PRINCIPLES OF THE VIRIDIAN CROWNS
- PRINCIPLES OF REPRESENTATION:
PART 1: As Regards the Co-Monarchs & the Viridian Crown
- The Co-Monarchs are both the head of state and the chief
executives. Only the Co-Monarchs have the right of pardon, of
commutation, to conduct foreign affairs, and to all other
representative functions of the State.
- If a Co-Monarch is male, He will be referred to as "King",
"Your Majesty", "His Majesty"; His name, for the whole of
His reign or tenure will be [his first birth name] [a second,
royal name chosen at Investiture], the royal name of Skyhunter,
Rex, and:
- If a Co-Monarch is female, She will be referred to as
"Queen", "Your Majesty", "Her Majesty"; Her name, for the
whole of Her reign or tenure will be [Her first birth name] [a
second, royal name chosen at Investiture], the royal name of
Skyhunter, Regina.
- The Co-Monarchs shall exist in a state of partnership with one another,
standing together, face to face, or back to back, during their entire reign.
This is regardless of any other partnership, friendship or marriage they might have
with one another, or with another person.
- IN ADDITION: It is not illegal for the two Monarchs
to be married or Partnered with one another.
- Spouses of Co-Monarchs have no Royal
authority OF THEMSELVES, but shall be styled "[King or Queen]
Consort" and may be referred to as "Highness" or "Your Highness"
for the whole reign of the Co-Monarch to whom he or she is
Partnered.
- Also: A Co-Monarch's Consort shall sit on the Upper House of Council, and shall have
one (1) vote on that Council, unless he or she already has a vote by their being Co-Monarch, or
by being a Minister, or by being a Knight.
- A Co-Monarch's children shall also not have any Royal authority, but will
be styled "Prince," or "Princess" (depending on gender), may be referred to as
"Highness" or "Your Highness," and may sit on the House of Peers as titled nobility,
but are not automatically entitled to inherit the Viridian Crown of TorHavn.
- A Co-Monarch ascends to the throne of the Kingdom of TorHavn
upon the death, abdication, or removal of the previous Co-Monarch
that he or she is Succeeding.
- If a Co-Monarch is found by three independent medical experts
to be incapable of fulfilling his or her office due to mental
incompetence, there shall be, by the Prime Minister and all
members of the Privy Council, a Call for Succession.
- If a Co-Monarch dies, abdicates, or is removed from the
throne, the above article shall be enacted.
- During a search for a new Co-Monarch the executive power of
the Kingdom shall be exercised by the remaining Co-Monarch until
such time as the other Co-Monarch is confirmed.
PART 2: Executive Power
Article 1: The Co-Monarchs
- The executive power of the Kingdom, including diplomatic
affairs, is vested in the Co-Monarchs.
- The Viridian Crown, as a symbol, is worn by two (2) Sovereigns
who shall jointly administer to the needs of TorHavn. Traditionally,
one Co-Monarch shall be styled the "Warrior Monarch," and the other shall
be styled the Protector or "Green Monarch." Although these positions are
not interchangeable, one may speak for the other in times of need.
- The Warrior Monarch shall be called the Sword of TorHavn, in token of that
Monarch's stance on those issues which are appropriate to the warrior's way. Such
matters which shall be within the Warrior Monarch's jurisdiction include those of
defense, justice, law, diplomacy and education (for knowledge can be a weapon).
- The Green Monarch shall be called the Shield of TorHavn, in token of that Monarch's
stance on those issues which are important to the protection of the nation & the Earth.
Such matters which shall be within the Green Monarch's jurisdiction shall include those
of ecology, economy, parental & familial issues, artistic & cultural issues (to protect
TorHavn's national heritage).
- The Co-Monarchs appoint national Ministers, and may dismiss
them freely.
- The Co-Monarchs appoint all ambassadors, and may dismiss them
freely.
- The Co-Monarchs appoint all judges, and may dismiss them as
detailed in this Codex.
- The Co-Monarchs appoint all Provincial Governors, and/or
Barons, and may dismiss them freely.
- The Co-Monarchs have the right to designate national
holidays, days of mourning, and days of reflection. The
Co-Monarchs may also, receive suggestions from the People, their
representatives, and/or Ministers days of celebration, mourning,
and of refelection, so long as such does not dishonour the concept
of TorHavn as has been ordained and established by this Codex or
the Founding Ideas of TorHavn.
- The Co-Monarchs have the right to create and promulgate
Orders of Knighthood and titles of Nobility, excepting that the
charters of such Orders and titles shall not infringe upon the
Codex, the laws of the Kingdom, nor impinge on the Earth, and
that no undue compensation shall be attached to the granting of
such honors.
- The Co-Monarchs are the Supreme Commander(s) of all Armed
Forces.
- The Co-Monarchs retain the sole right to dissolve the Twin
Councils, and redefine them without restriction at all. in whole
or in its separate houses. This right may only be exercised in
accordance with the parameters of the Codex Rex.
- The Co-Monarchs also have the right to issue Royal Decrees without
legislation, which are freely disseminated throughout the Kingdom.
Royal Decrees are the instruments of the Co-Monarch's rights and are used to
announce and confirm the creation of holidays, the appointment of
ministers, ET. Al.
- In addition: the Co-Monarchs may receive suggestions & Proposals and other legislation from the People, and Their Ministers, and may either institute these as Law, called Policies, or may veto them entirely, as They will.
Article 2: Removal from the Throne
If a Co-Monarch is found guilty by the Monarch's Blade of High Treason, of Bribery, or non-involuntary Murder, that Monarch may be removed from the throne by at least a 80% majority of each of the houses of the Twin Councils.
Article 3: Ministers of State
Certain individuals shall be chosen by the Co-Monarchs, as
administerator and proxy for the Viridian Crowns, as shown by
their qualifications and desire to serve the Co-Monarchy. These
shall be Ministers of State, and these shall be also sit on the
Privy Council, to serve the Crown more fully. A Minister of
State may govern the Ministry under his or jurisdiction freely,
so long as (A) it pleases their Majesties and (B) he or she is
qualified to do so, and (C) until retirement or death.
