Repealed Modern Legal Reform Act

[JunoAndrist]

A
BILL
To

Amend the Legal Reform Act to Reform and Modernize the Legal Education System of Redmont​

The people of the Commonwealth of Redmont, through their elected Representatives in the Congress and the force of law ordained to that Congress by the people through the constitution, do hereby enact the following provisions into law:

1 - Short Title and Enactment
(1) This Act may be cited as the 'Modern Legal Reform Act'.
(2) This Act shall be enacted immediately upon its signage.
(3) This Act has been authored by Associate Justice Matthew100x, with contributions from AlexanderLove, juniperfig, TrueDarklander, Gribble19, Dartanboy, and AsexualDinosaur.
(4) This Act has been cosponsored by Sen. Goldendude15.

2 - Reasons
(1) The legal education system requires modernization to ensure proper training of legal professionals.
(2) A structured rank system with clear qualification requirements will enhance the quality of legal services.
(3) The Department of Education requires expanded authority to maintain and update legal examinations.

3 - Definitions

(1) "Law Firm" shall be defined as:
(a) Any legal practice entity consisting of one or more licensed legal practitioners that:
(i) Provides legal services to clients;
(ii) May operate as any kind of business as defined by law; and
(iii) Maintain a business registration with the Department of Commerce.

(2) “Disbarment” shall be defined as:

1. The revocation of one's license to practice law. A person who is disbarred shall lose the power to advise clients, represent a party in court, and file cases on a client’s behalf.
2. Any person who is disbarred and attempts to practice law shall be presumed to have the intent necessary for Legal Fraud.

(3) “Specialization” shall be defined as:

1. A certification granting the Barrister qualification granted upon successful completion of a specialization exam. Passing a specialization exam permits a legal practitioner to provide legal representation, advocacy, and advisory services within the designated field of that specialization before the Federal Court of Redmont. A Barrister may hold as many specializations as they pass the exams for.
2. When a Barrister practices law in the Federal Court, they will be able to work outside of their specialization if the main legal claim of the case they are arguing is within their specialization.
3. Specialization Exception: If an area of law does not have a specialization exam, then any Barrister with any specialization may practice that area of law in the Federal Court.

4 - Legal Ranks and Practice Rights

(1) The legal profession shall be organized into three ranks:
(a) Solicitor
(b) Barrister
(c) Attorney

(2) The Solicitor rank shall:
(a) Be the entry-level legal qualification
(b) Grant the holder the right to practice law in District Courts
(c) Permit the holder to:
(i) Represent clients in any kind of District Court proceedings.
(ii) File any kind of cases on behalf of clients in District Court.
(iii) Provide legal advice within District Court jurisdiction.
(iv) Officiate marriage and divorce proceedings.

(3) The Barrister rank shall:
(a) Be awarded upon passing any one specialization examination, where a barrister may collect as many specializations as they are qualified for to gain the perks of said specialization.
(b) Include all powers and rights granted to Solicitors.
(c) Grant additional rights to practice in Federal Courts within their specialization(s).
(d) Permit the holder to:
(i) Represent clients in Federal Court proceedings within their specialization(s).
(ii) File cases in Federal Court within their specialization(s).
(iii) Provide legal advice for matters within Federal Court jurisdiction.

(4) The Attorney rank shall:
(a) Include all powers and rights granted to Solicitors and Barristers.
(b) Require completion of all current specialization exams.
(i) Lawyers who achieve the Attorney rank will not have to take any novel specialization exam if a new test is added after they attain the Attorney rank.
(c) Grant the right to practice in all courts without any restrictions or exceptions, including the Supreme Court.
(d) Permit the holder to:
(i) Represent clients in any court of the Commonwealth
(ii) File cases in any court of the Commonwealth
(iii) Provide legal advice for all matters within the Commonwealth's jurisdiction

5 - Department of Education Powers

(1) The Department of Education shall have the authority to:
(a) Develop, maintain, and update all legal examinations
(b) Establish examination procedures and requirements
(c) Set reasonable passing criteria for each rank
(d) Create or remove specializations, which are legal exams focusing on a particular topic, within the Barrister rank.

(2) The Department of Education must:
(a) Consult with the Department of Justice before implementing changes to the legal exams.
(b) Provide public notice of any changes to exams or examination requirements
(c) Ensure examination standards remain consistent with legal practice needs.
(d) Maintain records of all qualified legal practitioners.

6 - Examination Administration

(1) All legal examinations shall be conducted through the Minecraft Exam-sign system, unless otherwise specified or directed by the Department of Education.

(2) The Department of Education shall:
(a) Ensure examination security
(b) Maintain examination records
(c) Issue appropriate rank designations upon successful completion
(d) Provide reasonable accommodations for technical issues

7 - Supervised Practice and Government Legal Work

(1) Supervised Private Practice
(a) A licensed legal practitioner of any rank may practice in any court when:
(i) They are employed by or contracted to a law firm;
(ii) They are under the direct supervision of an Attorney-ranked practitioner; and
(iii) The supervising Attorney assumes responsibility for their work.
(b) A licensed legal practitioner of any rank may give legal advice without restriction, and is immune from Legal Fraud or Legal Malpractice when:
(i) They are employed by or contracted to a law firm;
(ii) They are under the direct supervision of an Attorney-ranked practitioner; and
(iii) The supervising Attorney assumes responsibility for their work.
(c) The supervising Attorney must:
(i) Review and approve all court filings
(ii) Be present for in-game court appearances and oversee forums posts
(iii) Maintain ultimate responsibility for the case

(2) Government Legal Practice
(a) Licensed legal practitioners employed by the Department of Justice may practice in any court when they are:
(i) Acting in their official capacity;
(ii) Appointed to the case; and
(iii) Supervised by a Department superior who possesses the Attorney rank.
(b) Licensed legal practitioners serving as Public Defenders may practice in any court when they are:
(i) Acting in their official capacity;
(ii) Appointed to the case; and
(iii) Overseen by a Department superior who possesses the Attorney rank.

