Criminal law in Sanama (Third Republic)
Criminal law in Sanama (Third Republic) is mainly a national concern, with certain exceptions. After the federal system was abolished in 1687, the national government is responsible for criminal law for most of Sanama. Cisamarra and Thanatos however make their own criminal laws in devolved matters, excluding such areas as the national government is responsible for, such as counterfeiting, treason and terrorism. Highpass as a former federal territory comes under the same criminal law as Sanama proper, with the caveat that Highpass may at any time make its own criminal law in devolved matters.
Criminal code
Sanama proper
Criminal law in Sanama proper is enacted in the Criminal Code Act of 1688, consolidating all legislation with criminal penalties into a single act. Parts of it apply to all of Sanama, concerning matters where the national government is responsible for legislation, while the other parts only apply to Sanama proper and, as of 1689, Highpass. All crimes are classified into a class and a grade. The three classes are felonies, misdemeanours and infractions. The grade is indicated with a letter from A to F.
| Class | Grade | Standard sentencing range |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | A | 30 – 40 years, life, natural life |
| B | 20 – 40 years, life | |
| C | 10 – 30 years | |
| D | 5 – 20 years | |
| E | 2 – 10 years | |
| F | 1 – 5 years | |
| Misdemeanour | A | 6 months – 2 years |
| B | – 1 year | |
| C | – 6 months | |
| D | – 2 months | |
| Infraction | Fine |
| Crime | Class | Penalty | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes against life and health | |||
| Murder | Felony A | 30 – 40 years; life; natural life | One of the most severe crimes, involves the intentional taking of another human life. |
| Manslaughter | Felony B | 20 – 40 years; life | Intentional taking of another human life but with regards to mitigating circumstances not classified as murder. |
| Felony C | 10 – 30 years | ||
| Assault | Felony C | 10 – 30 years | Intentional inflicting of physical harm on another human person. Depending on severity of the violence and damage caused either classified as a C, D or E felony. The lesser form of assault is termed battery. |
| Felony D | 5 – 20 years | ||
| Felony E | 2 – 10 years | ||
| Battery | Felony F | 1 – 5 years | A lesser form of assault, involving anything from striking another person with an open hand, to grabbing an arm causing bruises. Also often used for first-time offenders. |
| Misdemeanour A | 6 months – 2 years | ||
| Misdemeanour B | – 1 year | ||
| Misdemeanour C | – 6 months | ||
| Aggravated assault | Felony B | 20 – 40 years; life | The severe form of assault. Offenders are prosecuted under this statute when the assault results in severe and permanent physical damage, or if the severe violence is directed towards a child or a public servant. Also frequently used as an alternative charge to murder or manslaughter when the inquisitor fails to prove intent to kill. |
| Felony C | 10 – 30 years | ||
| Assault with a deadly weapon | Felony B | 20 – 40 years; life | An alternative charge to aggravated assault when the perpetrator uses a deadly weapon, such as a firearm or sharp object. |
| Involuntary manslaughter | Felony E | 2 – 10 years | Involuntary manslaughter involves the unintentional taking of a human life. Gross negligence or recklessness is usually required. Two exceptions to that rule are involuntary manslaughter while committing a felony, which is usually prosecuted as murder or manslaughter, and involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, which is usually prosecuted as manslaughter C. |
| Felony F | 1 – 5 years | ||
| Involuntary battery | |||
| Reckless endangerment | |||
| Crimes against freedom and peace | |||
| Kidnapping | |||
| Trafficking | |||
| False imprisonment | |||
| Unlawful coercion | |||
| Unlawful threat | |||
| Home invasion | |||
| Home invasion with intent | |||
| Unlawful impersonation | |||
| Molestation | |||
| Unlawful intrusion | |||
| Unlawful surveillance | |||
| Crimes regarding sexuality | |||
| Rape | |||
| Aggravated rape | |||
| Sexual coercion | |||
| Sexual molestation | |||
| Statutory rape | |||
| Statutory sexual coercion | |||
| Lewd and lascivious act | |||
| Grooming | |||
| Procuring | |||
| Crimes against property | |||
| Theft | |||
| Grand theft | |||
| Grand theft auto | |||
| Burglary | |||
| Robbery | |||
| Aggravated robbery | |||
| Armed robbery | |||
| Criminal conversion | |||
| Taking without owner's consent | |||