Article 3.1: The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister's chief function will be to serve: as Proxy to the House
of Commons as Petitioner or as Speaker; as the Head of the House of Peers;
and as coordinator for the clerical, legal & administrative functions of the Councils.
The Prime Minister and Lord High Seneschal shall work in close partnership with one another,
especially where their duties overlap.
Article 3.2: The Royal Seneschal
The Lord High Seneschall's position shall be separate from, but work
in close partnership with the Ministers of State. Of all Ministers, the
Lord High Seneschall shall have the highest rank.
Essentially: it is the solemn duty of the Royal Seneschal to:
- be certain that all aspects of the Co-Monarchs public and private lives, including
that of Their Spouses (whether married or Partnered) and Their Royal Children, are seen
to, so far as it is possible, working with the Royal Chatellaine in that regard;
- see to it that the difficulties of the Ministers of State are taken care of, so
that they may do as their title suggests and minister to the Kingdom;
- appoint the Royal Chatelaine, who shall see to the operations, care & upkeep of the
Royal Residence.
Only the Crown may contradict or correct the Lord High Seneschal in the
performance of his or her Office & duties.
Article 3.3: The Minister of Internal Affairs
This Office oversees and administers all Public Services,
such as that of Health, Education & Welfare (and shall work in
conjunction with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, for that
Ministry also works for the eternal benefit of the
Realm.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs shall also concern itself
with the internal affairs of the Kingdom, to include
transportation, infrastructure, social welfare, and shall work to
aid the Ministry of the Ecology.
Article 3.4: The Minister of National Affairs
This Office shall administer any and all national actions
within the Kingdom, including: All birth & death records, All
citizenship applications & processing; the Registry of all Titles
(Knighthood, Councilors, Nobles such as Lord or Lady, Baron/Baroness,
etc.) While this Office does not approve the Title, but
process applications & register the Title.
This Office shall oversee all elections, if any at all, as
set forth in this Codex.
This Office shall maintain a constant Census of citizens of
the Kingdom. Every third year he shall oversee a Royal Census.
Such a Royal Census shall be the best effort possible to the
Kingdom to accurately count each and every citizen of the
Kingdom. The Census and Royal Census shall be used to determine
the size of the Council. All Census and Royal Census information
shall be freely available to the Co-Monarchs, the Royal Courts and the
Twin Councils.
This office shall also head the Bureau of Tourism, and shall work
closely with the Ministry of International Affairs.
Article 3.5: The Minister of International Affairs
The Minister of International Affairs is concerned with
the relationship of the Kingdom of TorHavn with other States
and organizations of States
and is the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister of International Affairs shall oversee the
activities of all
ambassadors, consuls, and diplomats. In particular, the
Minister of International Affairs will ensure that such Royal officers properly
represent and advance the best interests of the Kingdom of
TorHavn in the performance of their duties.
The Minister of International Affairs shall serve
as Ambassador-at-Large for the
Kingdom, representing TorHavn at critical negotiations, summits,
and treaty signings as determined by the Crown.
Article 3.6: The Treasurer
The Minister of Finance may also be called the
Treasurer.
The Treasurer is concerned with the economy of the Kingdom,
to include banking, taxation, and the coining of money and is the
head of the Ministry of Finance.
The Treasurer shall oversee the Royal Treasury, the Royal
Bank, and all Royal economic endeavors.
The Treasurer shall also oversee those foreign banks that
decide to do business within the borders of the Kingdom of
TorHavn.
At such time as the House of Peers approves a budget, the
Treasurer, in consultation with the Co-Monarchs and the
Seneschal, shall set the taxes for the forthcoming year. The
proposed taxes shall be submitted to the Co-Monarchs for approval
no later than one month after the approval of a new budget. The
Co-Monarchs may accept, reject, or modify the proposed taxes as
he sees fit, but must publicly announce the final tax schedule
no later than November 15th of the current year.
The Treasurer shall maintain copies of all financial records
of the Kingdom. Such records shall be freely available to the
Co-Monarch, and the Twin Councils.
Article 3.7: The Archivist
The Minister of Propaganda shall also be called the
Archivist.
The Archivist is concerned with maintaining information
related to the Kingdom and its activities.
The Archivist shall oversee the Royal Library, the Assembly's
Library, the Royal Archives, and all Royal media, including
telephone, radio, television, and internet communications.
The Archivist shall maintain separate copies of the Record of
Legislation provided to him by the Secretary of the Council.
Article 3.8: The Monarch's Blade
The Minister of Justice shall be called the Monarch's
Blade.
The Monarch's Blade is concerned with the enforcement of Law
and the protection of the citizenry of TorHavn from criminal threats
and is the head of the Ministry of Justice.
The Monarch's Blade shall oversee the activities and
procedures of; all law enforcement personnel, departments, and groups; all
prisons, prison guards, and other corrections agencies; all Royal search,
rescue, relief, and aid agencies, and shall work closely with the Bureau of
Tourism in that specific regard. The Monarch's Blade shall ensure
that all Royal officers of the Law properly represent and advance the best
interests of the Kingdom of TorHavn in the performance of their duties.
The Monarch's Blade shall have available to him or her, at
all times, the log, minutes & records of the sessions of the (a) High
Tribunal and (b) the minutes of the court sessions of every Judge of the High
Courts on a regular or irregular basis.
The Monarch's Blade shall communicate to the Crown any
irregularities noticed. It shall be the perogative of the Crown to send the
Monarch's Blade as Proxy to any case or Court at will. The Monarch's Blade
shall, using his judgement (a) communicate to the Crown the particulars
of the situation(s), and (b) act as the Viridian Crown in that situation(s),
on Their behalf.
The Monarch's Blade may, with our without notice, attend a
case being tried by the High Tribunal, and may cast a vote on behalf of
the Crown, acting as Proxy, which may result in a tie-vote.
If the case being tried is stalemated thusly, it must be
retried once more, this time without the presence of the Monarch's Blade.
It is herein noted that sometimes the only way to prevent a
miscarriage of justice is to be use caution, as no one is perfect nor
uncorruptible.
