity of their actions.
Confiscation of Assets — Any financial gain or assets acquired through unregistered foreign activities may be confiscated by the Crown.
Deportation — Foreign agents who violate this law may be deported if they are non-citizens, and may be barred from returning to Arcadia.

Article 56: Special Considerations

In cases where an agent's activities are deemed essential for diplomatic or trade purposes, the Crown may grant a waiver, provided that the agent complies with specific conditions to be determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Agents of certain foreign powers may be granted a restricted form of registration, with limitations on the scope of their activities and interactions in Arcadia.

Article 57: Royal Prerogative

The Lord High King retains the authority to modify or waive any part of this chapter for matters of national interest or security, and the Crown’s decision is final in such matters.

Chapter 20: Obstruction of Justice

Article 58: Definition

Obstruction of Justice refers to any act that impedes, manipulates, delays, or subverts the processes of investigation, prosecution, or adjudication carried out by lawful Arcadian authorities.

Article 59: Offenses Constituting Obstruction

Tampering with Evidence — Destroying, altering, concealing, or fabricating evidence with the intent to mislead judicial or investigative authorities.
Witness Interference — Threatening, bribing, coercing, or otherwise influencing a witness, victim, or informant to alter or withhold testimony.
False Statements — Knowingly providing false information to law enforcement, prosecutors, or the judiciary during an active investigation or trial.
Interference with Arrest — Aiding or abetting a suspect in avoiding lawful arrest, detention, or prosecution.
Judicial Disruption — Intentionally disrupting or attempting to influence the conduct of court proceedings through disorder, threats, or subversive communications.

Article 60: Penalties

Minor Obstruction — 1 to 3 years of imprisonment and/or monetary fines, applicable to non-critical disruptions or misleading conduct without material impact.
Moderate Obstruction — 4 to 7 years of imprisonment, applied to acts such as deliberate evidence tampering or coordinated evasion of investigation.
Severe Obstruction — 10 to 25 years of imprisonment for direct interference with trials, intimidation of witnesses, or obstruction committed in service of other major crimes.
Obstruction During National Crisis — Shall be treated as High Treason and punished accordingly, including potential life imprisonment or execution, upon conviction by a Royal Tribunal.

Article 61: Royal Prerogative

The Lord High King may issue pardons or sentence modifications in cases of obstruction, should the offender demonstrate contrition or provide valuable cooperation. The Royal Word shall be final and absolute.

Chapter 21: Crimes by Officers of the Crown

Article 62: Definition

Crimes by Officers of the Crown refer to the unlawful, negligent, or corrupt conduct of individuals entrusted with royal, judicial, or military power within the realm of Arcadia.

Article 63: Offenses

Abuse of Authority — Exercising official powers to exploit, threaten, or unjustly penalize subjects of the Crown.
Corruption and Bribery — Receiving or offering unlawful compensation in exchange for influence, rulings, or leniency.
Neglect of Duty — Willful failure to carry out official duties during times of need or emergency.
Royal Disobedience — Refusing to implement or enforce decrees issued by the Lord High King or Royal Court.

Article 64: Penalties

Expulsion from Office — Immediate removal from any Crown-appointed position.
Imprisonment — Between 5 and 25 years depending on the gravity of misconduct and rank of the offender.
Asset Seizure — Forfeiture of illegally obtained wealth, titles, and property.
Trial by High Court — Senior officers may only be tried by Royal Tribunal unless waived by the Lord High King.

Article 65: Royal Prerogative

The Lord High King may personally revoke, commute, or enhance any sentence issued under this chapter at His sole discretion.

Chapter 22: National Security and Emergency Powers

Article 66: Definition

This chapter governs acts of sabotage, disorder, disobedience, or rebellion occurring during a time of war, invasion, insurrection, or declared national emergency.

Article 67: Security Violations

Sabotage of Infrastructure — Damaging supply chains, defenses, communications, or military assets during wartime.
Spreading Panic — Disseminating false or alarming information intended to disrupt public confidence or state readiness.
Civil Disobedience During Emergency — Refusal to follow martial orders, evacuation mandates, or curfews issued under royal authority.
Collusion with Hostile Entities — Any act of communication, assistance, or information-sharing with enemy powers or domestic traitors.

Article 68: Penalties

Imprisonment — Ranges from 10 years to life depending on the impact and intent of the offender.
Execution — May be imposed for acts resulting in direct military loss, mass panic, or treasonous outcomes.
Confiscation of Assets — All properties, funds, and titles may be stripped from the guilty party.
Military Tribunal — Cases may be tried under emergency military law if civilian courts are suspended.

