funky-station · TheBoss913 · Jan 20, 2026 · Jan 20, 2026 · Jan 20, 2026 · Jan 20, 2026
diff --git a/src/design-proposals/judicial-process.md b/src/design-proposals/judicial-process.md
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+# Changes to the Judicial Process
+
+| Designers | Implemented | GitHub Links |
+|---|---|---|
+| The Boss 9 | :x: No | PR Links or TBD |
+
+## Overview
+
+This Doc puts a recent discussion into writing. Instead of Warden being the one who convicts and sentences, the Magistrate will be the one who determines what someone is guilty of, and what length their sentence is. And of course it will take place in the Courtroom
-This Doc puts a recent discussion into writing. Instead of Warden being the one who convicts and sentences, the Magistrate will be the one who determines what someone is guilty of, and what length their sentence is. And of course it will take place in the Courtroom
+This document regards a major change to the judicial process recently discussed in the discord server. In short, the Warden will be removed from their responsibilities of determining guilt and sentencing, with such responsibilities wholly being moved to the Magistrate.
-This Doc puts a recent discussion into writing. Instead of Warden being the one who convicts and sentences, the Magistrate will be the one who determines what someone is guilty of, and what length their sentence is. And of course it will take place in the Courtroom
+This document regards a major change to the judicial process recently discussed in the discord server. In short, the Warden will be removed from their responsibilities of determining guilt and sentencing, with such responsibilities wholly being moved to the Magistrate.
+
+## Background
+
+Currently the amount of Court and Law related shenanigans are too low. Lawyers and Magistrates would like some more attention, and honestly the Warden having 100% of the control over sentencing feels a little lacking RP wise
-Currently the amount of Court and Law related shenanigans are too low. Lawyers and Magistrates would like some more attention, and honestly the Warden having 100% of the control over sentencing feels a little lacking RP wise
+The court isn't used enough - both Lawyers and Magistrates would like to have more things to do during your average round. Additionally, the Warden having total control over the sentencing process detracts from the potential roleplay involved in sentencing criminals.
-Currently the amount of Court and Law related shenanigans are too low. Lawyers and Magistrates would like some more attention, and honestly the Warden having 100% of the control over sentencing feels a little lacking RP wise
+The court isn't used enough - both Lawyers and Magistrates would like to have more things to do during your average round. Additionally, the Warden having total control over the sentencing process detracts from the potential roleplay involved in sentencing criminals.
+
+## Features to be added
+
+Okay so when Security arrests someone the Inmate will be transported to the Processing room as usual. They will be searched for any contraband, and any personal items will be left in the processing room. Then the Inmate will be escorted to the courtroom. 
-Okay so when Security arrests someone the Inmate will be transported to the Processing room as usual. They will be searched for any contraband, and any personal items will be left in the processing room. Then the Inmate will be escorted to the courtroom. 
+When Security arrests a suspect, that suspect will be moved to Security for processing. During processing, the suspect is searched for and removed of any contraband they have on their person. Additionally, any personal effects are stored in processing for later collection. After processing is complete, the suspect is escorted to the courtroom for sentencing.
-Okay so when Security arrests someone the Inmate will be transported to the Processing room as usual. They will be searched for any contraband, and any personal items will be left in the processing room. Then the Inmate will be escorted to the courtroom. 
+When Security arrests a suspect, that suspect will be moved to Security for processing. During processing, the suspect is searched for and removed of any contraband they have on their person. Additionally, any personal effects are stored in processing for later collection. After processing is complete, the suspect is escorted to the courtroom for sentencing.
+
+In the Courtroom guilt will be determined. Any evidence of the crime will be brought to the Courtroom by the escorting officer. Any witnesses or victims that were related to the crime that are willing to testify should be in the court too. The Magistrate will then proceed with a hasty trial to determine sentence and guilt.