8 - Transitional Provisions

(1) All existing legal qualifications at the time of this Act’s passage shall be reset to Solicitor.

(2) All legal practitioners shall be given a grace period of two weeks from the signing and passing of this act before the Legal Malpractice comes into effect. Additionally, during the grace period, anyone possessing a legal license can file cases in any court without reprimand, penalty, or exclusion.

(3) No Ex Post Facto applies to all cases in any court at the time of the signing of this bill. No lawyer will be held accountable for Legal Malpractice for any court cases that they were working on prior to the passing of this bill or during the aforementioned grace period.

9 - Amendments

(1) Section 3 - RBA Abolition shall be amended as follows and shall now become section 10:
(3) Legal exams will be controlled exclusively by the Department of Education. The Department of Education must consult the Department of Justice on any changes to legal exams and provide reasonable time for the Department of Justice to comment on the changes before those changes are published.
(3) Holding a solicitor, barrister, or attorney tag in-game constitutes a valid legal license. All crimes pertaining to legal practice shall be indictable and be in the Department of Justice's jurisdiction to prosecute.
(5) Disbarment shall be defined as “the revoking of one's ability to legally practice law which shall include representing a party in Court and filing a case on a client's behalf.”

(2) Section 4 - Attorney-Client Privilege shall be amended as follows: (It is being added under Legal Crimes)
4 - Attorney-Client Privilege
(1) Attorney-Client Privilege shall exist as soon as a client or potential client engages in a formal discussion with a lawyer or law firm regarding a case, potential case, or other legal matter.
(2) The lawyer or law firm shall not be permitted to disclose the contents of the discussion except with the voluntary and written permission of the client.
(3) Lawyers and law firms shall not be held liable for conspiracy or acting as an accessory to a crime when it is in connection with matters protected by Attorney-Client Privilege.
(4) Breaking Attorney-Client Privilege
(a) Classification: Indictable Criminal Offense
(b) Definition: “Disclosing discussions of a client without their written permission.”
(c) Maximum Punishment:
(i) First Offense: $5,000 Fine + 5 Minutes Jail Time
(ii) Second Offense: $10,000 fine + 15 Minutes Jail Time + Disbarment for a period of one month
(iii) Subsequent Offenses: $20,000 (with $7,500 being the minimum) + 20 Minutes Jail Time + Disbarment for a period of two months (with two weeks being the minimum)
(5) Clients may also sue the lawyer or law firm that broke Attorney-Client Privilege for any losses that can be proven in court.

(3) Section 5 - Legal Fraud shall be amended as follows:
5 - Legal Fraud
(1) Legal Fraud
(a) Classification: Indictable Criminal Offense
(b) Definition: “The misrepresentation of one’s legal credentials, or lack thereof, or unauthorized practice in any Court of law under this act or future acts governing the legal practice.”
(c) Maximum Punishment:
(i) First Offense: $5,000 Fine + 10 Minutes Jail Time
(ii) Second Offense: $10,000 Fine + 15 Minutes Jail time + Disbarment for a period of four weeks
(iii) Subsequent Offenses: $25,000 Fine (with $10,000 being the minimum) + 30 Minutes Jail Time + Disbarment for a period of three months

(4) Section 6 - Conflict of Interest shall be amended as follows: (It is being added under Legal Crimes)
(1) A conflict of interest arises when an individual or entity is engaged in multiple interests, whether financial or otherwise, and fulfilling one interest could potentially compromise their ability to fulfill another.
(2) In the legal context, a conflict of interest is defined as the situation where the same legal counsel represents both the defense and the plaintiff simultaneously in the same case.
(3) Discovery of a conflict of interest provides valid grounds for a person to appeal the court's decision in the case.
(4) Conflict of Interest
(a) Classification: Indictable Criminal Offense
(b) Definition: “The situation where the same legal counsel represents both the defense and the plaintiff simultaneously in the same case.”
(c) Maximum Punishment:
(i) First Offense: $20,000 Fine + 20 Minutes Jail Time
(ii) Second Offense: $35,000 Fine + 35 Minutes Jail Time + Disbarment for a period of one month

 

[1950Minecrafter]

Presidential Assent

This bill has been granted assent and is hereby signed into law.

1950minecrafter
20th President of the Commonwealth of Redmont
Member of the WPR​

 

[Kaiserin_]

House Vote: 6-3-0
Senate Vote: 4-0-1

A
BILL
To

Amend the Modern Legal Reform Act
​

The people of the Commonwealth of Redmont, through their elected Representatives in the Congress and the force of law ordained to that Congress by the people through the constitution, do hereby enact the following provisions into law:

1 - Short Title and Enactment
(1) This Act may be cited as the 'Quick Education Act.'
(2) This Act shall be enacted immediately upon its signage.
(3) This Act has been authored by Rep. Kaiserin_.
(4) This Act has been co-sponsored by Rep. MissAndrist.

2 - Reasons
(1) 7 days is unnecessary for public notice for changes to exams, especially small ones.
(2) The Department of Education should have the flexibility to make frequent updates to exams without the unnecessary step of giving a weeks' prior notice.
(3) This amendment has been suggested by Education Secretary AsexualDinosaur.

3 - Amendments

Section 5 of the Modern Legal Reform Act shall be amended as follows:

"5 - Department of Education Powers

(1) The Department of Education shall have the authority to:
(a) Develop, maintain, and update all legal examinations.
(b) Establish examination procedures and requirements.
(c) Set reasonable passing criteria for each rank.
(d) Implement changes to the examination system with at least seven [7] days notice
(d) Create or remove specializations, which are legal exams focusing on a particular topic, within the Barrister rank. with at least seven [7] days notice

(2) The Department of Education must:
(a) Consult with the Department of Justice before implementing changes to the legal exams.
(b) Provide public notice of any changes to exams or examination requirements.
(c) Ensure examination standards remain consistent with legal practice needs.
(d) Maintain records of all qualified legal practitioners."

