Guide to the Pandarian Judiciary [Brochure]

Welcome to Pandaria's court system! If you are reading this, you are probably sitting a court session right now. The Pandaren population prides itself in its judiciary, delivering a fair and well-considered outcome for all.

The foundation on which Pandaria's justice system is built is the rule of law, that no one person is above justice. Pandaria thus takes due process seriously, and will do that necessary to uphold it. To help make sure you do not find yourself at the wrong side of dungeon bars, please read on.

N.B. Spoilers for World of Warcraft: War Crimes after the jump

Judge, jury and executioner
Pandaria acknowledges foreign court systems in which the one person, usually the head of state, ultimately decides the fate of the Accused (defendant). However, in keeping with the rule of law, Pandaria separates its roles:

• Jury: The jury determines the guilt, or lack thereof, of the Accused, and decides the appropriate sentence. In high-profile trials, this role is filled by the plurality of the August Celestials.
• Fa'shua (judge): The Shado-Pan defends Pandaria from threats both within and without. Customarily, a representative will act as fa'shua, mediating the trial and keeping order. On a guilty verdict with sentencing, the Accused is passed on to the Shado-Pan for the execution of that sentence. In high-profile trials, the Lord personally fills this role.
• Chu'shao (counsel): Pandaria's court system allows the aggrieved and Accused to put forth representation on their behalves. It is the role of the Accuser to argue the guilt of, and harsher sentencing of, the Accused, and that of the Defender to argue their innocence and, failing that, a more lenient penalty.

The layout of a typical courtroom (Temple of the White Tiger).

The court process
As the courtroom is a place of order, all weapons are forbidden and must be surrendered prior to entering. To prevent spellcasting, a dampening field is also maintained.

On the first sitting of a trial, their respective sides nominate the Accuser and Defender. Each side is allowed one (1) veto on the other's choice, then court is adjourned for the day before the entrance of the Accused.

Note: In trials with a strong international presence, the audience may be briefed on process before the chu'shao are nominated.

On the next sitting, the Accused is brought before the court, usually bound and escorted with armed guards. Not only do these guards ensure the presence of the Accused, they also safeguard his or her person, especially from those present.

Warning! The fa'shua takes order in the court very seriously. Any found spoiling the peace of the courtroom will be held under Shado-Pan guard for the duration of the proceedings.

Having been tendered beforehand, the fa'shua reads out the list of charges against the Accused. The Accused must then enter a plea for each charge:

• Guilty: The Accused admits to the charge brought against him or her. The trial then proceeds to determining the severity of the sentence.
• Innocent: The Accused denies the charge brought against him or her. The trial then proceeds to finding the extent of their guilt and, with a guilty verdict, the severity of the sentence.
• Nolo contendere (no contest): The Accused neither admits to nor denies the charge against him or her. Although the court recognises that, under this plea, the Accused has not admitted guilt, the court is free to proceed as if a guilty plea was entered.

Both chu'shao then put forth their cases, in summary, and how they will be presenting them. A respite is then called before evidence is presented.

Note: At the fa'shua's discretion, a mid-session respite may be called if the Accused, witnesses or the general audience are distressed. The fa'shua usually assesses composure before such a call.

During the main proceedings, both Accuser and Defender put forth their cases in detail. Witnesses may be called forth to testify, where the Accuser examines said witness which, at their discretion, the Defender may then cross-examine. This examination consists of asking questions which, under oath, the witness is obliged to answer to their best knowledge of the truth. Physical evidence may also be presented for observation and comment.

Case study: Vision of Time
The Temple of the White Tiger is working to continually improve its facilities. Called the Vision of Time, and provided by courtesy of the Bronze Dragonflight, this hourglass-shaped artefact generates historically accurate Visions of past events for those present. This objective evidence may prove invaluable to the case at hand.

Myriad points of order govern the conduct of chu'shao and witness during this stage. Generally, questions must relate directly to the case before the court and responses to the questions being asked.

The main proceedings may continue over several days to ensure all relevant evidence is presented for consideration. The fa'shua has discretion on when court will be adjourned.

Once both sides have finished tendering evidence, both chu'shao are called to present their closing arguments. Here, they summarise the evidence so presented and how it furthers their case. Respite is then called before the verdict. This allows the jury time to discuss their verdict before it is presented. It also affords the Accused the opportunity to make final preparations in case of a guilty verdict.

After final respite, the fa'shua calls the jury to present their verdict and/or sentencing on each charge against the Accused:

• Guilty: The Accused is found guilty of the charge. A sentence is prescribed for execution on him or her.
• Innocent: The Accused is found innocent of the charge.

Where the Accused is found innocent of all charges against him or her, or is found guilty but no sentences are prescribed, he or she is released from custody. Otherwise, he or she is handed over to the Shado-Pan for the execution of any sentences.

What we expect of you
Just like you, we want our court sessions to proceed smoothly and end quickly. To ensure this, we ask that you:

• Surrender all weapons for safekeeping prior to entering the courtroom.
• Show due respect to the jury and fa'shua.
• Observe the proceedings with civility.
• Obey calls to order.
• Unless called as a chu'shao or witness, or in an emergency, do not enter the main floor of the courtroom.
• In an emergency, follow all instructions by court staff and emergency services.

Bibliography

• Golden, Christie (2014), World of Warcraft: War Crimes, 1st hardcover edn, Gallery Books, New York.