A Guide to the Courts, Conduct, and Law of Easton City
Compiled for: Legal Practitioners, Judiciary, and the Public
Issued by: Easton State Court Authority & Department of Legal Oversight
Edition: 2025
"Justice is not found in chaos. It is created through structure, clarity, and the weight of an honest process."
I. Introduction to the Judiciary of Easton State
II. Glossary of Legal Terms
III. Courtroom Layout and Legal Roles
IV. Civilian Conduct in Court
V. Legal Practitioner Guide (Attorneys & Prosecutors)
VI. Judicial Guide (Judges & Clerks)
VII. Filing & Pretrial Process
VIII. Trial Procedures from Start to Verdict
IX. Sentencing & Appeals
X. Objections, Evidence Rules & Motion-to-Strike Strategy
XI. Expungement & Record Sealing
XII. Bench Scripts & Templates
XIII. Annotated References
XIV. Motion Templates & Filing Examples
XV. Courtroom Roles Cheat Sheet
XVI. Latin Legal Phrase Glossary
XVII. Judicial Misconduct & Complaint Templates
Justice in Easton State is not a theoretical ideal. It is a living, daily reality, shaped in courtrooms, forged through legal conflict, and maintained by those who hold the law above their own pride.
The judiciary exists to balance power. It does not serve the police. It does not bend to the will of politics. And it does not answer to the loudest voice in the room. Whether resolving a petty dispute, presiding over a homicide trial, or reviewing the expungement of a once-fallen citizen, the courts of Easton State function with one objective: process, not chaos.
This handbook exists to give you a full understanding of how that process works, and how you are expected to engage with it. Whether you are stepping into the courtroom as a judge, an attorney, a defendant, a plaintiff, or an observing citizen, your conduct, knowledge, and respect for the system matter.
Easton City is a state built on contradiction. It is a place where ambition thrives beside corruption, where families seek justice in the same halls that shelter deals in the dark. In such a city, the law is not ornamental. It is the last line of structure holding back collapse.
The court is not a battleground. It is a proving ground, and one where every participant is measured by their understanding of rules, their control under pressure, and their command of the facts.
The Easton State Judiciary is made up of several types of courts, each with its own jurisdiction and authority. Some courts handle felony cases, others hear civil disputes or review administrative violations. All courts operate under the same principles:
You will not find references in this handbook to real-world court names. We do not refer to New York, nor mirror its institutions. This is Easton, a fictional but grounded legal system built for immersive roleplay.
What sets Easton State apart is not just the law, but how that law is used in character. The courts here are not decoration. They are a central piece of the city's story. That means:
This system was designed to support deep, high-quality legal roleplay. Whether you are a civilian requesting an expungement, a defense attorney navigating pretrial discovery, or a judge delivering a sentence in a murder trial, this handbook will provide what you need to act with authority, clarity, and confidence.
Do not treat this as an optional guide. Treat it as a contract. The court does not reward those who know how to speak loudly. It rewards those who know when to speak precisely.
An accusatory instrument is the legal document that initiates a criminal case in Easton State. This document, often a sworn complaint, is usually signed by a peace officer or a civilian complainant. It must clearly outline the charges being brought and include a sworn affidavit stating facts that establish probable cause.
Arraignment is the first official court appearance for a defendant in Easton City. At this stage, the judge reads the charges aloud, advises the defendant of their rights, and takes an initial plea. The judge will also address bail or release conditions.
The burden of proof refers to the responsibility a party has to prove its claims or accusations. In criminal cases in Easton State, this burden rests entirely on the prosecution, which must establish the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Hearsay is an out-of-court statement offered in court to prove the truth of the matter asserted. In most cases, hearsay is inadmissible unless it fits within a recognized exception.
Probable cause is the legal standard required for police to make an arrest, conduct a search, or obtain a warrant. It means that, based on the facts and circumstances known at the time, a reasonable person would believe a crime has been committed.
Discovery is the formal process through which both sides in a case exchange evidence and information. In Easton State criminal proceedings, the prosecution is required to turn over any materials that are favorable to the defense.