 

[1950Minecrafter]

Presidential Assent

This bill has been granted assent and is hereby signed into law.

1950minecrafter
20th President of the Commonwealth of Redmont
Member of the WPR​

 

[1950Minecrafter]

Presidential Assent

This bill has been granted assent and is hereby signed into law.

 

[Julia_]

House Vote: 8-0-0
Senate Vote: 4-0-0

A
BILL
To

Remove redundant offenses from earlier Acts​

The people of the Commonwealth of Redmont, through their elected Representatives in the Congress and the force of law ordained to that Congress by the people through the constitution, do hereby enact the following provisions into law:

1 - Short Title and Enactment
(1) This Act may be cited as the 'Redundant Offenses Removal Act'
(2) This Act shall be enacted immediately upon its signage.
(3) This Act has been authored by Senator Pepecuu.
(4) This Act has been proposed by Representative JuliaMC_.
(5) This Act has been co-sponsored by Senator Pepecuu.

2 - Reasons

1. There are offences that have been made redundant by the enactment of the Criminal Code Act.
2. This act will remove those offences from the earlier acts to avoid contradictions and confusion by the readers.

3 - Removals

1. §6 - §12 (Both inclusive) of the Commercial Standards Act is to be amended as follows:

6 - Fraud
(1) The following sections outline the definition of Fraud, its differing forms, and different punishments:

(a) A crime classified under any sub-category of Fraud shall not be charged as Fraud for the same offense.

Fraud
An intentional or reckless misrepresentation or omission of an important fact, especially a material one, to a victim who justifiably relies on that misrepresentation; and the victim party or entity suffered actual, quantifiable injury or damages as a result of the misrepresentation or omission.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

Electoral Fraud
Defined in the Electoral Act

Money Laundering
Any act to conceal funds illegally obtained, through commercial transactions, business deals, or any means otherwise.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

Gambling Fraud
The act of fraudulently misrepresenting how a gambling activity is conducted.
Individual Fine: Up to $20,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

New Player Fraud
To take advantage of a new player's wealth and or resources for another's profit or advantage.
Individual Fine: Up to $20,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

False Advertising
(i) Classification: Indictable Criminal Offense
The act of authorizing a false advertisement for publication. Subsequent publications of the same advertisement count as separate offenses.
Minimum Sentencing: $100 Fine
Maximum Sentencing: $5000 Fine

Misleading Advertising
(i) Classification: Indictable Criminal Offense
The act of authorizing a misleading advertisement for publication. Subsequent publications of the same advertisement count as separate offenses.
Minimum Sentencing: $100 Fine
Maximum Sentencing: $5000 Fine

7 - Identity Fraud
The act of fraudulently misrepresenting yourself as someone else or fraudulently claiming you have authority where you don't. There are several types of identity fraud:

Government Impersonation
The Act of fraudulently Impersonating a government official or a government employee for financial or another personal gain(s)
Fine: $1000 + Damages

False Credentials
The Act of fraudulently misrepresenting yourself or someone else as having a certification, commendation or another type of credential for personal gain.
Fine: $1000 + Damages

8 - Securities Fraud
(1) The Act of fraudulent security trade practices. There are several types of securities fraud:

Insider Trading
The act of any use of non-public information obtained through privileged access for personal gain in the purchase or sale of a stock. The act of leaking such information is also included. Any individual partaking in insider trading by use of information obtained through a leak is liable. Any owner of a business that sells stocks of his own company has an obligation to make a reasonable attempt to, disclose this information to the shareholders, failure to do so may be considered evidence in an insider trading case.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

Market Manipulation
Any activity, regardless of a direct responsibility for a public company or asset, which is undertaken with the primary intention to artificially influence the price or trading volume of a security for personal gain. Any public company which values its own total market value over $500,000 is expected to have a publicly available, detailed explanation of how they reached that evaluation. Failure to do so may be considered evidence in a market manipulation case.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

Third-Party Misrepresentation
The act of intentionally or recklessly aiding and abetting a party or entity in committing market manipulation. This also applies, to a party or entity which is not aware they might be committing market manipulation such as participants in a pump and dump scheme.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

Embezzlement
The act of withholding assets for the purpose of conversion of such assets, by one or more persons to whom the assets were entrusted, for personal gain.” An example of this law is; spending company funds for personal gain of a company of which you do not own 100%.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

9 - Tax Fraud
(1) The fraudulent non-payment or underpayment of actual tax liabilities due. There are several types of tax evasion:

Personal Tax Evasion
The act of intentionally or maliciously transferring, funds to one or more personal balances or company bank accounts with no legitimate purpose, with the result that less tax is paid.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

Property Tax Evasion
The act of intentionally or maliciously transferring property to one or more persons over which they have no legal ownership without a legitimate purpose, with the result that less tax is paid.” To combat, said behaviour, a merged plot needs to be owned by the same person even after it has been merged.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

Auction Levy Evasion:
(i) Classification: Indictable Criminal Offense
Taking actions with the sole intent to avoid paying the auction levy while still receiving the plot or the benefit from it.
First offense: Plot eviction + fine of up to $5,000 or 30% of the winning bid, whichever is higher
Subsequent offenses: Plot eviction + fine of up to $5,000 or up to 30% of the winning bid, whichever is higher + auction ban of up to 2 weeks

Auction Levy Neglect:
(i) Classification: Summary Criminal Offense
Failure to pay the required auction levy after winning an auction.
First offense: Fine of $2,000 or 10% of the winning bid, whichever is higher.
Subsequent offenses: Fine of $5,000 or 30% of the winning bid, whichever is higher.