-In the Courtroom guilt will be determined. Any evidence of the crime will be brought to the Courtroom by the escorting officer. Any witnesses or victims that were related to the crime that are willing to testify should be in the court too. The Magistrate will then proceed with a hasty trial to determine sentence and guilt.
+Sentencing belongs in the courtroom, where guilt will be determined and sentencing made by the Magistrate. All forms of evidence are brought to the courtroom by the escorting officer, with any witnesses or victims related to the crime able to testify within the courtroom. As a note, any such testifying witnesses should be in the courtroom before the case is judged. The Magistrate should prioritize speed during their trial, through which they will determine if the suspect is guilty - and if so, what the sentence should be.
-In the Courtroom guilt will be determined. Any evidence of the crime will be brought to the Courtroom by the escorting officer. Any witnesses or victims that were related to the crime that are willing to testify should be in the court too. The Magistrate will then proceed with a hasty trial to determine sentence and guilt.
+Sentencing belongs in the courtroom, where guilt will be determined and sentencing made by the Magistrate. All forms of evidence are brought to the courtroom by the escorting officer, with any witnesses or victims related to the crime able to testify within the courtroom. As a note, any such testifying witnesses should be in the courtroom before the case is judged. The Magistrate should prioritize speed during their trial, through which they will determine if the suspect is guilty - and if so, what the sentence should be.
+
+The Inmate will be escorted back to processing where the Warden simply finishes locking up their personal items and gives them their Prisoner ID.
-The Inmate will be escorted back to processing where the Warden simply finishes locking up their personal items and gives them their Prisoner ID.
+After sentencing is complete, the suspect will be escorted back to Security, where the Warden will input the sentence as judged by the Magistrate and issue them their prisoner ID.
-The Inmate will be escorted back to processing where the Warden simply finishes locking up their personal items and gives them their Prisoner ID.
+After sentencing is complete, the suspect will be escorted back to Security, where the Warden will input the sentence as judged by the Magistrate and issue them their prisoner ID.
+
+Now, for actual changes needed to take place
-Now, for actual changes needed to take place
+### Regarding necessary changes
-Now, for actual changes needed to take place
+### Regarding necessary changes
+
+Both the Courtroom and the Processing room PLEASE need a Wanted Console. This is so that the Warden and the Magistrate can communicate crucial information about Inmates to everyone that needs to know.
-Both the Courtroom and the Processing room PLEASE need a Wanted Console. This is so that the Warden and the Magistrate can communicate crucial information about Inmates to everyone that needs to know.
+The courtroom and the processing room need to have a criminal records computer such that the Warden and Magistrate can communicate information regarding suspects to all necessary parties.
-Both the Courtroom and the Processing room PLEASE need a Wanted Console. This is so that the Warden and the Magistrate can communicate crucial information about Inmates to everyone that needs to know.
+The courtroom and the processing room need to have a criminal records computer such that the Warden and Magistrate can communicate information regarding suspects to all necessary parties.
+
+The "Detained" status needs to have a description. For "Wanted" people, a description can already be added. For "Detained" people, the option to add a description is crucial here. This is so that when the Magistrate sentences an inmate, they can mark them as "Detained" and mark how much time they should be put in Brig for.
-The "Detained" status needs to have a description. For "Wanted" people, a description can already be added. For "Detained" people, the option to add a description is crucial here. This is so that when the Magistrate sentences an inmate, they can mark them as "Detained" and mark how much time they should be put in Brig for.
+The "Detained" status needs to be able to be applied with a description, similar to the way the "Wanted" status can. This is so that when the Magistrate sentences a suspect, the Magistrate can mark them as "Detained" and mark them for their sentence length.
-The "Detained" status needs to have a description. For "Wanted" people, a description can already be added. For "Detained" people, the option to add a description is crucial here. This is so that when the Magistrate sentences an inmate, they can mark them as "Detained" and mark how much time they should be put in Brig for.