Article 69: Royal Authority

The Lord High King reserves the right to suspend normal judicial processes and enforce martial rulings by decree during official states of emergency. Such decrees are binding and immune to appeal.

Chapter 25: Perjury and Fraud in Judicial Process

Article 76: Definition

Crimes under this chapter include deliberate deception, falsehood, or manipulation of judicial outcomes in trials, inquiries, or investigations sanctioned by the Crown.

Article 77: Judicial Offenses

Perjury — Knowingly providing false testimony under oath in a court or official investigation.
Document Forgery — Creating, altering, or submitting falsified legal or evidentiary records.
Witness Tampering — Attempting to alter, silence, or coerce testimony through unlawful means.
Fraudulent Accusation — Knowingly accusing an innocent party of a crime with intent to mislead justice.

Article 78: Penalties

Imprisonment — Sentences range from 3 to 15 years depending on the judicial impact of the offense.
Disqualification from Public Office — Permanent ban on holding public, legal, or military office for offenders.
Contempt of Court — Additional penalties may be imposed if acts of fraud disrupt proceedings or insult the dignity of the court.

Article 79: Royal Finality

The Lord High King may uphold, overturn, or expand upon judicial fraud rulings in the interest of national justice. His Word shall be beyond review.

Chapter 24: Defamation and Libel

Article 80: Definition of Defamation

Defamation is the act of making false statements about another person or entity with the intent to harm their reputation, dignity, or standing in society. It includes both spoken (slander) and written (libel) forms of false communication.

Article 81: Slander

Slander refers to defamatory statements made verbally, whether in public or private, that result in damage to the reputation of an individual or entity.

Article 82: Libel

Libel is the publication of false and defamatory statements in writing, print, digital, or other permanent forms that harm the reputation of an individual or entity.

Article 83: False Public Accusations

False Accusations — Publicly accusing an individual of a crime, misconduct, or immorality without evidence to support such claims constitutes defamation and is punishable by law.
Intentional Malice — Any defamatory statement made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth will result in more severe penalties.

Article 84: Penalties

Compensatory Damages — Victims of defamation may be awarded monetary compensation for reputational harm, emotional distress, and loss of earnings resulting from the defamatory statements.
Imprisonment — Those found guilty of defamation may face imprisonment, ranging from a minimum of 6 months to up to 5 years, depending on the severity of the offense and the harm caused.
Fines — Defendants may also be fined, with amounts varying based on the extent of harm caused by the defamatory actions.
Public Apology — Defendants may be required to issue a formal, public apology, issued to the same audience that heard or read the defamatory statement.
Retract and Correct — Offenders may be required to publicly retract their defamatory statement and correct the false information, through media outlets or other means.

Article 85: Defamation of the Monarchy

Offense — Any defamatory statements made regarding the Lord High King, the Royal Family, or the Crown itself will be regarded as a higher crime, due to the potential for undermining the authority of the state.
Penalties — Such offenses will be subject to stricter penalties, including prolonged imprisonment, heavy fines, and even exile or execution in extreme cases of high treason.

Article 86: Legal Defenses

Truth — A statement made in defamation is not actionable if it can be proven true. Truth is an absolute defense against defamation claims.
Opinion — Statements made as opinions, rather than assertions of fact, may be defensible in defamation cases, especially if the statement is not presented as factual and does not imply harm.
Privilege — Certain legal privileges, such as parliamentary or judicial immunity, may allow individuals to make statements without facing defamation charges.

Article 87: Royal Prerogative

The Lord High King may, at his discretion, pardon individuals convicted of defamation, particularly in cases where the offense was deemed to be committed out of malice, or the individual has demonstrated remorse and contrition for their actions. The Crown retains the final authority to waive or reduce penalties as deemed necessary for national unity or stability.

Chapter 25: Appeals of Acquittals and Judicial Review

Article 88: General Principle

In accordance with the principle of finality, acquittals rendered by a competent court shall be considered binding and immune from ordinary appeal by the prosecution, except as provided for in this Chapter.

Article 89: Appeals on Points of Law

The Crown Prosecutor may appeal a not-guilty verdict to the Royal Court of Final Appeal if there is credible evidence of an error in the application or interpretation of law by the presiding judge.
Such an appeal must be lodged within 15 days of the original ruling and shall not result in the immediate retrial of the accused unless explicitly ordered by the reviewing authority.
The accused may not be detained during the appeal unless the case pertains to high crimes or a threat to national security.