10 - Competition
(1) Antitrust laws are regulations that encourage competition by limiting the market power of any particular firm. There are several types of anti-trust regulations:

Market Allocation
Any sort of deal wherein two or more businesses agree to allocate 'territory' to one another to prevent regional competition.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

Bid Rigging
Any sort of deal wherein two or more businesses and/or persons agree to not bid against one another to minimize their losses.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

Price Fixing
Any sort of deal wherein two or more businesses agree to keep prices at a certain point to avoid price competition.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

Monopolization
Any sort of deal wherein two or more businesses seek to merge into a single entity or owner-subsidiary relationship that controls a disproportionately large amount of market share in any particular market.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail + Divestiture of assets, subsidiaries, or business units to prevent market concentration and promote competition as decided by the courts

Corporate Espionage
Any parties participating in, or accessory to the gathering, infiltration, or compromise of any sensitive company information that has not already been released to the public under the instruction of the company's controlling interest.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail


11 6 - Whistleblowers
(1) A whistleblower is someone with inside knowledge of an organization who reports misconduct or dishonest or illegal activity that may have occurred within that organization. Whistleblower protections are the protections provided to whistleblowers to enable them to come forward to report misconduct without fear of retribution or personal detriment.


Whistleblower Suppression
No employer may discharge, demote, suspend, threaten, harass, or in any other manner discriminate against a covered individual in the terms and conditions of employment of the covered individual because of any lawful act done by the covered individual to report information regarding a violation of a corporate crime.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail

12 - Bribery
(1) The act of offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving an item or service of value to influence an individual holding public office or serving in a legal capacity.

Bribery
The act of offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving an item or service of value to influence an individual holding public office or serving in a legal capacity.
Individual Fine: Up to $10,000 + Damages + up to 10 mins Jail + Barred from holding public office for up to 2 months.

1. The remaining sections of the Commercial Standards Act are to be renumbered to ensure the section numbers flow sequentially.

1. §14 of the Commercial Standards Act is to be amended as follows:

14 - Unions
(1) This act defines 'Union' as an organized association of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests.
(2) Every employee of the Commonwealth of Redmont has the right to create or apply to register their own union.
(3) Unions do not have to follow a democratic structure, but are encouraged to.
(4) Employers are prohibited from discriminating against an employee for being involved in a union.
(5) Employers are prohibited from involving themselves in the democratic processes of their employee's union.
(6) Employers who take action to disrupt or prevent the formation of a union, and or engage in conduct to dismantle a union, such as, but not limited to, terminating employees who try to start a union, shall be guilty of Union Busting, as defined:


Union Busting
Employers who take action to disrupt or engage in conduct to dismantle a union.
Per Offence: $2000 Fine

1. The remaining sections of the Commercial Standards Act are to be renumbered to ensure the section numbers flow sequentially.

1. §10 of the Electoral Act is to be amended as follows:

10 - Electoral Fraud
Any player caught rigging/meddling with an election through, but not limited to: the use of alternate accounts, bribery, and or threats.
Per Offence: Courts may order up to $25,000 in fines (per alt account if applicable) + issue a temporary or permanent barring from holding public office.

1. The remaining sections of the Electoral Act are to be renumbered to ensure the section numbers flow sequentially.

1. §7 of the Classification Act is to be amended as follows:

7 - Breach of Integrity
(1) Where classified material is breached, the individual whom shared the classified information in the first instance is to be held accountable.
(2) Whistleblowers are exempt where deemed by the court.

(3) A new law is established:
Breach of Integrity
Where an individual shares information of classified nature when unauthorised.
Per Offence: Fine between $5,000 and $20,000 through a lawsuit

1. The remaining sections of the Classification Act are to be renumbered to ensure the section numbers flow sequentially.

1. §8 of the Modern Legal Reform Act is to be amended as follows:

8 - Legal Crimes

(1) Legal Fraud
(a) Classification: Indictable Criminal Offense
(b) Definition: "The intentional misrepresentation of one's legal credentials, qualifications, or rank, engaging in the practice of law without any valid legal qualification,
(c) Maximum Punishment:
(i) First Offense: $7,500 Fine
(ii) Second Offense: $15,000 Fine + Disbarment for a period of up to six weeks
(iii) Subsequent Offenses: $30,000 Fine (with $15,000 being the minimum) + Disbarment for a period of four months.

(2) Legal Malpractice
(a) Classification: Indictable Criminal Offense
(b) Definition: “Practicing law, representing clients, or filing cases in courts beyond one's qualification rank or specialized jurisdiction."
(c) Maximum Punishment:
(i) First Offense: $7,500 Fine
(ii) Second Offense: $15,000 Fine + Disbarment for a period of up to six weeks
(iii) Subsequent Offenses: $30,000 Fine (with $15,000 being the minimum) + Disbarment for a period of four months.

(3) Conflict of Interest
(a) A conflict of interest arises when an individual or entity is engaged in multiple interests, whether financial or otherwise, and fulfilling one interest could potentially compromise their ability to fulfill another.
(b) In the legal context, a conflict of interest is defined as the situation where the same legal counsel represents both the defense and the plaintiff simultaneously in the same case.
(c) Discovery of a conflict of interest provides valid grounds for a person to appeal the court's decision in the case.
(d) Conflict of Interest
(i) Classification: Indictable Criminal Offense
(ii) Definition: “The situation where the same legal counsel represents both the defense and the plaintiff simultaneously in the same case.”
(iii) Maximum Punishment:
(A) First Offense: $20,000 Fine
(B) Second Offense: $35,000 Fine + Disbarment for a period of one month

(4) Attorney-Client Privilege
(a) Attorney-Client Privilege shall exist as soon as a client or potential client engages in a formal discussion with a lawyer or law firm regarding a case, potential case, or other legal matter.
(b) The lawyer or law firm shall not be permitted to disclose the contents of the discussion except with the voluntary and written permission of the client.
(c) Lawyers and law firms shall not be held liable for conspiracy or acting as an accessory to a crime when it is in connection with matters protected by Attorney-Client Privilege.
(d) Breaking Attorney-Client Privilege
(i) Classification: Indictable Criminal Offense
(ii) Definition: “Disclosing discussions of a client without their written permission.”
(iii) Maximum Punishment:
(A) First Offense: $5,000 Fine + 5 Minutes Jail Time
(B) Second Offense: $10,000 fine + 15 Minutes Jail Time + Disbarment for a period of one month
(C) Subsequent Offenses: $20,000 (with $7,500 being the minimum) + 20 Minutes Jail Time + Disbarment for a period of two months (with two weeks being the minimum)
(e) Clients may also sue the lawyer or law firm that broke Attorney-Client Privilege for any losses that can be proven in court.