Expungement is the process of clearing or sealing a person's criminal record under certain circumstances. In Easton City, individuals who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free for a set period may petition the court to expunge eligible convictions.
The term "bench" refers to both the elevated seat where the judge presides and to the judge themselves in informal courtroom speech. When an attorney says "may I approach the bench," they are asking to speak privately with the judge.
A bench trial is a trial that is decided solely by a judge, without a jury. In this format, the judge serves as both the finder of fact and the authority on law.
A bill of particulars is a formal document requested by one party, most often the defense, to gain further detail about the allegations in the case. It allows the accused to better prepare their defense and avoid trial by ambush.
Causation is a core principle in criminal and civil law. Actual causation asks whether the harm would have occurred but for the defendant's conduct. Proximate causation asks whether the harm was a foreseeable result of that conduct.
A complainant is the person who files a formal complaint or report that initiates a legal proceeding, often in criminal matters. This person's statements are often central to the case.
This clause gives every criminal defendant the right to confront the witnesses against them. This means that witnesses must appear in court and be subject to cross-examination by the defense.
"Counsel" refers to an attorney or legal advisor. This term is commonly misspelled as "council," which refers to a legislative or advisory body. Proper spelling is important in written motions.
Due process is the principle that no person may be deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair legal procedures and protections. In Easton State, both forms protect citizens against overreach.
A motion in limine is a pretrial request asking the judge to rule on the admissibility of certain evidence before it is introduced at trial. These motions are often used to exclude inflammatory material.
An indictment is a formal written accusation issued by a grand jury, stating that there is enough evidence to charge a person with a felony. The grand jury hears evidence presented by the prosecution.
Joinder is the legal process of combining multiple charges or defendants into a single trial. Severanceis a request to split these cases apart, often made by a defendant who believes being tried with another party would result in unfair prejudice.
A leading question is one that suggests its own answer. These types of questions are generally allowed during cross-examination but prohibited during direct examination.
A motion to suppress is a pretrial request asking the court to exclude certain evidence from being presented at trial. Typically, these motions argue that the evidence was obtained illegally.
"Nolle prosequi" is a Latin term meaning "we shall no longer prosecute." It refers to a formal statement by the prosecutor declining to move forward with some or all charges in a case.
An objection is a formal protest raised by an attorney during a court proceeding. There are three main categories: Form Objections, Substance Objections, and Documentary Objections.
Being released on your own recognizance means that a judge allows you to leave custody without paying bail, based solely on your promise to return for all future court appearances.
Rule 403 allows judges to exclude otherwise relevant evidence if its prejudicial effect substantially outweighs its probative value. This ensures trials are focused on facts and logic, not shock or bias.
A sidebar is a private conversation between the judge and attorneys, typically held near the bench and outside the hearing of the jury and public gallery.
For the complete glossary with all legal terms, please refer to the full handbook document available through the Easton State Court Authority.
Courtrooms in Easton State are designed with order, clarity, and protocol in mind. Knowing your place, literally, is essential to maintaining proper conduct and presenting yourself with credibility.
Legal proceedings in Easton State are not informal chats or staged theatrics. Whether you are the accused, a victim seeking justice, or simply called to testify, your behavior in court shapes how you're heard, and how you're judged.
Always refer to the judge as "Your Honor" - never by name or rank. Do not interrupt or speak over the judge.
✅ What to Do:
❌ What Not to Do:
✅ Witness Do's:
Credibility is currency. How you present yourself matters just as much as what you say.
Easton State recognizes that public access to old convictions can be unjust in cases of rehabilitation. Still, eligibility is restricted by offense type, time, and recent record.
| Disposition | Cooling-Off Period | Violence Bar? | Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class C misdemeanor / Violation | 30 days | None | Yes |
| Class C felony (non-violent) | 45 days | Violence = ineligible | Yes |
| Class B felony (non-violent) | 60 days | Violence = ineligible | Yes |
| Class A felony | Never | Not applicable | No |
If granted, sealing results in:
At the trial's start, the court must be formally called to session. The record must reflect the presiding judge, all attorneys present, whether the trial is jury or bench, and any special instructions.
