Laws of the Imperial Reman Republic

Lex Publicae Ordinis (Law of Public Order): This law is the cornerstone of maintaining stability within the Republic. It covers a wide range of offenses, from brawls in taverns to organized riots in public squares. Magistrates are granted broad discretion in enforcing this law, considering the severity of the disturbance and the intent of the perpetrators. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, and those who incite violence or rebellion are dealt with severely. The law also extends to the disruption of public events, such as religious ceremonies or senatorial processions.

Example: A group of drunken citizens brawling in a market square would face fines or public flogging, while an organized riot aimed at overthrowing local authority would be met with imprisonment or execution.

Lex Tributorum (Law of Taxation): The lifeblood of the Republic, this law ensures the flow of revenue to fund the military, public works, and other essential services. It details the various forms of taxation, including land taxes, import/export duties, and personal levies. The law also outlines the responsibilities of tax collectors and the procedures for appealing tax assessments. Fraudulent reporting, concealment of assets, and refusal to pay taxes are considered serious crimes, often resulting in the confiscation of property and imprisonment.

Example: A merchant who underreports their profits to avoid paying import duties would face fines and the seizure of their goods, while a landowner who refuses to pay their land taxes could have their property confiscated.

Lex Maiestatis (Law of Treason): This law safeguards the Republic from internal threats. It encompasses acts of sedition, conspiracy against the Senate, and any actions that undermine the authority of the Republic. It also includes disrespect towards the Emperor, senators, and other high-ranking officials. Accusations of treason are treated with utmost seriousness, and trials are often conducted in secret to prevent further disruption. Convicted traitors face the harshest penalties, including execution and the confiscation of their family's property.

Example: A citizen who publicly criticizes the Senate or plots to overthrow the government would be charged with treason and face severe punishment.

Lex Negotii (Law of Commerce): This law promotes fair trade practices and prevents monopolies that could harm the Republic's economy. It regulates contracts, weights and measures, and the quality of goods. It also establishes procedures for resolving commercial disputes. Merchants who engage in fraudulent practices, such as selling adulterated goods or manipulating prices, face fines and the revocation of their trading licenses.

Example: A merchant who sells counterfeit goods or manipulates market prices would face fines and the potential loss of their trading license.

Lex Familiarum (Law of Families): This law reinforces the importance of family and upholds the authority of the paterfamilias. It governs marriage, divorce, inheritance, and the guardianship of minors. It also protects the rights of family members, ensuring that they are treated fairly and justly. Disputes within families are often resolved through arbitration or by the intervention of magistrates.

Example: A paterfamilias has the right to manage his family's property and make decisions on behalf of his children, but he must also provide for their well-being.

Lex Pecuniae (Law of Currency): This law ensures the stability and integrity of the Republic's currency. It prohibits counterfeiting, which is considered a grave offense against the state. It also regulates the exchange of foreign currency and the lending of money. Counterfeiters face severe penalties, including imprisonment, hard labor, and even execution.

Example: A person caught producing counterfeit coins would face severe punishment, as this undermines the Republic's economy.

Lex Armorum (Law of Arms): This law regulates the possession and carrying of weapons to maintain public safety. It restricts the carrying of certain weapons, such as swords and daggers, to military personnel and authorized individuals. Citizens may possess weapons for self-defense within their homes, but they are generally prohibited from carrying them in public places. Violations of this law can result in fines and the confiscation of weapons.

Example: A citizen found carrying a concealed weapon in a public market without authorization would face fines and the confiscation of their weapon.

Lex Templorum (Law of Temples): This law protects the sanctity of religious sites and ensures that religious practices do not disrupt public order. It prohibits blasphemy, desecration of temples, and unauthorized religious gatherings. It also regulates the activities of religious organizations and ensures that they comply with the laws of the Republic.

Example: A person who desecrates a temple or disrupts a religious ceremony would face severe punishment.

Lex Viatorum (Law of Travelers): This law regulates the movement of travelers within the Republic to prevent the spread of crime and unrest. It requires travelers to obtain permits and report their presence to local authorities. It also gives authorities the right to search travelers and their belongings for contraband.

Example: A traveler who enters a city without a permit or fails to report their presence to the authorities would face fines or detention.

Lex Custodiae (Law of Custody): This law protects the rights of prisoners and detainees, ensuring that they are treated humanely. It prohibits torture and other forms of cruel and unusual punishment unless justified. It also outlines the procedures for arresting, detaining, and trying suspected criminals.

Example: A guard who mistreats a prisoner would face severe punishment.

Lex Mercaturae (Law of Trade): This law is used to regulate trade with other nations, and ensures that tariffs are paid. It also regulates trade inside of the Reman Republic. It is used to protect Reman merchants, and ensure fair business practices.

Example: A merchant that refuses to pay tariffs on goods they are importing, would have their goods seized, and face fines.

Lex Fidei (Law of Faith): This law protects the right of Reman citizens to worship the Reman pantheon. It prohibits the worship of gods that are seen as a threat to the Reman Republic, or that are seen as subversive. It also protects the official Reman temples.

Example: A person who is found to be worshiping a god that is seen as a threat to the Reman Republic, would face imprisonment.