+The "Detained" status needs to be able to be applied with a description, similar to the way the "Wanted" status can. This is so that when the Magistrate sentences a suspect, the Magistrate can mark them as "Detained" and mark them for their sentence length.
+
+A new status needs to be added called "Awaiting Trial". This will be a status given to inmates that have been arrested. The Magistrate will be able to instantly see that their presence in Court is needed, which is necessary.
-A new status needs to be added called "Awaiting Trial". This will be a status given to inmates that have been arrested. The Magistrate will be able to instantly see that their presence in Court is needed, which is necessary.
+An "Awaiting Trial" status needs to be added. This status will be given to suspects who have been arrested but who have not yet been sentenced. Once this status is applied, the Magistrate will be able to know that their presence in the court is required.
-A new status needs to be added called "Awaiting Trial". This will be a status given to inmates that have been arrested. The Magistrate will be able to instantly see that their presence in Court is needed, which is necessary.
+An "Awaiting Trial" status needs to be added. This status will be given to suspects who have been arrested but who have not yet been sentenced. Once this status is applied, the Magistrate will be able to know that their presence in the court is required.
+
+SOP Changes!
-SOP Changes!
+### Regarding changes to SOP
-SOP Changes!
+### Regarding changes to SOP
+
+Some minor SOP changes need to happen so that everyone knows their role in these new trials.
-Some minor SOP changes need to happen so that everyone knows their role in these new trials.
+SOP needs to be edited such that all relevant parties know what their roles are in this new judicial process.
-Some minor SOP changes need to happen so that everyone knows their role in these new trials.
+SOP needs to be edited such that all relevant parties know what their roles are in this new judicial process.
+
+Space Law should change, and all crimes should be ~doubled in length, so that these trials aren't occuring just for a 2 minute sentence lol. Should be good RP, which hopefully makes the longer waits feel worth it.
-Space Law should change, and all crimes should be ~doubled in length, so that these trials aren't occuring just for a 2 minute sentence lol. Should be good RP, which hopefully makes the longer waits feel worth it.
+All crimes placed under Space Law should be roughly doubled in length. This is so that trials aren't being held for crimes which will be sentenced for an inconsequential amount of time. Ideally, this longer sentencing time will be offset by the increased roleplay introduced by the increased prevalence of trials.
-Space Law should change, and all crimes should be ~doubled in length, so that these trials aren't occuring just for a 2 minute sentence lol. Should be good RP, which hopefully makes the longer waits feel worth it.
+All crimes placed under Space Law should be roughly doubled in length. This is so that trials aren't being held for crimes which will be sentenced for an inconsequential amount of time. Ideally, this longer sentencing time will be offset by the increased roleplay introduced by the increased prevalence of trials.
+
+If the Magistrate is absent, then the NTR will substitute in for them. If the NTR and Magistrate are absent, then there will be no Court. I'm not going to ask the Captain to be present for every Court Case, so unless the Captain has free time and is willing to be the Judge, then the Judicial Process will halt and the system will just go back to the Warden sentencing Inmates in the Processing room.
-If the Magistrate is absent, then the NTR will substitute in for them. If the NTR and Magistrate are absent, then there will be no Court. I'm not going to ask the Captain to be present for every Court Case, so unless the Captain has free time and is willing to be the Judge, then the Judicial Process will halt and the system will just go back to the Warden sentencing Inmates in the Processing room.
+If there is no Magistrate on the station, the Nanotrasen Representative will be the acting judge. If there is also no Nanotrasen Representative, there will be no judge. If there is no judge, the sentencing process will fallback to what we currently use, with the Warden judging and sentencing suspects in Security.
-If the Magistrate is absent, then the NTR will substitute in for them. If the NTR and Magistrate are absent, then there will be no Court. I'm not going to ask the Captain to be present for every Court Case, so unless the Captain has free time and is willing to be the Judge, then the Judicial Process will halt and the system will just go back to the Warden sentencing Inmates in the Processing room.