The Monarch's Blade and his official records shall be
available to the High Tribunal for assistance at all times.
Article 3.9: The Marshall
The Minister of Defense shall also be called the Marshall.
The Marshall is concerned with the defense of the Kingdom
from outside threats and is the head of the Ministry of Defense.
The Marshall shall oversee all Royal military forces; he will
ensure that the members of the armed forces conduct themselves in
accordance with this Codex, the Laws of the Kingdom, and the
international Laws of War.
The Marshall shall also oversee the conducting of duels within the Realm,
and shall appoint such deputy marshalls or etcetera as needed, so long as such
does not contradict the will of the Sword of TorHavn.
Article 3.10: The Sophist-Muse
The Minister of Culture shall also be called the Sophist Muse.
This Ministry's Office shall encourage, foster, coordinate, &
support the growth & development of our arts, music, and multi-media. The
Sophist Muse shall also maintain a close relationship with the Ministry of
Propaganda, and the Ministry of International Affairs.
Article 3.11: First Friend(s)
A Co-Monarch may appoint one (1) First Friend to the Privy
Council.
A First Friend shall head no Ministry and may be not be
members of the Judicial branch of the government nor the Council.
The essential duty of the First Friend is to act as personal
advisor to the Co-Monarch that appoints him or her, and who may
primarily speak without worry of retribution in the interests of the
Kingdom. Colloquially, it is the solemn obligation of the First
Friend to tell the Co-Monarch when "Rex" or "Regina" is "full of lint."
First Friends may ALSO, when appointed to do so, speak on
behalf of the(ir) Co-Monarch as ambassadors, as spokespersons, or may act as
assistants to various Ministers in the Upper House, or as a Petitioner
from the Crown or the Upper House. They may also, if empowered, speak to
the Privy Council and/or House of Peers as Proxy (casting the one
monarchial vote as needed). Their prime duty, however, is to give their
advice to the(ir) Co-Monarch(s).
Article 3.12: The Court Jester
The Court Jester shall also be called the Foole.
Simply put: it shall be the Foole's task to (a) be openly &
brutally honest with the Co-Monarch's in every way, and (b) entertain & console
the Crown whenever and however necessary. Like the First Friend's, the Foole has
the absolute right to let the Co-Monarch's know when they are "full of lint." Yet,
unlike the First Friends, the Court Jester has a vote in the House of Peers.
The Foole is also enpowered to end a session in Peers or in
the Great Hall of the Palace when he or she feels that tempers (or treaties) are
about to be bent or broken, or any other such situation where overabundant
dreariness or ennui are likely to bring emnity and ruin.
The Foole shall only be designated by two methods: either by
the candidate volunteering for the post, or (b) from the Foole currently in residence.In
either case, the Crown shall then either accept or reject the choice made.
The Foole, above all, shall endeavor to be a Friend to the
Kingdom & to the Crown, even when this seems mutually exclusive or
contradictory.
Article 3.13: Other Privy Council Positions
Additional Privy Council positions may be created by the
Co-Monarchs.
If new Privy Council positions will head ministries, the
specific scope and duties of the new Ministerial position must be defined
at the time the position is created.
PART 3: Legislative Power
Article 1: PRINCIPLES OF PRECEDENCE OF LAW:
As regards Precedence of Law, Principles are the founding
Laws of the Kingdom, and may not be struck down or removed as Law by any
individual, any vote of Upper and/or Lower House of Council, nor any future
Monarch, as these are the precepts & concepts of TorHavn, of environemntal
concerns, of the warrior lifestyle, of human & civil rights, of the Procedure of
Succession & Acclaimation, and of the Pact between Monarch & Subject ---
which makes TorHavn what it is, which shall never change. However,
Principles may be amended, or added to, but by only the Founding
Co-Monarchs, and only for the whole of their reign.
As regards Precedence of Law, Covenants are those Laws and
Decrees which have to do with human rights & freedoms, and these may not be
struck down or removed as Law by any vote of Upper and/or Lower Houses of
Council, nor any future Monarch, except to improve the lot of TorHavn's citizens,
and those people who visit our fair nation. A covenant is a promise between
TorHavn and its people, however few or many, in perpetuity.
As regards Precedence of Law, Policies are those Laws or
Decrees which are passed after the Enacting of the Principles &
Covenants of the Codex Rex, proper legislative procedure or by the issuing
of a Royal Decree by the Co-Monarchs. Policies have the same legal
weight as a Principle or Covenant, but a Policy may be struck down or removed
from the Codex Rex by the procedure as delineated herewith:
Article 2: PRINCIPLES OF DECISION:
For such time as the population of TorHavn remains small,
there shall only be a Privy Council to advise the Co-Monarchs, who may
each have an advisory vote of one (1), except for the Minister of Ecology,
who shall have two, whose position it shall be to suggest ideas, Policies
to Their Majesties, who shall either agree entirely, or modify them, and
then Decree these as Law, or veto them entirely. When possible, an Upper
House of Council, entitled the House of Peers, shall be established, which
shall advise the Co-Monarchs and suggest laws to be ratified or vetoed by
the Viridian Crown.
Article 3: PRINCIPLES OF GOVERNMENT:
ALL LEGISLATIVE POWER IS VESTED IN THE TWIN VIRIDIAN CROWNS
OF TORHAVN. The Co-Monarchs, however, shall cede certain responsibilities
to an advisory council, which shall be subdivided into two Houses, an Upper
House made up of nobles, and a Lower House, made up of commoner Citizens,
who shall show, by their discussion, debate and voting, the will
and desire of the People, and by this shall the Crown be more efficiently
able to administer to the Kingdom.
Article 3.1: As Regards The Twin Houses of Council:
The members of the Twin Councils aid the Co-Monarchs in the
exercise of executive power. They also advise the Co-Monarchs on matters
of State.
