The Kender Justice System
by Tavin
Springfingers
Although most races believe that kender are little more than miniature anarchists,
the fact is that kender society actually operates on a highly developed judiciary
system. Below I will go in depth into various aspects of this system. Remember,
knowing a kenders law is the best way to deal with one.
THE THREE TRUTHS
Since the inception of the kender race, there have been three rules that
have been held by all kender above anything else. Later as the race pulled together
and formed communities, cities, and nations, these three rules became the backbone
of kender law and remain so to this day. They are known as "The Three Truths",
for they are the moral fiber of what kender hold dear.
1- Never betray a friend
2- Always cherish life
3- Never use something that someone else isn't done with
Breaking any of these three truths almost always results in large amounts of
community service, with expulsion from the community being the most harsh punishment
dealed out to repeat offenders by the Elder’s Council.
THE ELDER'S COUNCIL
The kender court system is comprised of an odd number of kender who have been
elected to the position of 'Elder' by the general population in the area. It
is important to note that the term 'Elder' means not a venerable person in either
title or position, it is used simply for the reason that the position was once
held by the elders of the kender villages in ages past and nobody has bothered
to change the term to something more suitable. Indeed, since Elders are elected
by a matter of popular vote with no set standards or requirements, the official
elected to this duty can be of any age (or of any race for that matter). In
fact, there have been many interesting additions to various Elder's Councils
in the course of history. One small kender village raised a billy goat to the
esteemed title after it won the popular vote by a landslide. Hylo, at one time,
elected the legendary Uncle Trapspringer to the role, even though nobody had
reliably seen him in over twenty years.
DUTIES OF THE COUNCIL
Council members are charged with deciding over important matters of a kender
community. Any issues involving the infraction of any of the Three Truths is
in direct jurisdiction of the Elder's Council. Matters of war, matters of state,
and matters of public relations, are all other things directly decided by the
Council. The reason for this is mainly for the general population to be able
to enjoy their daily lives without having to worry about such mundane matters.
To make up for having to deal with these mundane matters though, the Council
also is given the power to create and dismiss new laws, which they do so with
great frequency. Such laws include things such as: Always having to carry a
frog with you, No saying words that begin with 'p' on every third day, having
to wear red on certain days, and calling everyone by the name of a cheese after
dark. Such laws though are simply made for fun and breaking them is only punishable
by a wagged finger and a "tsk, tsk!" from the Council.
BRINGING AN ISSUE TO THE COUNCIL
On rare occasion, one must bring an issue to the Council to be resolved. To
do so, one must simply show up at the building where the Council meets and present
their case. Judgement is made on the spot. If disappointed by the outcome, a
person can challenge it by bringing forth new information or evidence.
RETIRING FROM THE ELDER'S COUNCIL
Council members often retire frequently and for many different reasons, such
as wanderlust or simply the need to do something else for a while. When a Council
member leaves, the remaining members draw straws. The one who pulls the smallest
straw is then also considered inactive until a replacement for the retiree can
be voted on, thus the Council remains at an odd number at all times. I hope
that this inside view into the kender justice system helped you better understand
the race as a whole.
Until next time, this is your Investigative Reporter signing off!
Tavin Springfingers
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