Laws of the CSA

The Corporate Sector Authority's legal system is unlike most in the galaxy. The Authority, as a corporation, tries to avoid the appearance of being a government whenever possible. The rights of citizenship are purchased or bestowed as fringe benefits, and few personal freedoms are guaranteed. Ensuring the orderly conduct of business comes first and does require rules, so legal codes and procedures have been established to make sure that business continues on unhindered.

Though disagreements between companies are common, criminal prosecutions are exceedingly rare. Only high-ranking corporate executives can be guaranteed a 'trial' when accused of a legal violation. Most individuals believed to be violating Authority legal codes, if they cannot afford their day in court, are dealt with directly and unilaterally by the Security division.

Trials, when they do occur, often proceed more like mediations than the jury tribunals common to other governments. An arbiter is appointed by the Authority, usually by the Legal division, both sides make their case and then the arbiter decides the outcome. The CSA tries to remain impartial in these matters to preserve a public image of legitimacy, but, in the end, efficiency is valued much more than fairness.

Smaller, unimportant cases are sometimes remanded to peer tribunals to free the Authority from the burden of dealing with them. The most important cases, usually those involving serious charges against very high level executives or sponsor corporations, are brought directly to and decided by the Direx Board itself.

Class A Infractions

 * Embezzlement of sums exceeding 10,000 credits
 * Willful destruction of Authority property
 * Terrorism and coordinated attack against the Authority
 * Piracy of proprietary Authority materials and information (espionage)
 * Violation of Authority ship weapons codes
 * Repeat Class B offenses

Consequences: Arrest, permanent exile from the Corporate Sector, possible life assignment to a labor colony, revocation and forfeiture of all credit and property, possible execution

Class B Infractions

 * Embezzlement of sums not exceeding 10,000 credits
 * Conspiracy against the Authority
 * Credit fraud
 * Transportation of illegal weapons or materials within the Corporate Sector
 * Promoting unionization (ie, promoting revolt)
 * Repeat Class C offenses

Consequences: Arrest, possible 5-20 years assignment to labor colony, fine equivalent to 1-3 years' salary

Class C Infractions

 * Vandalism
 * Ownership or possession of illegal weapons
 * Consistent dereliction of duty (laziness, incompetence)
 * Slander or libel towards Authority programs, personnel or products
 * Personal assault, armed or otherwise
 * Repeat Class D offenses

Consequences: Arrest, fine equivalent to 1-6 months salary, demotion, possible 3 months to 5 years assignment to labor colony

Class D Infractions

 * Actions contributing to disorderly behavior during a workshift
 * Lateness for shift duties
 * Unsafe or unapproved work behavior
 * Disprespectful behavior towards the Authority, it's programs, personnel or products
 * Possession of a legal weapon without a valid permit
 * Possession of an illegal ID, either stolen or with false information
 * Use of restriced armor without a permit (Assault, Heavy Assault)

Consequences: Possible demotion or fines