1. The remaining sections of the Modern Legal Reform Act are to be renumbered to ensure the section numbers flow sequentially.

1. §20 - §21 of the Property Standards Act is to be amended as follows:

20 - Breach of Property Standards
Failing to comply with any part of the Property Standards Act will incur a penalty unless otherwise provided within this Act.
Per Offense: $150

21 - Violating Business District Rules
A player renting a Business District without meeting the set requirements as outlined by the DCT.
First Offence: Normal DCT Eviction
Second Offence: $1000 fine per Business District plot rented in violation
Third Offence and after: $2500 fine per Business District plot rented in violation
Fines are enforced by the DCT

1. The remaining sections of the Property Standards Act are to be renumbered to ensure the section numbers flow sequentially.
2. §6 of the Tenant Rights Act is to be amended as follows:

6 - Legal Addition
(1) Added to “7.0 Landlords”
Wrongful Eviction
Evicting a tenant without reasonable notice or refund
Per Offence: Up to $2000 + Rental Fees Refunded, which may be disputed in court.

Landlord Trespassing
Landlord entering a tenant’s rental region without reasonable prior notice. The rental region containing chestshops, an inactive tenant, or written permission of entry to the landlord by the tenant prevents the enforcement of this law.
Per Offence: $250 + Any changes to the rental region by the landlord are reverted.

1. The remaining sections of the Tenant Rights Act are to be renumbered to ensure the section numbers flow sequentially.

 

[Smami]

Aye, this streamlines our laws both for interested readers and lawyers, as well as makes enforcing the law easier by avoiding stated contradictions and redundancies.

 

[juniperfig]

Presidential Assent

This bill has been granted assent and is hereby signed into law.

 

[ToadKing]

CONGRESS OF THE
COMMONWEALTH OF REDMONT
​

---

A BILL TO

Re-Establish the Redmont Bar Association to Regulate the Legal Field

​

---

The people of the Commonwealth of Redmont, through their elected Representatives in the Congress and the force of law ordained to that Congress by the people through the constitution, do hereby enact the following provisions into law:
​

PART I — PRELIMINARIES​

1. Short Title and Enactment

(1) This Act may be cited as the 'Redmont Bar Association Act' or 'RBA Act.'

(2) This Act shall be enacted immediately upon its signage.

(3) This Act has been authored by Rep. ToadKing, DSoH Aladeen22, and AG Superwoops.

(4) This Act has been co-sponsored by DSoH Aladeen.

(5) The following Acts are hereby repealed:

(a) Modern Legal Reform Act.

(6) This Act amends the following acts:

(a) Redmont Civil Code Act

(7) This Act supersedes Executive Order 37/25, and any executive order purporting to regulate the legal field.


2. Reasons and Intent

(1) Establishing a professional association for lawyers encourages cooperation, professional development, and the progress of legal standards.

(2) The current “BAR”, established under Executive Order 37/25, is ill-equipped to facilitate the duties for which it was created.

(3) A statutorily defined Association with the backing of Congress and the Executive shall ensure the Legal Field finally obtains the much-needed support that it requires.

(4) The Redmont Bar Association shall remain institutionally independent from political direction or interference by any branch of government, and shall operate as an association of the lawyers, by the lawyers, for the lawyers.

3. Definitions

(1) For the purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) Active Membership. Means all members of the RBA who are currently in good standing.

(b) Disbarment. Means the revocation of one’s licence to practice law. A person who is disbarred shall lose the power to advise clients, represent a party in court, and file cases on a client’s behalf.

(c) Good Standing. Means the status of a member of the RBA who has not:
(i) Been disbarred under this Act; or
(ii) Accumulated two or more active conduct strikes under the Judicial Standards Act.

(d) Law Firm. Means any legal practice entity consisting of one or more licensed legal practitioners that:
(i) Provides legal services to clients;
(ii) May operate as any kind of business as defined by law; and
(iii) Maintains a business registration with the Department of Commerce.

(e) Specialisation. Means a certification granted upon successful completion of a specialisation exam, permitting a legal practitioner to provide legal representation, advocacy, and advisory services within the designated field of that specialisation before the Federal Court of Redmont.
(i) A Barrister may hold as many specialisations as they pass exams for.
(ii) When a Barrister practices law in the Federal Court, they will be able to work outside their specialisation if the main legal claim of the case they are arguing is within their specialisation.
(iii) If an area of law does not have a specialisation exam, then any Barrister with any specialisation may practice in that area of law in the Federal court.

PART II — ESTABLISHMENT​

1. Establishment of the Redmont Bar Association

(1) An independent government entity known as the Redmont Bar Association (RBA) is hereby established.

(2) The RBA shall operate as a professional association representing members of the legal profession.

(3) The RBA shall be the exclusive body regulating the legal field in Redmont, and shall encompass all individuals who are licensed to represent other individuals before the Courts of Redmont.

(4) The RBA shall be institutionally independent from the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government. No branch shall direct, interfere with, or seek to unduly influence the operations of the RBA.

2. Forum Area

(1) The RBA shall maintain a dedicated area on the DemocracyCraft forums for the purposes of transparency and public record.

(2) The following shall be made available on the forum:
(a) RBA policies, rules, and guidelines enacted by the Council;
(b) Motions put before the Council, including their outcome and the votes of each Councillor; and
(c) All disciplinary investigation findings under Part V.

(3) The Chairperson shall be responsible for ensuring the forum is maintained and kept up to date.