The rights, responsibilities, renumeration, privileges, duties, and conditions
of assignment and contract with the Crown, as written here, can and might change,
according to the needs of the Crown. While the Councils shall not be dissolved, in
favor of a government without the benefit of such counsel, it can and might be altered,
as TorHavn changes and grows. THE WAYS OF TORHAVN SHALL NOT BE ETCHED IN STONE
The Co-Monarchs may remove members of the Peers or the
Commons at will. The Prime Minister may request that the Co-Monarchs present a
written explanation of such a removal, and the Co-Monarchs are, of course, obliged to
do so, but THEY may demand that such information be kept private and
unpublished.
Council members found guilty of High Treason, Bribery, or
non-involuntary Murder must be removed by the Co-Monarchs.
Such a reason may not be kept private and unpublished.
If a Ministerial position becomes vacant due to any reason
(see above), the Co-Monarchs must replace him or her for that post within
three months. Failure to do so shall allow the Prime Minister to
make a single nomination in lieu of the Co-Monarchs, which may be voted on
by a simple majority, and which MUST be ratified by the Co-Monarchs,
unless this or that Minister is unqualified for such a post. Such a
nomination must be made within 2 weeks of the failure of the Co-Monarchs to do
so themselves.
If this nomination fails or is not made, the President of the
Council is then empowered to make a single nomination in lieu of the
Co-Monarchs. This nomination must also be made within two weeks of the Prime
Minister's failure to do so. If this
nomination also fails or is not made, the position shall remain vacant
until such time as the Co-Monarch makes a selection.
Councilors of both Houses must register with the Crown to receive proper credit
and compensation. After there is land to properly administrate, citizens must be active
in the affairs of the Kingdom for a minimum of six months before registering for Council
duty (before there is land, there shall be no such restriction).
All Councilors (of both Houses) shall serve for life, until
retirement or unless forcibly removed by majority vote of that Council, or by
Royal Decree, but may only be removed for dishonour done, in the eyes
of the Crown, or for criminal activity.
The members of the Upper House may not also be members of the
Lower House, or vice versa. Members of the Twin Councils must be
Citizens, and may not be dual citizens, unless one citizenship be a
Macro-Nation.
Article 3.2: The Upper House of the Twin Councils: The House of Peers
The House of Peers shall be established when the number of
registered citizens, both noble & commoner, reaches twenty-five (25),
and shall consist of (1) every noble who cares to sit in this Council,
(2) the Privy Council, (3) the Shire Governors, and (4) members of the
Knighthoods of TorHavn (By this definition, Knights are considered ennobled).
Until that time, the Privy Council, as detailed thus, shall serve in the stead of the
House of Peers. In addition, any Citizen who has been ennobled, or who is a Shire
Governor, or a member of TorHavn's Knightly Orders, may serve in the Privy Council
until such time as the Upper House of Council has been officially established.
At that time, each noble serving in the Privy Council who is not a Minister, as
detailed below, shall then serve solely in the Upper House of Council.
The Privy Council itself shall consist of: (a) The Prime
Minister, who shall also head the Privy Council whenever either/both Monarch(s)
is not presiding, (b) the Monarch's Blade (Chief Judge), (c) the
Minister of Finance, (d) the Minister of International Affairs, (e) the
Minister of National Affairs, (f) the Minister of Internal Affairs, (g) the Minister
of Ecology, (h) the Attorney General, (i) the Court Jester, (j) the Lord High
Seneschal, and (k) the President of Commons Council.
Members of the Privy Council may resign their positions at
will by a public and written declaration delivered to the Co-Monarchs or
the Prime Minister if the Co-Monarchs are unavailable. The Privy Council's
position will be vacant immediately upon receipt of such a declaration.
Those nobles who resign may not again apply for Council duty for a minimum of
six months, unless summoned to do so by the Crown.
Any noble who cares to may sit in the Upper House, in
perpetuity, after registration with the appropriate authorities, until such
time as he or she is deceased, until retirement, or until such time as he or
she is forcibly removed by the Crown or a 75% vote by the
entire membership (whatever the number) of both Councils. Only
dishonour, as defined by the Crown, or conviction by the Monarch's Blade of a
capital offense, as defined by this Codex, may be a reason for such
removal. Once so removed, no noble has the right to be a member of the Peers EVER.
In addition, any member of the House of Peers has the right, as a citizen,
to speak his or her mind regarding any Proposal in the Commons, but may not vote on that issue
as a Commoner.
Each member of the House of Peers, whether these be nobles, member of Privy Council,
Shire Governors, or members of the Orders of Knights within TorHavn, shall have one (1)
vote in Upper Council, save the Minister of Ecology, who shall have two (2). The Co-Monarchs
shall themselves have one (1) vote together, unless there be a tie in the voting.
Article 3.3: The Lower House of the Twin Councils: The House of Commons
A Lower House of Council shall be entitled the House of
Commons (as in: commoners), and this shall be established when the number of
registered citizens reach ten (10), and shall consist of every
commoner who cares to sit in this Council, and each shall have 1 vote.
Any commoner Citizen who is not a noble, or Minister, or
member of the Judges, who cares to, may sit in the Lower House, in perpetuity,
after registration with the proper authorities, until such as he or she is
deceased, until retirement, or until such time as
he or she is forcibly removed by the Crown, or a 75% vote by the entire
membership (whatever the number) of both Councils. Only dishonour, as
defined by the Crown, or conviction by the Monarch's Blade of a capital offense,
as defined by this Codex, may be a reason for such removal. Once removed
thusly, no Commoner Citizen has the right to be a member of the Commons
EVER.
In addition, any member of the House of Commons has the right, as a citizen,
to speak his or her mind regarding any Proposal in the Peers, but may not vote on that issue
as a Noble.
When it shall be determined in the view of the Crown, as a
result of research done on the subject, that direct voting in the Lower
House has become impractical (!), due to size, then proxy representatives shall be
chosen instead). Such numbers of representatives shall be based on
population (as in 1 for every ten citizens, or etc.) and people interested in
representating their community must (a) not be ennobled (ie: must be a
commoner, (b) apply for the post, (c) qualify for the post (such qualification
to be decided upon according to the needs of the community.), and (d) be local to
the area they (wish to) represent.