Article 90: Exceptional Retrial Authorization

Retrial of an acquitted individual may be authorized by the Royal Court of Final Appeal upon presentation of decisive new evidence that could not have reasonably been presented at the original trial.
Retrial may also be ordered if credible proof arises that the acquittal was obtained through fraud, corruption, coercion, or manipulation of evidence or testimony.
All retrial requests must be reviewed and approved by a supermajority of the Royal Court of Final Appeal or receive the express command of the Lord High King.

Article 91: Royal Review and Intervention

The Lord High King reserves the right to review any acquittal by special Royal Writ if the case pertains to crimes against the Crown, the Realm, or the People of Arcadia.
The Royal Writ shall trigger an automatic review process by the Royal Court of Final Appeal, whose recommendations shall be binding unless the Lord High King invokes Sovereign Override.
Sovereign Override permits the Lord High King to reverse any judicial acquittal in the interest of justice, national security, or royal integrity.

Article 92: Double Jeopardy Limitations

Nothing in this Chapter shall be interpreted to permit the repeated retrial of individuals for the same offense without substantial justification as defined in Articles 74 and 75. Abuse of retrial authority by prosecutors or judges shall be subject to disciplinary proceedings under Chapter 23: Obstruction of Justice.

Chapter 26: Judicial Process and Rights

Article 93: Right to a Fair Trial

Every accused individual shall be entitled to a fair and impartial trial before a recognized court of law or tribunal authorized by the Lord High King, except where such right is lawfully suspended under emergency powers.

Article 94: Right to Counsel

All persons charged with a crime shall have the right to legal representation, which may be appointed by the state or chosen privately. A request must be submitted by the accused or accusers for legal representation. If the request is not submitted before the given window, the requestor may face a lack of legal recognition at their trial. The Lord High King may declare individuals ineligible to serve as legal counsel on grounds of national interest or loyalty concerns.

Article 95: Right to Appeal

All convicted individuals shall have the right to appeal their conviction or sentence to a higher court, unless the judgment is rendered directly by decree of the Lord High King or is explicitly exempted by royal statute.

Article 96: Rights of the Accused

To be informed of charges in a language they understand.
To confront and cross-examine witnesses.
To remain silent without assumption of guilt.
To compel the attendance of witnesses for their defense.

Article 97: Due Process

All criminal proceedings shall adhere to principles of due process unless otherwise modified or suspended by explicit command of the Lord High King.

Chapter 98: Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

Article 99: Universal Jurisdiction Over Crimes

Any individual, whether an Arcadian citizen, foreign national, stateless person, or otherwise, who commits any act or omission constituting a crime under the Arcadian Penal Code, whether inside or outside the territorial boundaries of the Kingdom, shall be subject to prosecution under Arcadian law if such act is deemed harmful to the Kingdom of Arcadia, its Crown, its citizens, its honor, or its sovereignty, as determined by the Lord High King.

Article 100: Arcadians Abroad

Any citizen of Arcadia who commits a crime while outside the Kingdom shall be fully prosecutable under the Arcadian Penal Code, regardless of the laws of the host nation or any claim to foreign immunity. The Lord High King shall determine the severity and applicable punishment based on the impact to Arcadian interests, dignity, and international standing.

Article 101: Crimes Against Arcadia in Foreign Lands

Any person, regardless of nationality or residence, who commits an act or conspires to commit an act abroad that poses a threat to the security, sovereignty, institutions, or leadership of the Kingdom of Arcadia shall be liable for prosecution within Arcadian jurisdiction. The Lord High King may unilaterally order such prosecution irrespective of international borders or extradition treaties.

Article 102: Allied, Occupied, or Influenced Territories

Arcadian law shall apply within any territory over which Arcadia exercises jurisdiction, occupation, alliance, protection, or indirect control. All persons within such territories are bound by the Arcadian Penal Code and may be prosecuted for violations thereof, unless an express exemption is issued by the Lord High King.

Article 103: Extraterritorial Enforcement Measures

Arcadian authorities may, under the direction of the Lord High King, conduct investigations, detain suspects, or carry out punitive actions beyond Arcadian borders in defense of the Realm. No individual, regardless of status, diplomatic immunity, or citizenship, shall be considered exempt if the Lord High King deems prosecution necessary for the security and dignity of the Kingdom.

Article 104: Extradition

The Lord High King reserves the exclusive and sovereign authority to approve, deny, or demand extradition in any circumstance involving persons accused or convicted of crimes against Arcadia. No treaty, foreign law, or multilateral agreement shall override the Crown’s judgment in this matter.