Opening statements frame the case. They are non-argumentative and are meant to preview the expected evidence. Plaintiff/Prosecution opens first, Defense follows.
Conducted by the side that called the witness. No leading questions.
Opposing counsel may ask leading questions. Limited to the scope of direct examination.
Redirect is limited to topics brought up in cross.
Evidence must be relevant, properly authenticated, and free from undue prejudice.
Closing arguments summarize the story for the court. Arguments must tie evidence to legal elements, address weaknesses in the opposing case, and ask for a specific result.
In a bench trial, the judge issues written findings within 72 hours and sentences the defendant if applicable. In a jury trial, the jury receives pattern jury instructions and time to deliberate.
Upon conviction, the court proceeds to sentencing either immediately or at a scheduled hearing. Judges consider the nature and severity of the offense, the defendant's prior record, community impact, victim statements, and mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
Easton law grants a right of appeal to any party aggrieved by a final judgment, provided objections were properly preserved at trial. Issues are only reviewable on appeal if counsel objected during trial, the objection was specific, and the trial court ruled on it.
Hearsay is inadmissible unless it falls within a statutory exception. Examples include excited utterance, present sense impression, statements against interest, and business or public records.
Allowed on cross-examination. Not allowed on direct unless for background questions or hostile witnesses.
A witness must have personal knowledge, be competent to testify, and be properly identified. Experts require qualifications and reliance on recognized principles.
A motion to strike is used to remove testimony or evidence already introduced. If granted, the judge or jury is instructed to disregard the stricken material.
"All rise. The Court of the State of Easton is now in session, the Honorable Judge [Name] presiding. Please be seated. Clerk, call the first matter."
"Counsel, state your appearances for the record."
"Mr./Ms. [Defendant], you are charged with the following counts..."
"You are presumed innocent. You have the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a trial. Do you understand?"
"On Count One, how do you plead?"
"The Court orders [release on recognizance / remand to custody]."
"The defendant having been found guilty, and there being no legal cause why sentence should not now be pronounced, it is the judgment of this Court that [Defendant Name] be sentenced as follows..."
"Objection sustained. Counsel, rephrase."
"Objection overruled. The witness may answer."
"The motion is granted. The evidence is excluded."
"The jury will disregard that last statement. It is stricken from the record."
"Guilty mind" - The intent behind the crime
"Guilty act" - The physical act of committing the crime
"You shall have the body" - Legal petition to review detention
"For oneself" - Representing oneself without an attorney
"I do not wish to contest" - A no-contest plea
"We shall no longer prosecute" - Formal statement declining charges
"At first glance" - Evidence sufficient to move forward
"Under the rose" - In secret; confidentially
"A matter judged" - Case already resolved and cannot be re-litigated
"To stand by things decided" - Doctrine of following precedent
"At the threshold" - Motions to exclude evidence before trial
"Among other things" - Used to shorten long lists
"To speak the truth" - Jury selection questioning phase
"Friend of the court" - Non-party offering legal insight
The judiciary in Easton is bound by ethics, impartiality, and due process. When a judge, clerk, or legal officer fails to meet that standard, players and characters must have a way to act, in-character and through proper channels.
EASTON STATE JUDICIAL REVIEW FORM
Filed Pursuant to Judiciary Oversight Protocol § 2.01
Petitioner Name: [Your Full Name or Alias]
Citizen ID (if known): [###-###]
Date of Incident: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Location: [Courtroom, Docket, or Session]
I respectfully submit this complaint for review by the Easton State Judicial Authority. The following conduct is alleged to violate rules of courtroom fairness, decorum, or legal ethics:
[Insert factual description of what occurred...]
| Violation | Example |
|---|---|
| Repeated denial of defense discovery | "Refused to compel footage after multiple certified demands." |
| Overt hostility toward one party | "Berated defense for objecting while granting repeated leeway to prosecution." |
| Improper communication | "Held sidebar without notifying or recording it in docket." |
| Roleplay-breaking behavior | "Invoked OOC knowledge, meta accusations in trial." |
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