Article 4: PRINCIPLES OF LEGISLATIVE PROCESS:
Article 4.1: Proposals & Voting
Until such time as both House of Council are established, potential legislation
shall be presented to the Office of the Viridian Crowns, to be researched and voted on
by the Privy Council, who shall, by their vote, indicate to the Crowns their opinion and
desire(s). At that point, the Crown shall edit, if necessary, and either approve or reject
the Proposal, and then, if approved, sign it into Law as a Policy.
Once the House of Commons has been established, legislation shall travel from the
Lower House of Council to the Privy Council, who shall then vote, as before.
Once both Houses of Council have been established, potential legislation
(called Proposals) may only be introduced to Council through the House of Commons,
either by (1) by members of the Commons, (2) a noble as a Petitioner to the
Commons, or (3) presented to the Crown directly, by appointment only.
In addition, the Co-Monarchs may also, of course, enact a Law by Royal Decree,
so long as (1) both Monarchs shall sign it into Law, and (2) it may not
contradict or invalidate (a) any Principle, or (b) any Policy that has
not already been struck down through proper legislative procedure.
When enacted by Royal Decree, only the legal procedure of striking it down
may a Law be removed as a Policy (as may any Policy or Law).
New proposals will be listed in the respective queue (whether in the Commons
or in the House of Peers) no latter than the fifth day of each month. New
proposals must be given to the Commons no later than five days before the
month they are scheduled to be processed in. Proposals that arrive late
shall be placed in the queque for the next session of Council(s).
All Proposals shall be listed in their entirety. Any discussion for each
Proposal shall commence no later than the sixth day of the month in which the
Proposal is first listed. Discussion for that month's Proposals may continue
until voting, which should begin no later than the fifteenth day of that same
month after such discussion is completed.
All members of the Twin Councils must vote "yes," "no," or "abstain" on every
Proposal submitted for consideration. Any renumeration for Councilors shall
only be given to those who participate. Votes may be submitted to the
Secretary of Council(s) in writing, in person (when possible), or
electronically.
All voting in either House must be completed no later than the end of the
same month in which these Proposals are being discussed. Once voting is begun,
any not received by that time shall be recorded as an "abstain" on that Proposal
Entries of "abstain" by default are not the same as a "vote," although entries
of "abstain" by the Councilor in question are. Not only that, but no "abstain" registered
by the Registrar may and might count against the Councilor's vote-tally at the end of the year.
For any issue or Proposal which cannot be voted on by the time voting should begin,
extensions of time are entirely possible, but a Proposal tabled shall be put last in order,
after the ones that were already in the queue for the next month's session of Council.
Such tabling may be repeated until such time as it is ready for voting, or for six months,
whichever comes first.
In addition, there shall not be any "in-house" or "congressional" committees to research
a Proposal once it has been submitted to the Commons; it shall be expected that any and all
research shall already be done entirely by the individual or group(s) that introduced the
Proposal to Council.
When introduced to the Commons, a proposal to become Law must
be rejected by no less than sixty-five percent (65%), or it shall be then
pass to the House of the Peerage as "passed." However, although rejecting votes
are the only which technically "count," if not one vote of "approve" is submitted,
then the Co-Monarchs have the prerogative of declaring that the Proposal shall not
pass to the Peers, and shall reject it entirely. Such Proposal may not be re-presented
to the Commons for a six-month period of time.
Those that are rejected by the House of Commons shall then be sent to the Crown directly
for their review, with a general opinion as to why it has so resoundingly rejected by the
Lower House, as determined by the President of Council. The Crown may still consider these
as possible Policies by Royal Decree, but must always give a reason for this decision, to
the Houses and the people.
Any Proposal rejected by the Commons, which is not made Law by Royal Decree,
as above, may be resubmitted to the Commons, if so desired.A Proposal may be resubmitted
to the Commons any number of times, so long as proper procedure is adhered to, but after
the third time, the Crown has the option of declaring that that this particular Proposal
is "hopeless" and decreeing that it never again may be resubmitted to the Commons or to the Crown.
Proposals which are NOT rejected by the Lower House are then sent
to the Upper House before the next session of the Commons. Bills defeated in the
Upper House may be resubmitted once during the then-current session of the Commons.
The House of Peers, upon receiving each Proposal to be
reviewed, shall research (both publically and privately) and debate on it, and
each member of the Privy Council, the Shire Governors, and each noble shall send
to the Office of the Viridian Crown a written vote and opinion (called a writ)
for Their Majesties' review. Each such writ shall not exceed one hundred
(100) words (although it may certainly be less than that) and must include a vote of
yea, nay, or abstain specifically. Such writ may be sent either by courier, by
post, or electronically. Once it is time for the vote, such must be completed by
the end of that same month (as in the House of Commons).
At the point where the number of nobles (excluding
the Privy Council, or the Shire Governors) exceeds a total of fifty (50) indviduals,
then fifty such writs shall be chosen randomly from the entire submission of voting
writs, to show the overall opinion of TorHavn's Peerage. Such choosing shall be
overseen by the Prime Minister.
Proposals reviewed by the Upper House are sent to the
Co-Monarchs. The Co-Monarchs may ratify or reject the Bill in whole or in part.
The portions ratified are entered into the Bureau of Records as Law. The Crown shall do this
in a timely manner
The Proposals, or portions of it or them, that are rejected by the
Co-Monarchs shall be returned to the House of Commons, along with a written record of
the reason(s) for the Co-Monarchs' objections to the Proposal. It is the option of
the House of Commons to re-attempt the passage of said Proposal. If it is amended, and
then re-approved by a majority of the House of Commons, it is resubmitted to the
Crown directly to be ratified. but may still not be made Law over the
Co-Monarchs' objection(s).
Any Laws which violate this Codex are automatically made null and void by their violation.
All Laws must specify their effective date and cannot be ex post facto.
Article 4.2: Expenditures & Finances:
In exception to the above, Proposals concerning expenditures,
remuneration, and the Budget may only be introduced by the
Minister of Finance or by (a duly-appointed representative of) the Crown. Both the Commons
and the Peers shall be duly informed of any such Proposal, so that any desiring to do so may speak
for or against such a Proposal.