Chapter 28: Protection of Sovereignty

Article 105: Foreign Allegiance

Any citizen who pledges loyalty, military service, or governance to a foreign power without the express consent of the Lord High King shall be guilty of High Treason and shall be punished accordingly.

Article 106: Undermining Arcadian Authority

It is a crime to create, promote, or participate in any organization, movement, or foreign-aligned body that seeks to diminish, subvert, or undermine the lawful authority of the Crown or the independence of Arcadia.

Article 107: Dual Citizenship with Enemy Powers

Any Arcadian holding citizenship or legal allegiance to a hostile or subversive state shall be presumed to have forfeited their Arcadian rights, unless reinstated by the Lord High King.

Chapter 29: Emergency Powers

Article 108: Declaration of Emergency

The Lord High King may, at His sole discretion, declare a State of Emergency in any region or throughout the entirety of the Kingdom, in response to war, rebellion, natural catastrophe, foreign interference, or any threat to the integrity of the Crown.

Article 109: Suspension of Rights

Upon declaration of a State of Emergency, civil liberties and procedural rights outlined in this Code and elsewhere may be temporarily suspended or redefined by Royal Decree.

Article 110: Special Tribunals

The Lord High King may establish Special Tribunals with modified rules of evidence, procedure, and secrecy to adjudicate offenses deemed of critical national importance. These tribunals answer solely to the Crown.

Article 112: Detention Without Trial

During an Emergency, individuals may be detained without formal charge or trial if the Lord High King deems them a threat to the realm. Such detention may continue for the duration of the Emergency or longer by decree.

Article 113: Emergency Legislation

Any law, command, or measure issued by the Lord High King during an Emergency shall have immediate and binding legal force, overriding any conflicting statute, charter, or legal precedent.

Article 114: Termination of Emergency

The State of Emergency shall persist until rescinded by Royal Proclamation. The Lord High King alone determines when normal legal order shall resume.

Chapter 30: Heresy and Crimes Against National Dignity

Article 115: Definition of Heresy

Heresy is defined as the public denial, rejection, ridicule, or distortion of the Core Doctrines of the Kingdom of Arcadia, including but not limited to the divine right of the Lord High King, the sanctity of the Royal Bloodline, and the official historical and cultural truths endorsed by the Crown.

Article 116: Punishment for Heresy

Conviction for Heresy shall result in a sentence ranging from permanent exile to life imprisonment, depending on severity and recurrence, with property confiscation authorized by Royal Warrant.

Article 117: Acts Constituting Heresy

Acts considered heretical include but are not limited to the publication of anti-Royal tracts, the promotion of foreign religious ideologies without Royal Charter, the teaching of unauthorized historical narratives, and refusal to swear the Oath of Fealty in full and without reservation.

Article 118: Disrespect During National Observances

Failure to stand, remove headwear, or otherwise show due reverence during the playing of the Arcadian National Anthem, Royal Salute, or the presence of the Royal Standard shall constitute a Class B Offense against National Dignity, punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 Goldmarks or 60 days of corrective labor.

Article 119: Desecration of Royal Symbols

The defacing, destruction, or improper use of symbols of the Crown — including the Royal Crest, the Royal Seal, the Lord High King’s likeness, and the Arcadian Standard — shall constitute a Class A Offense against National Dignity, punishable by imprisonment up to 15 years.

Article 120: Blasphemy Against the Crown

Verbal or written defamation of the Lord High King, past or present, or of the Royal House, shall be deemed Blasphemy Against the Crown. Penalty shall range from public retraction and formal apology to no fewer than 7 years’ imprisonment, at the discretion of the Royal Bench.

Article 121: Institutional Complicity in Heresy

Any school, guild, religious order, or association found to be harboring or propagating heretical teachings shall be dissolved by Royal Command, with its leaders subject to prosecution under this Chapter and its assets forfeit to the Crown.

Article 122: Crimes Against Royal Ceremonial Protocol

Interruption, mockery, or failure to participate when summoned in official Royal Ceremonies, such as Coronation Day, High Honors Investitures, or national mourning observances, shall be punishable by fine, removal from office, or confinement in Royal Custody not exceeding 180 days.

Article 123: Rehabilitation of the Disloyal

Those convicted under this Chapter may, with consent of the Crown, enter a program of Patriotic Re-education administered by the Office of Royal Rectitude. Upon successful completion, certain penalties may be reduced or commuted.

Article 124: Authority of Interpretation

All definitions, interpretations, and determinations of heretical content or disrespectful behavior under this Chapter shall rest solely with the Office of the Lord High King or such deputies as He may appoint by Royal Mandate.