+If there is no Magistrate on the station, the Nanotrasen Representative will be the acting judge. If there is also no Nanotrasen Representative, there will be no judge. If there is no judge, the sentencing process will fallback to what we currently use, with the Warden judging and sentencing suspects in Security.
+
+In the event of a Red Alert, or a known threat worthy of a Red Alert is present, then the Judicial Process is halted. The Warden will sentence people in the Processing room like before.
-In the event of a Red Alert, or a known threat worthy of a Red Alert is present, then the Judicial Process is halted. The Warden will sentence people in the Processing room like before.
+If the station is on red alert, or the station is otherwise facing a station-ending threat, this judicial process is halted. As a fallback, we will use what we currently use, with the Warden judging and sentencing suspects in Security.
-In the event of a Red Alert, or a known threat worthy of a Red Alert is present, then the Judicial Process is halted. The Warden will sentence people in the Processing room like before.
+If the station is on red alert, or the station is otherwise facing a station-ending threat, this judicial process is halted. As a fallback, we will use what we currently use, with the Warden judging and sentencing suspects in Security.
+
+A new system of Trials will probably have to be added, designed to simply establish guilt and sentence without taking time for irrelevant matters.
-A new system of Trials will probably have to be added, designed to simply establish guilt and sentence without taking time for irrelevant matters.
+A new trial system, with specific timings and requirements similar to that of the current trial system we see in game, will need to be added to Legal SOP. This trial system should be focused on speedy trials focused solely on establishing guilt and sentencing length.
-A new system of Trials will probably have to be added, designed to simply establish guilt and sentence without taking time for irrelevant matters.
+A new trial system, with specific timings and requirements similar to that of the current trial system we see in game, will need to be added to Legal SOP. This trial system should be focused on speedy trials focused solely on establishing guilt and sentencing length.
+
+
+## Game Design Rationale
+
+- This Judicial Process system will add many new ways to RP, and should bring consistent RP to lawyers and to CentComm personell. It should decrease the workload of the Warden aswell, and will make sentencing feel more RP'ing, instead of just rushing through sentence after sentence. Trials will be cool again, trust
- This Judicial Process system will add many new ways to RP, and should bring consistent RP to lawyers and to CentComm personell. It should decrease the workload of the Warden aswell, and will make sentencing feel more RP'ing, instead of just rushing through sentence after sentence. Trials will be cool again, trust
+- This Judicial Process system will increase the amount and significance of roleplay surrounding lawyers and Centcomm personnel. This should also decrease the workload of the Warden and make sentencing suspects feel more like roleplay instead of rushing through criminals.
- This Judicial Process system will add many new ways to RP, and should bring consistent RP to lawyers and to CentComm personell. It should decrease the workload of the Warden aswell, and will make sentencing feel more RP'ing, instead of just rushing through sentence after sentence. Trials will be cool again, trust
+- This Judicial Process system will increase the amount and significance of roleplay surrounding lawyers and Centcomm personnel. This should also decrease the workload of the Warden and make sentencing suspects feel more like roleplay instead of rushing through criminals.
+
+## Roundflow & Player interaction
+
+- This feature will be present in every round, since there is always Inmates. I want people that witness crimes and are victims to crimes to show up to Court on their own accord. Both to defend the Inmate and to Prosecute the Inmate. 
- This feature will be present in every round, since there is always Inmates. I want people that witness crimes and are victims to crimes to show up to Court on their own accord. Both to defend the Inmate and to Prosecute the Inmate. 
+- As there are typically inmates and arrested suspects in every round, this feature will be present in every round. Victims and witnesses of crimes should show up to court of their own will, both to defend the suspect and to prosecute the suspect.
- This feature will be present in every round, since there is always Inmates. I want people that witness crimes and are victims to crimes to show up to Court on their own accord. Both to defend the Inmate and to Prosecute the Inmate. 