After there is land to financially adminsitrate, the Proposal for the
annual Budget must be the first Proposal that is introduced in the House
during the first session of the Upper House of Council after the beginning
of the fiscal year. and, in exception to general practice, must be voted on
immediately and all votes must be complete within that first session. Once
approved, it will be forwarded to the Crown, which must decide on the Budget
immediately. If the Crown rejects this proposed Budget, they must provide
public and written objections and suggestions for improvement. The House of
Peers shall conduct no other business until a new budget is proposed.
The budget shall be made only for the following year.
Long-term budget items may be proposed as separate legislation,
but no expenditure may be allocated for
more than a 6 year period without a 80% majority of both houses
of the Twin Councils. No expenditure may be either permanent nor of an
indefinite period without the signature of both Co-Monarchs.
At such time as a Budget is approved by the Upper House but
rejected by the Crown twice consecutively, the Prime Minister shall convene a
special session of the entire Council, both Houses. Such a special session lasts
one week. During this Special Session, the Budget shall be reviewed and
voted upon by the Council as a whole. If it is approved by a simple majority of
both Houses as a whole, it is sent to the Co-Monarchs for ratification. If it
fails, a second special session shall be called, as above. If this process
fails to produce a Budget a second time, then "something is wrong" and the
Prime Minister may call for the Dissolution of the Twin Councils, and
the Crown is obliged to redefine the Houses.
Article 4.3: Sessions of Council (Both Houses): Definitions
Until such time as TorHavn has land, no meeting of Privy Council, or of
the Upper & Lower House of Councils may take place entirely locally. During this
interim time (BL, or "before land"), each member of Council shall be expected to
"check in" to see if there is any business before the Councils. Also: any Councilor
may call for a "chat" regarding any matter, or may communicate privily via telephone,
fax, post, or via email. Such individuals who wish to do so are responsible for their
own finances, if any, in this regard. In addition, it is expected that the results
of any such private discussion shall be communicated directly to the Crown.
Every new "session" of Council shall be convened on the first day of each month.
Any matter brought before the Commons must be sent, presented, or placed before the
fifth day of the month that any citizens wants the Lower House of Council to
consider it (Such may be sent by courier, by post or electronically).
The Upper House of Council will only meet evently, or when there is
business to consider, or when petitions for an audience have been received. Such
meetings shall occur the month following such a petition. When meeting for
business, such session shall "convene" no later than the tenth (10th) of the
following month that business has been presented to the Lord High Seneschal
(via courier, via post, or electronically).
In addition, the Privy Council may meet: 1)At the desire of the Crown,
2)when three (3) or more of the Privy Council ask for a meeting, but no meeting may
continue if (a duly-appointed representative of) the Crown does not attend.
Article 4.4: The Grand Assembly
There shall be a Grand Assembly shall be held each year on
the last month of the fiscal year. the Privy Council, the House of Peers, the House of
and the Co-Monarchs shall attend the Grand Assembly.
The only business of this Grand Assembly shall be the Royal
Address, where each Co-Monarchs (or the Co-Monarch designated to do so)
declares the state of the Kingdom and addresses the citizens concerning the
upcoming year. In addition, any citizen, commoner or noble, may take this
opportunity to approach the Crown with either petition or complaint, or beg a
boon.
Article 4.5: The Head of the House of Commons
The Head of the House of Commons shall be called the President of Commons or the President
of Council, and shall be chosen according to lot each year, and his or her authority
shall be only be effective for the year he or she is chosen for. The President of
Commons shall never serve for more than two years at a time, and there must be at least two
years in between tenures.
His or her only duties shall be to use Roberts Rules of Order
to keep the peace, to call for the vote on a matter, to call the
session to order, and to adjourn the session when business is complete. The President
of Council shall also sit on the Upper House of Council, and shall have 1 vote.
Article 4.6: Civic Duties of Citizens, Nobles & Voting in Council
It is expected that every citizen, commoner or noble, man or
woman, warrior or protector, Sword or Sheild, will take the time to attend
Council, either in person or online, & will want to serve the Kingdom as best
they can, for it is in this way that
the Viridian Realm will best survive. Every Citizen may affect the course of
the Kingdom of TorHavn by suggestion, advice, and Proposals to the Twin Houses
of Council.
If a citizen fails to vote in 3 consecutive proposals, their
position in Council shall be changed to "inactive." No renumeration shall
be given to those citizens who are "inactive," and any compensation due to him or her
not already claimed shall be withheld (to encourage participation). Citizens who wish
to be upgraded back to "active" must appeal to the Office of the Viridian Crown directly.
Article 4.7: Rights of Members of the Twin Councils
Members of the Assembly may discuss, debate, advise, draft
Proposals, and vote for the edification of the Twin Crown. Their vote, when
taken, shall be a clarion call to the Twin Crown as to the will & desire(s) of
TorHavn's People, for only in this way shall the Crown know this.
Remuneration for members of these Councils is to be
determined by legislation.
If such remuneration exists, it may not be excessive.
Councilors shall not receive money. However, those who attend and vote in at least
fifty percent (50%) of the Sessions of any year shall have (A) half
their sales tax and (B) half their property tax (when established) rebated for
that year (luxury tax, however, shall be paid in full).
Let it be known that it is more appropriate that councilors
who attend shall have their taxes rebated (percentage maximums to be
determined by the Crown), and/or extra "credit" applied to their recycling log, be
granted unto them than actual monies paid.
Article 5: PRINCIPLES OF SUCCESSION:
Article 5.1: Procedure of Succession
The Monarchy of TorHavn is not born of privilege, but of
ability & power. As this is a warrior nation (in the oldest sense of the word); no
Monarchs is born into rulership, but must win it by test & trial. Nothing
shall, however, prevent any Prince or Princess born to either Monarch
from becoming a Candidate for Monarch, but requirements for rulership shall
remain the same, regardless of the rank or position any child of either
Current Monarch.
