Calafalas Caravan
In reply to Cala (msg # 17):
He calls a robot with the bracelet on his arm.
"You will have to register with the Imperial Province you live in, pay the fee, and pay the yearly taxes on next Tax Day, which happily is seven months away."
"Take the Hidalgo to the Library, and show him the Lawbook for Citizens." The robot takes you, and its further up the ship, and into a richly appointed library with red, leatherbacked chairs, and paper books.
The "Lawbook for Citizens" is seven inches thick. Its next to the Lawbooks for Hidalgos, and Chartered Corporations, and Space Law.
The book, unlike American law, is plain as it can be, and even has a bit of wit on occasion. The key differences seem to be that as a Citizen your word is less than a Hidalgo. But, a Citizen can win in court, if they have other supporting documents. The law clearly warns you not to enter into a business deal with a Hidalgo without paper contracts as you will likely be vulnerable to evildoers.
Also, all contracts are on single molecule paper since computers are too easily hacked. Video and computer testimony is worthless.
If a Duke, Captain, or higher commands you to do anything short of a major felony by presenting their ring. You'd better do it.
Violent theft, murder, assault....death. Mutiny, rape, murder of a Hidalgo, piracy....death by torture. If you appeal for "Trial by Combat' and the judge agrees, you can fight a trained martial artist to your death, or his incapacitation.
Money is a single molecule coin backed by radioactives. Possession of radioactives outside of a safe box at a bank is heavily fined.
Damaging or destroying a robot is theft.
Your head is swimming, but in skimming over it, you feel as if you've gotten the major points. Law is quicker, and simpler, and at times, more brutal than your time. Its a law meant for an Empire, where many differ4ent races of men might get together with differing views on fine points of justice.
+@1 Legal Understanding to I assume a 1@5 from your normal life??