3. Funding

(1) The RBA shall be entitled to appropriations from the Commonwealth of Redmont.

(2) The Chairperson shall be responsible for managing the RBA's funds and reporting all spending in the #budget channel.

(3) RBA funds may only be spent for the purposes of:
(a) Funding resources and programs for the professional development of members; and
(b) Any other purpose directly related to the functions of the RBA under this Act.

(4) No Councillor may authorise the payment of RBA funds to themselves or to another Councillor as personal compensation.
(a) Any Councillor who authorises such a payment shall be subject to disciplinary proceedings under Part V.

4. Headquarters

(1) The official headquarters of the RBA shall be the Rba-interior.

(2) The headquarters shall be managed and maintained by the Chairperson on behalf of the RBA.

(3) The building shall be made available for the exclusive use of the RBA for the purposes of carrying out its functions under this Act.

(4) Any structural changes to the building must be:
(a) Approved by the Chairperson; and
(b) Funded from the RBA's appropriations, where the changes are for the benefit of the RBA.

PART III — MEMBERSHIP​

1. Membership

(1) Membership of the RBA is automatic and mandatory for all persons who hold a valid legal qualification under this Act.

(2) Membership shall commence upon the passing of any legal examination defined under Part VI of this Act.

(3) Membership is not voluntary and may not be voluntarily revoked by the member.

(4) Membership rights shall be revoked only through the disciplinary procedures set out in Part V of this Act.

2. Good Standing

(1) Every member of the RBA shall take reasonable steps to maintain their good standing, and shall conduct themselves in a manner befitting a member of the legal profession at all times.

(2) All members of the RBA shall be considered in good standing upon admission. A member shall lose good standing automatically where:
(a) They are disbarred under Part V of this Act; or
(b) They accumulate two or more active conduct strikes.

(3) The loss of good standing shall not affect a member's right to practice law. The right to practice law may only be removed through:
(a) Disbarment under Part V of this Act; or
(b) The accumulation of three active conduct strikes.

(4) Good standing shall be restored automatically where:
(a) The period of disbarment imposed under Part V of this Act expires; or
(b) The member's active conduct strikes fall below two.

PART IV — RBA COUNCIL​

1. Composition

(1) The governing body of the RBA shall be a Council of five individuals, each of equal standing when assembled for matters of business.

(2) The Council shall elect from among its members a Chairperson, who shall:
(a) Act as first among equals and spokesperson for the RBA;
(b) Represent the RBA in public communications;
(c) Cast the deciding vote in the event of a tied Council vote; and
(d) Hold no additional powers beyond those held by other Councillors, as stated in Section 2.

(3) The Chairperson may be removed from the role of Chairperson, without losing their Council seat, by a unanimous vote of the remaining Councillors.

(4) All five Councillors shall be elected by the general membership of the RBA.

(5) No member of the Council may simultaneously hold:
(a) The position of President, Vice President, or Department Secretary;
(b) A seat in Congress; or
(c) A Judicial Officer appointment.

(6) A Councillor who takes up any of the above positions shall vacate their seat on the Council immediately.

(7) Only members of the RBA in good standing may run for and hold a position on the Council.

2. Powers and Duties of the Council

(1) The Council shall have all decision-making power within the RBA, outside of that explicitly reserved for the membership body by this Act.

(2) All decisions of the Council shall be passed by a simple majority of all sitting Councillors.

(3) Quorum. A minimum of three Councillors must be present and voting for any decision of the Council to be valid.
(a) Where a quorum cannot be met, the matter shall be deferred until a quorum is available.
(b) Where a Councillor is recused from a particular matter under subsection (6), they shall not count towards quorum for that matter.

(4) The Council shall be tasked with the following duties:
(a) Advising the Government on matters pertaining to the legal profession, including:
(i) The rights and working conditions of lawyers;
(ii) Proposed changes to laws and regulations affecting legal practice;
(iii) The adequacy of legal education and examination standards; and
(iv) Any other matter the Council considers relevant to the health and integrity of the legal profession.
(b) Providing resources to further the careers and professional development of lawyers;
(c) Ensuring the quality and ethical conduct of lawyers through the disciplinary procedures set out in Part V;
(d) Overseeing the Legal Examinations content;
(e) Creating, amending, and repealing RBA policy through motions.

(5) The Council shall have the power to:
(a) Create, amend, and repeal rules and guidelines on legal ethics, professionalism, and conduct;
(b) Investigate members of the RBA for breaches of ethical, professional, or legal standards.
(c) Impose sanctions on members of the RBA in accordance with Part V;
(d) Set the internal procedures of the RBA;
(e) Exercise all other powers necessary or incidental to the proper functioning of the RBA.

(6) In the event a Councillor has a private interest that may interfere with any particular duty, that Councillor may be recused from that particular duty:
(a) Voluntarily, by the Councillor themselves; or
(b) By a unanimous vote of the remaining Councillors and the Chairperson, excluding the Councillor in question.

(7) All decisions of the Council, including rules, disciplinary outcomes, and election results, shall be published publicly without undue delay.

(8) Councillors shall, in the exercise of their duties, endeavour to:
(a) Act in the interests of the RBA, the legal profession, and all citizens who rely on the legal field as a whole, rather than in the interests of any political party, faction, or individual;
(b) Minimise political conduct and campaigning in the exercise of their duties as Councillors; and
(c) Approach matters before the Council with impartiality and objectivity.

(9) Nothing in subsection (8) shall be construed as limiting the constitutional rights of Councillors, including the freedom of political communication. Subsection (8) sets out a professional standard of conduct expected of Councillors, and not a legally enforceable restriction on their constitutional rights.

3. Elections

(1) The Department of State shall manage all RBA Council elections in a fair and impartial manner, acting solely as the neutral returning officer.

(2) Eligibility.
(a) Only members of the RBA in good standing may vote in RBA elections. Not compatible with plugin.
(b) All eligible members shall be given an equal vote.
(c) No member of the RBA, including members of the Judicial Branch, may be barred from voting in an RBA election.

