Imperium Superior Court

The Altdorf Imperium Superior Court (ISC) is a civil law Dual-Inquisitive & Adversarial Court located in Altdorf dedicated to criminal prosecution and civil litigation.

''"There's two people involved when rendering decisions; the trier of evidence - the judge. The trier of fact - Judge or jury." - Lord Inquisitor Pavel''

Criminal Matters

Criminal prosecution cases will be heard in the adversarial system in which the defendant and prosecution argue their case and Imperium society believes the truth will come to light from the side that argues most fervently (However it is not that simple). If there is an inkling of doubt, the presiding judge or jury must acquit the accused of any crimes. Defence and prosecution may introduce direct and circumstantial evidence with a prior discovery process in an attempt to sway the judge or jury to make a verdict of guilty or not guilty but the judge will be the gatekeeper of evidence - stating which evidence to allow or disallow, instructing the jurors to nullify such information in their decision making if the evidence's probative value outweigh the prejudicial value.

Trial by Judge or Jury

The defense can elect to have a trial by judge or trial by jury but if no election takes place then the trial will take place with only a judge presiding.

Trial Process (Criminal & Civil)

As a guideline from the Altdorf Lord Inquisitor Pavel, criminal trials will take place in the order stated below:
 * 1) Imperial Court Writ is issued following detainment or Plaintiffs claim is issued to the Courts
 * 2) Pre-trial and disclosure of all evidence - Includes a Lord Inquisitor or Judge assessing evidence
 * 3) Selecting mode of Trial - Trial by jury or judge by Defendant or if in Civil Cases either side may elect mode of trial
 * 4) Opening statements
 * 5) Prosecution / Plaintiff introduces evidence (examination-in-chief) & cross examination by defense
 * 6) Prosecution / Plaintiff closes their case
 * 7) Defense motions to dismiss if they believe prosecution/plaintiff failed to meet to the burden of proof IE insufficient evidence
 * 8) Defense introduces evidence (examination-in-chief) & cross examination by prosecution/plaintiff
 * 9) Rebuttal evidence if new facts/evidence presented to prosecution/plaintiff (Should never happen)
 * 10) Closing statements - Defense and prosecution/plaintiff argues how their facts and evidence applies to the law
 * 11) Deliberation
 * 12) Verdict

Matters may be appealed to the Lord's Bench court if there were errors of justice during the trial.

Civil Cases

Civil cases will be tried by a single judge or Inquisitor in a fairly informal inquisitive court to resolve disputes between the plaintiff and defendant. By inquisitive, it means that the judge will actively take part in the questioning of both sides, a contrast to criminal court where the majority if not all of the questions are argued by the counselors.