In no fashion shall both Monarchs abdicate at the same time,
but allowing for the death of both simultaneously, the Prime Minister shall
sit the throne until there be at least one Monarch-elect. However, the Prime
Minister shall NOT make any decision during his or her tenure, but simply keep
the seat for the new Monarchs-to-be.
No Candidate shall be considered who is not a Citizen of the
Realm, that no usurper shall be made Monarch, and who has not been a citizen
for at least one year.
Article 5.2: "By Test and By Trial!"
There shall be a Test of Intelligence (I.Q. test) and a Test
of Knowledge.
There shall be a Trial by Combat (using the traditional melee
weapons of the Kingdom, but not to the death, and also by winning the game
of kings). There shall also be a Trial by Survival (for no Monarch shall rule who
cannot survive).
The Procedure shall be as follows:
the Trial by Survival. Candidate shall face the wilds of
the Kingdom, and shall be graded on (1) quality of survival, (2) ability to
track without maps;
the Test of Intelligence. Such test shall be created
specific to the era and situation of the Kingdom, and Candidate shall be graded
on a percentage basis;
the Trial by Combat (in the manner of the Crown Lists in the
Society of Creative Anachronism, save
that: (1) Each Candidate shall face three knights of the Vermillion
Blade or such martial order as appropriate, chosen entirely at random, and must
hold their own against all three, or be disqualified. Those who do, shall be graded
one to ten (1-10) on technique (both offensive & defensive), tactics, discipline,
sportsmanship, and endurance.
the Test of Knowledge.(of the history & government of the
Realm, of current events, and of certain subjects important to the running
of the Realm). Candidate's character shall be judged by the asking of questions
designed to expose flaws and weaknesses to the light. Test's particulars shall
be kept secret until the day needed.
The Final Trial of Combat shall be chess: the "Game of
Kings," where each Candidate shall hold their own against one another,
tournament-style.
If only one Candidate appears to face the Challenge,
Candidate must still face all four Ordeals and win out.
WHOSOEVER SHALL HOLD THEIR OWN IN A SUPERIOR FASHION,
WHOSE PERFORMANCE AND CHARACTER IS OF UNRIVALED AND UNPARALLELED
CALIBER, AS PROVEN BY THESE TESTS AND TRIALS, SHALL BE CROWNED.
FOR ONLY IN THIS WAY SHALL THE EXTRAORDINARY NATURE OF THIS
KINGDOM BE SAFEGUARDED AGAINST ITS FOES.
Thereafter, for the whole of their tenure, or until he or she (they) is (are)
Crowned, an Heir shall be styled "Crown Prince/Princess" and shall be
entitled to be called "Royal Highness" or "Your Royal Highness" and shall
live in the Palace, along with their Spouse (whether by Marriage or by
Partnering), and may sit in on sessions of the Privy Council and the House of
Peers. However, (an) Heir(s) may not vote in the Upper House of Council,
unless he (or she) already has a seat due to being a Knight or a noble or a
member of Privy Council.
Article 5.3:
While it is always possible that the two heirs for the Twin Crowns shall not
be qualified, and chosen until the time when the current Co-Monarchs
surrender their Crown(s) (whether by death, abdication or Challenge), it is
always to be preferred that both heirs have been qualified and chosen before
there is a need to issue the Call for Candidates. If no one has applied
during that year, a general call for able-bodied & able-minded Candidates
shall issue forth.
Anyone who feels himself or herself fit and able to win may submit his or her
application as a Candidate for the Crown at any time of the year. The
Candidates will be announced on every Founder's Day, and the schedule for the
tests & trials shall be declared during the State of the Realm address before
the Twin Councils and the People on Founder's Day.
When applying, the Candidate shall declare for which Crown they are applying,
and shall be present at the Call for Candidates on Founder's Day. Then they
shall submit themselves to the pleasure of the Courts. All people of TorHavn
are invited to attend the Crown Trials, to ensure the integrity of the
testing process.
Article 5.4: "In Case of a Tie ..."
After the process of testing, if there is a tie for either Crown, and if
there are not two positions open, the two who are equally qualified shall
state their case before the Two Monarchs (if possible), the Privy Council,
with representatives (chosen by lot) from the Upper & Lower Houses observing.
Article 5.5:
After Heirs have been qualified and chosen, every five years hence, each Heir
shall once again be Tested, as a sign that he or she is still qualified to
bear the weight of the Viridian Crown. Any who fail all five tests & trials
shall quietly step down as Heir, but will not lose any other position he or
she may have gained.
Also: once both Heirs are chosen, anyone (else) who feel they are better
qualified may challenge for the position by competing directly against the
Heir in the Tests & Trials for the Heirship. Should both end up equal, then
both shall make their case (as in: I'm better qualified because ...) before
the current Monarchs and the Privy Council, and shall be accompanied by
representatives from the Upper & Lower Houses of Council who are chosen by
lot, at random.
Article 5.6: IN THE INSTANCE OF REGRETTABLE CIRCUMSTANCES:
At any time, for reasons of senility, permanent disability
(whether physical or mental), infirmity, criminal activity, gross
disservice or dishonour to the Kingdom, one Monarch may declare the other
unfit, and upon proving these accusations, may require the removal of that
Monarch. BUT THE PROCEDURE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THIS UNFIT MONARCH SHALL
REMAIN AS ABOVE, FOR SUCCESSION.
Also: the House of Peers may, for the same reasons, and by
way of the Prime Minister as their Representative, declare any one Monarch
unfit, in the same fashion as above (by examination, by criminal trial),
and call for the removal of that Monarch.
In both cases, the replacement of that Monarch shall proceed
as above, re: succession.
It is to be herein noted that the failure of the the fit
Monarch to call for the removal of a Monarch who is unfit shall result in
the legal investigation and close examination of the remaining Monarch for
reasons of dishonour but such must be provable according to normal criminal
investigation & procedure), for it shall obviously appear that this Monarch
shall be attempting to rule alone (while pretending to co-rule). This violates
the Pact between Monarch and Kingdom.