(3) Voting System. RBA Council elections shall be conducted using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system as defined in the Electoral Act.

(4) Election Timeline. Council elections shall be held in January, May, and September of each year, and shall follow the following timeline:
(a) Declaration Period. A 48-hour period during which candidates may declare their intention to stand, commencing on the first day of the election month.
(b) Voting Period. A 48-hour period immediately following the close of declarations during which members may cast their votes.
(c) Announcement Period. Results shall be released at the earliest opportunity following the close of the voting period.
(d) The incoming Council shall take their seats immediately upon the announcement of results, at which point the outgoing Council's term shall end.

(6) Inaugural Election. The inaugural Council election shall be held within fourteen days of the enactment of this Act, administered by the Department of State, notwithstanding the election schedule set out in subsection (4).

(7) Subsequent Elections. Subsequent elections shall be called by the sitting Council no later than seven days before the expiry of their term, and administered by the Department of State.

(8) Chairperson Election. Following the conclusion of each Council election, the newly elected Councillors shall elect a Chairperson from among themselves by simple majority vote within 48 hours of the Council being constituted.
(a) Where no candidate secures a simple majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes shall be eliminated and a further vote held, repeating until a candidate secures a simple majority.
(b) Where a tie cannot be resolved by further voting, the Councillor who received the highest number of votes in the Council election from which they were just elected shall be appointed Chairperson.
(c) The Council may, by unanimous vote, adopt alternative procedures for the election of the Chairperson, provided that:
(i) The procedure is published in the RBA forum before it takes effect; and
(ii) The procedure ensures the Chairperson is elected by the Council, from among its five respective members.

4. Special Elections

(1) Where a vacancy arises on the Council mid-term:
(a) A special election shall be held within 48 hours of the vacancy becoming available through resignation or removal;
(b) The special election shall follow a 48-hour declaration period followed by a 48-hour voting period; and
(c) The winner shall serve only the remainder of the term of the Councillor they replace.

5. Removal of Councillors

(1) A Councillor may be removed by:
(a) A unanimous vote of the remaining Councillors, where the Councillor has been found to have engaged in conduct warranting sanction under Part V of this Act; or
(b) A supermajority vote of two-thirds of the active membership of the RBA as a whole, called by a petition signed by at least 25% of the total voters in the prior Council election.

(2) A Councillor removed under subsection (1)(a) may not stand for election to the Council for a period of one Council term following their removal.

(3) A Councillor removed under subsection (1)(b) shall not be subject to any restriction on standing for future Council elections by reason of their removal alone.

PART V — DISCIPLINE​

1. Disciplinary Powers

(1) The Council of the RBA may investigate any member of the RBA for conduct that:
(a) Breaches the ethical, professional, or legal standards of the RBA; or
(b) Brings the legal profession into disrepute; or
(c) Constitutes a legal offence under any other law.

(2) Investigations shall be:
(a) Conducted in a fair and impartial manner;
(b) Fact-finding in nature, limited to gathering and assessing evidence related to the alleged conduct; and
(c) Concluded with a written summary of findings, including all evidence gathered, which shall be provided to the subject of the investigation and may be published publicly.

(3) Following an investigation, the Council may impose any of the following sanctions by majority vote:
(a) A private warning; or
(b) A public censure or reprimand.

(4) No sanction under subsection (3) may be imposed without:
(a) Written notice to the member of the alleged conduct and the evidence supporting it;
(b) A reasonable opportunity for the member to respond to the evidence; and
(c) A majority vote of the Council in favour of the sanction.

2. Disbarment

(1) Disbarment is the most serious sanction available to the RBA and may only be imposed by order of the Federal Court.

(2) Where the Council determines, following an investigation, that disbarment may be warranted, the Council shall initiate civil proceedings by filing a case before the Federal Court against the member for Violation of RBA Standards.

(3) The filing must clearly set out:
(a) The evidence gathered during the investigation;
(b) The specific provisions of the RBA’s ethics rules, guidelines, or this Act that are alleged to have been breached; and
(c) The period of disbarment sought by the Council.

(4) The proceedings shall be conducted as a civil trial, in which:
(a) The RBA shall bear the burden of proving the alleged conduct on the balance of probabilities; and
(b) The Defendant shall have a full and fair opportunity to respond to the evidence and make submissions.

(5) The maximum period of disbarment that may be imposed is two months.
(a) Multiple offences or breaches alleged in the same or separate proceedings may not be aggregated to exceed this maximum.

(6) A member who has been disbarred may appeal the Federal Court’s decision to the Supreme Court.

PART VI — LEGAL RANKS AND PRACTICE RIGHTS​

1. Legal Ranks

(1) The legal profession shall be organised into three ranks;
(a) Solicitor;
(b) Barrister; and
(c) Attorney.

2. Solicitor

(1) The Solicitor rank shall:
(a) Be the entry-level legal qualification;
(b) Grant the holder the privilege to practice law in District Courts; and
(c) Permit the holder to:
(i) Represent clients in any kind of District Court proceedings;
(ii) File any kind of cases on behalf of clients in the District Court;
(iii) Provide legal advice within District Court jurisdiction;
(iv) Officiate marriage and divorce proceedings.

3. Barrister

(1) The Barrister rank shall:
(a) Be awarded upon passing any one specialisation examination, where a barrister may collect as many specialisations as they are qualified for to gain the perks of said specialisation;
(b) Include all powers and privileges granted to Solicitors;
(c) Grant additional privileges to practice in Federal Courts within their specialisation(s); and
(d) Permit the holder to:
(i) Represent clients in Federal Court proceedings within their specialisation(s).
(ii) File cases in the Federal Court within their specialisation(s).
(iii) Provide legal advice for matters within Federal Court jurisdiction.

