Supreme Court of Directionland
| Supreme Court of Directionland | |
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Seal of the Supreme Court of Directionland
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| Type | Government branch (Judicial) |
| Headquarters | Ironwood |
The Supreme Court of Directionland is the realm’s highest judicial authority. It safeguards the constitution by reviewing laws and government actions for conformity with the imperial settlement established at the Great Unification (c. 450 cycles ago). The Court does not act on its own initiative; it hears matters only when brought by a Member of Parliament or a Senator. The court’s presiding officer holds the title Supreme Justice.
History
The Court was constituted during the founding period of the empire. At the public handover in St. Stylinson—the capstone of the “Cycle of Formation”—the Emperor appointed the first Supreme Judges, establishing a permanent high court to interpret the new constitutional order and to adjudicate questions arising from the transition from the Presidium to bicameral government.
Jurisdiction and powers
- Constitutional review: Determines whether bills and executive measures align with the constitution and founding statutes.
- Access by the legislature: The Court hears a case or bill only when an MP or a Senator petitions the Court; it does not open cases sua sponte.
- Final authority: Its rulings are binding within the imperial judiciary.
Composition and leadership
- Supreme Justice: Head of the Court and first among the Supreme Judges.
- Supreme Judges: Senior justices of the high court. (The canon does not fix a number; the bench size may vary by period.)
- Appointment: The Emperor appointed the inaugural justices at the founding ceremony. Later appointments follow imperial practice as provided by law.
Procedure
- Petition: A Member of Parliament or a Senator files a petition seeking review of a bill or government act.
- Hearing and deliberation: The Court receives submissions, hears arguments, and deliberates.
- Decision: The Court issues a judgment that clarifies constitutional meaning and the legal effect of the measure under review.
Relationship to other branches
- Imperial Parliament & Imperial Senate: Either chamber’s members may bring matters before the Court; the Court’s decisions guide subsequent legislative action.
- Imperial Crown: The Crown grants royal assent to legislation after passage by both houses; judicial review is independent of the Crown.
- Government (Executive): The Cabinet (led by the Chancellor) proposes bills in Parliament; executive measures remain subject to the Court’s constitutional scrutiny when a case is properly brought.