Article 5.7: A Final Note on Succession:
Let it be known to all peoples that the Principles & Procedure of Succession shall
not be enacted until such time as there is land (either by ownership or by grant
or by Challenge or by Chaos). Until that moment, the Founding Monarchs shall hold the Virdian Crown
by virtue of the fact that theirs is the vision that made TorHavn, in the same way
that no future Monarch may change the Principles by which TorHavn remains a Kingdom,
and by which TorHavn remains the world's first "green" country, and a warrior nation
(in the oldest sense of the word). Only by death or by voluntary abdication shall
either Founding Monarch set down the Viridian Crown, and the remaining Monarch
(should there be one) shall determine if any Contender for the Crown be worthy
of it.
And if, for any reason, the two Co-Monarchs both either die or abdicate
voluntarily, before there is land to cede to the People of TorHavn, then
those who remain in the Viridian Realm may determine for themselves TorHavn's
fate. At this point, and only at this point, may any Candidate for Succession
come forward, at their own will, to contend for the Virdidian Crowns. And if
there is only one Contender, he or she shall still compete for the Crown, and
only one Monarch shall then be Crowned. And if, for whatever reason, no one comes
forward to contend for the Viridian Crown, then all the citizens of the land
shall come together and come to a consensus as to the fate and future of TorHavn.
Article 6: ON TREATIES & FOREIGN RELATIONS
The Co-Monarchs retain the right to sign treaties with other
States and organizations of States.
The Statement of Foreign Policy, as amended and appended from time
to time, is
considered part of the Codex Rex, and is appended hereto.
The Foreign Minister, is entirely liable to
the Crown for the processing and proxyship as re: any of said treaties or
agreements as signed with any foreign power.
Any treaty that, in whole or in part, is found to violate the Codex Rex
shall be null and void.
Article 7: ON DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY
In situations of grave and immediate threat to the existence
of the Kingdom, the Co-Monarchs, as both the head of state and commander
of the armed forces, may declare a State of Emergency.
During a State of Emergency all powers of the Kingdom;
executive, legislative, and judicial; are returned to the Co-Monarchs
in full, without restriction. The Co-Monarchs may immediately use Royal
Decrees to promulgate Laws, issue legal judgments, and suspend all personal
rights temporarily, save the Right to Life.
As soon as possible after such a declaration the Assembly
shall vote to ratify the State of Emergency. This ratification requires a
simple majority of each house of Council. A State of Emergency
exists until such ratification fails.
The Prime Minister can also call for a vote of Emergency Powers at
any time. If this vote is approved by a two-thirds majority of both
Houses of the Council a State of Emergency exists.
A State of Emergency shall last no more than six months,
although the Co-Monarchs or Council may declare another immediately.
A State of Emergency can be ended by Royal Decree or
unanimous vote of the High Tribunal.
All laws, legal judgments, and other such Royal Decrees
issued by the Co-MonarchS during a State of Emergency shall be reviewed by
the High Tribunal as soon as possible after the end of the State of
Emergency. Laws and judgments deemed no longer needed, conflicting with
previously existing law, or unconstitutional may be freely nullified by
decision of the High Tribunal.
PART 4: Judicial Power
Article 1: The Courts
The judicial power is vested in the Crown.
Justices appointed by the Co-Monarchs are independent. Their time in office is for a period of six years, and for no more than two successive terms.
Judges shall be called in to adjudicate when:
- When the offense is of a provincial, shirial, or Crown-related offense;
- When either of the two individuals in a case shall be unable or unwilling to abide by the Principles of challenges (c.f.)
- When an appeal of a Challenge or a lower-court Judge has been made.
Article 2: The High Tribunal
The High Tribunal is the highest court of the Kingdom save
the Crown, and decides issues regarding interpretation of the Codex of
the Kingdom of TorHavn. In particular, the High Tribunal may judge:
- Disputes between officers of the government concerning their
respective rights and duties under this Codex Rex.
- Claims of individuals regarding violations of their
Covemamt-given rights that cannot be resolved by a lower court.
- Cases on appeal from Royal Courts as the High Tribunal deems
necessary to review.
- All other cases assigned to its jurisdiction by law.
Decisions of the High Tribunal are directly binding for all
entities of the Kingdom. Only the Crown may void a decision of the High
Tribunal.
Cases before the High Tribunal are never heard before a jury;
all decisions are solely the decisions of the members of the
High Tribunal. This does not change the requirement for open hearings and
sentences, nor does it limit the ability of the Co-Monarchs to pardon
and commute.
The High Tribunal consists of three members. Members of the
High Tribunal must be citizens retaining the right to vote and
cannot hold any other position within the government of the Kingdom, its
Shires, Baronies, Duchies, or etc. while serving as a member of the High Tribunal.
Members of the High Tribunal are appointed for a period of
six years, and for no more than two successive terms.
The senior Justice of the High Tribunal shall be appointed
the High Judge by the Co-Monarchs; the High Judge shall preside at all
meetings of the High Tribunal as its President and Chairman.
In the event that two or more members of the High Tribunal
are equal in seniority, the Co-Monarchs shall appoint one of them High
Justice.
A session of the High Tribunal shall last each year from the
first Monday in the month of February until the first Friday in
the month of November. The High Tribunal shall conduct its business
during its sessions.
The period between sessions is to be used to review the
decisions of the Royal Courts for the year and to examine potential future
cases before the High Tribunal.
The High Justice may declare two periods of recess per
session. Such periods of recess shall last one month and must be separated
by no less than 2 months.
A member of the High Tribunal may resign his position by a
public and written declaration delivered to the Co-Monarchs or to the
Prime Minister if the Co-Monarchs are both unavailable.
The Co-Monarchs may remove a member of the High Tribunal for
High Treason, Bribery, or non-involuntary Murder.
Article 3: Royal Courts
Royal courts have supreme jurisdiction over review and other
matters assigned to it by law.
Separate Royal courts shall be established for private law,
penal law, and general public law.
The High Tribunal decides by extraordinary review in cases of
inconsistent application of the law by different Royal courts.
Judges of Royal Courts must be removed by the Co-Monarchs for Treason, Murder, and Bribery.
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