4. Attorney

(1) The Attorney rank shall:
(a) Include all powers and privileges granted to Solicitors and Barristers;
(b) Require completion of all current specialisation exams;
(i) Lawyers who achieve the Attorney rank will not have to take any novel specialisation exam if a new test is added after they attain the Attorney rank.
(c) Grant the privilege to practice in all courts without any restrictions or exceptions, including the Supreme Court, unless so ordered by the RBA; and
(d) Permit the holder to:
(i) Represent clients in any court of the Commonwealth;
(ii) File cases in any court of the Commonwealth;
(iii) Provide legal advice for all matters within the Commonwealth's jurisdiction;

PART VII — EXAMINATIONS​

1. Department of Education Powers

(1) With regard to all legal examinations, the Department of Education shall have the authority to:
(a) Develop, maintain, and update all legal examinations;
(b) Establish examination procedures and requirements;
(c) Set reasonable passing criteria for each rank; and
(d) With at least 14 days notice:
(i) Implement changes to the examination system; and
(ii) Create or remove specialisations within the Barrister rank.

(2) The Department of Education must:
(a) Consult with the Council of the RBA before implementing changes to the legal exams;
(b) Provide public notice of any changes to exams or examination requirements;
(c) Ensure examination standards remain consistent with legal practice needs; and
(d) Maintain records of all qualified legal practitioners.

2. Examination Administration

(1) All legal examinations shall be conducted through the Minecraft Exam-sign system, unless otherwise specified or directed by the Department of Education.

(2) The Department of Education shall:
(a) Ensure examination security;
(b) Maintain examination records;
(c) Issue appropriate rank designations upon successful completion; and
(d) Provide reasonable accommodations for technical issues.

PART VIII — SUPERVISED PRACTICE AND GOVERNMENT LEGAL WORK​

1. Supervised Practice

(1) A licensed legal practitioner of any rank may practice in any court when:
(a) They are employed by or contracted to a law firm;
(b) They are under the direct supervision of an Attorney-ranked practitioner; and
(c) The supervising Attorney assumes responsibility for their work.

(2) A licensed legal practitioner of any rank may give legal advice without restriction, and is immune from Legal Qualification Fraud or Legal Malpractice when:
(a) They are employed by or contracted to a law firm;
(b) They are under the direct supervision of an Attorney-ranked practitioner; and
(c) The supervising Attorney assumes responsibility for their work.

(3) The supervising Attorney must:
(i) Review and approve all court filings;
(ii) Be present for in-game court appearances and oversee forum posts; and
(iii) Maintain ultimate responsibility for the case.

2. Government Legal Practice

(1) Licensed legal practitioners employed by the Department of Justice may practice in any court when they are:
(a) Acting in their official capacity;
(b) Appointed to the case; and
(c) Supervised by a Department superior who possesses the Attorney rank.

(2) Licensed legal practitioners serving as Public Defenders may practice in any court when they are:
(a) Acting in their official capacity;
(b) Appointed to the case; and
(c) Overseen by a Department superior who possesses the Attorney rank.

PART IX — LEGAL STANDARDS​

1. Attorney-Client Privilege

(1) Attorney-Client Privilege shall exist as soon as a client or potential client engages in a formal discussion with a lawyer or law firm regarding a case, potential case, or other legal matter.

(2) The lawyer or law firm shall not be permitted to disclose the contents of the discussion except with the voluntary and written permission of the client.

(3) Lawyers and law firms shall not be held liable for conspiracy or acting as an accessory to a crime when it is in connection with matters protected by Attorney-Client Privilege.

2. Conflict of Interest

(1) A conflict of interest arises when an individual or entity is engaged in multiple interests, whether financial or otherwise, and fulfilling one interest could potentially compromise their ability to fulfil another.

(2) In the legal context, a conflict of interest is defined as the situation where the same legal counsel represents both the defence and the plaintiff simultaneously in the same case.

(3) Discovery of a conflict of interest provides valid grounds for a person to appeal the court's decision in the case.

3. Abuse of Legal Process

(1) A member of the RBA shall not initiate or pursue a legal claim in bad faith, for improper purposes, or without a reasonable basis.

(2) A finding of Abuse of Legal Process by a court shall constitute grounds for the Council to open a disciplinary investigation.

PART X — TRANSITION​

1. Transition

(1) All existing legal qualifications held under the Modern Legal Reform Act shall be recognised and carry over under this Act without the need for re-examination.

(2) The inaugural Council election shall be held within 14 days of the enactment of this Act in accordance with Part IV of this Act.
(a) Until the inaugural Council is constituted, the RBA shall have no disciplinary powers, and no person may be disbarred under this Act.

2. Amendments to the RCCA

(1) Part IX of the Redmont Civil Code Act shall be amended by adding the following new section:

"3. Violation of RBA Standards
Violation Type: Intentional/Negligent
Remedy: Up to 2 months disbarment
A person commits a violation if the person:
(a) being a member of the Redmont Bar Association; and
(b) is subject to proceedings initiated by the RBA under this section; and
(c) breaches the ethical, professional, or legal standards of the RBA; and
(d) the breach is of sufficient severity to warrant disbarment having regard to:
(i) the nature and seriousness of the conduct;
(ii) the harm caused to any affected party; and
(iii) the importance of maintaining the reputation of the legal profession.
This violation shall not occur where:
(e) the conduct has already been the subject of a disbarment order under this section.
Relevant Law: Act of Congress - Redmont Bar Association Act"

 

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Presidential Assent

This bill has received Presidential assent and is hereby signed into law.

Reason: This Bill re-establishes a Redmont Bar Association as a 5-member elected Council with all licensed lawyers automatically becoming members. Disciplinary matters would be handled internally for minor issues via warnings or censures, with disbarment reserved for serious breaches requiring a civil case filed with the Federal Court.

While I hold the same concerns as Representative xEndeavour regarding superfluous infighting through disbarment powers, I choose to defer to the people's will through their elected Congress for the creation of this institution. Hopefully, better internal governance will prevent such issues from repeating themselves...

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