+- As there are typically inmates and arrested suspects in every round, this feature will be present in every round. Victims and witnesses of crimes should show up to court of their own will, both to defend the suspect and to prosecute the suspect.
+
+Magistrates should make sure they're communicating with Lawyers and IAAs since both of them usually like trials.
-Magistrates should make sure they're communicating with Lawyers and IAAs since both of them usually like trials.
+Magistrates will need to communicate with greater frequency to lawyers and IAAs due to their relevance in defending and prosecuting suspects.
-Magistrates should make sure they're communicating with Lawyers and IAAs since both of them usually like trials.
+Magistrates will need to communicate with greater frequency to lawyers and IAAs due to their relevance in defending and prosecuting suspects.
+
+And the option to halt the Judicial Process is an option if Security is busy with greater threats, so it shouldn't ever be bothersome to attend Court as Security or CC.
-And the option to halt the Judicial Process is an option if Security is busy with greater threats, so it shouldn't ever be bothersome to attend Court as Security or CC.
+The option to halt the Judicial Process system and fallback to the sentencing system we currently use is useful if Security is busy fighting station-ending threats - it should never be bothersome to attend court as Security or Centcomm VIPs.
-And the option to halt the Judicial Process is an option if Security is busy with greater threats, so it shouldn't ever be bothersome to attend Court as Security or CC.
+The option to halt the Judicial Process system and fallback to the sentencing system we currently use is useful if Security is busy fighting station-ending threats - it should never be bothersome to attend court as Security or Centcomm VIPs.
+
+## Administrative & Server Rule Impact 
+
+- This rule shouldn't require any additional admin intervention. People are already getting sentenced, this is just a more formal way of doing it
- This rule shouldn't require any additional admin intervention. People are already getting sentenced, this is just a more formal way of doing it
+- This process should not require any additional admin intervention, as this is merely a more formal means of sentencing suspects.
- This rule shouldn't require any additional admin intervention. People are already getting sentenced, this is just a more formal way of doing it
+- This process should not require any additional admin intervention, as this is merely a more formal means of sentencing suspects.
+- I don't think this feature will add more potential for griefing. When Court becomes more frequent, there shouldn't be any Court bombers or anything
- I don't think this feature will add more potential for griefing. When Court becomes more frequent, there shouldn't be any Court bombers or anything
+- This feature will probably not add more potential for griefing. There probably won't be an increased prevalence of court bombings despite the increased frequency of trials.
- I don't think this feature will add more potential for griefing. When Court becomes more frequent, there shouldn't be any Court bombers or anything
+- This feature will probably not add more potential for griefing. There probably won't be an increased prevalence of court bombings despite the increased frequency of trials.
+- The rules will just be enforced by the SOP mostly
- The rules will just be enforced by the SOP mostly
+- These judicial processes will mostly be enforced by SOP.
- The rules will just be enforced by the SOP mostly
+- These judicial processes will mostly be enforced by SOP.
+
+# Technical Considerations
+
+- As stated before, some Mapping Changes are required to add Wanted Consoles to the Processing room and the Courtroom
- As stated before, some Mapping Changes are required to add Wanted Consoles to the Processing room and the Courtroom
+- Mapping changes will be necessary to the extent that criminal records computers are added to processing areas and courtrooms.
- As stated before, some Mapping Changes are required to add Wanted Consoles to the Processing room and the Courtroom
+- Mapping changes will be necessary to the extent that criminal records computers are added to processing areas and courtrooms.
+- Also as stated before, some of the status's need to be changed or added to make communication easier concerning Inmates
- Also as stated before, some of the status's need to be changed or added to make communication easier concerning Inmates
+- Some statuses placed via the criminal records computer will need to be changed and added to make communication regarding suspects and trials more convenient.
- Also as stated before, some of the status's need to be changed or added to make communication easier concerning Inmates
+- Some statuses placed via the criminal records computer will need to be changed and added to make communication regarding suspects and trials more convenient.