Part I- Preliminary

Section 1- Title and effect

1. This Act shall be known as the Justice and Legal Proceedings Act, 2026.
2. This Act shall have effect immediately upon the Constitution of the Hokorian State coming into force.

Section 2- Interpretation

1. “Court” means the judicial authority of the Hokorian State.
2. “Judge” means a person appointed to the Court under the Constitution and the law.
3. “Chief Judge” means the Judge designated as Chief Judge.
4. “Party” means any person or entity involved in legal proceedings.
5. “Legal representative” means a person chosen to represent a party.
6. “Authorised official” means a person designated by law to bring a criminal accusation.
7. “Civil claim” means a claim brought before the Court.
8. “Public register” means the official record of cases, filings and rulings.
9. “Minor” means a person under the age of eighteen years.

Part II- Commencement of Proceedings

Section 3- Criminal proceedings

1. Criminal proceedings shall begin when an authorised official files an accusation with the Court:
   • The filing must identify the defendant,
   • The accusation must be clearly stated,
   • A summary of evidence must be provided.
2. The authorised official shall act as the prosecutor in the case.
3. The Court shall notify the defendant and arrange an initial hearing.

Section 4- Civil proceedings

1. A civil claim may be filed by any person or entity.
2. A claimant must make a reasonable attempt to resolve the matter before filing.
3. The Court shall notify the defendant and allow a reasonable time for response.

Section 5- Initial hearings

1. The Court shall arrange an initial hearing in criminal matters:
   • The defendant shall enter a plea,
   • Further proceedings shall be scheduled where necessary.
2. The Court may hold preliminary hearings in civil matters to clarify issues.

Part III- Conduct of Proceedings

Section 6- Hearings and procedure

1. Hearings shall be conducted by a Judge assigned in accordance with Court procedures.
2. A single Judge shall normally hear a case unless otherwise required.
3. The Court may issue procedural rules consistent with this Act.

Section 7- Evidence and case management

1. Parties shall submit evidence in advance where practicable.
2. The Court may:
   • Set deadlines for submissions,
   • Limit irrelevant or excessive evidence,
   • Direct how evidence is presented.
3. Evidence obtained unlawfully may be excluded where necessary for fairness.

Section 8- Default decisions

1. Where a party fails to respond or attend proceedings:
   • The Court may proceed in their absence,
   • The Court may issue a default judgement.
2. A default judgement may be set aside where there is a reasonable excuse.

Part IV- Determination and Outcomes

Section 9- Criminal determination and sentencing

1. The Court shall determine guilt based on the evidence presented.
2. Where a person is found guilty the Court may impose a sentence consistent with the law.
3. Sentences shall be proportionate to the offence.

Section 10- Civil determination and remedies

1. The Court shall determine whether a civil claim is valid.
2. The Court may grant remedies including:
   • Orders requiring action or restraint,
   • Compensation or other relief.
3. Remedies shall be fair and proportionate.

Part V- Appeals and Review

Section 11- Appeals procedure

1. A party may appeal a decision within a reasonable time.
2. An appeal must:
   • State the grounds clearly,
   • Identify any alleged error or unfairness.
3. Appeals shall normally be heard by a different Judge.

Section 12- Powers on appeal

1. An appeal authority may:
   • Uphold the decision,
   • Overturn the decision,
   • Modify the decision,
   • Order a new hearing.
2. Decisions of the Koru shall be final.

Part VI- Administration and Records

Section 13- Court administration

1. The Koru shall oversee the administration of Court systems and records.
2. The Court may establish filing systems, procedures and requirements.
3. All filings shall be made through an official system where provided.

Section 14- Public register

1. A public register of cases, filings and rulings shall be maintained.
2. Records shall be accessible unless lawfully restricted.
3. Personal or sensitive information may be limited where necessary.

Section 15- Closed and sealed proceedings

1. The Court may order a hearing to be closed where necessary to protect:
   • Privacy,
   • Minors or vulnerable persons.
2. The Court may seal a case where disclosure would cause serious harm.
3. Sealed matters shall not be disclosed except as permitted by law.

Part VII- Integrity and Safeguards

Section 16- Judicial conduct and recusal

1. A Judge shall not hear a case where there is a conflict of interest.
2. Where a conflict arises another Judge shall be assigned.

Section 17- Protection of participants

1. No person shall harass, intimidate or improperly influence any participant in proceedings.
2. The Court may issue orders to protect parties, witnesses and victims.

Section 18- Correction of errors

1. The Court may correct clerical or administrative errors in its records or rulings.
2. Corrections shall not alter the substance of a decision except through appeal.

Part VIII- Offences and Enforcement

Section 19- Offence of contempt of Court

1. A person commits contempt of Court where they:
   • Intentionally disrupt proceedings,
   • Refuse to comply with a lawful order,
   • Interfere with the administration of justice.
2. Levels of severity:
   • Basic offence: minor disruption or non compliance,
   • Aggravated offence: serious or repeated conduct.
3. Penalties:
   • Basic offence shall carry a minimum term of no penalty and a maximum term of 1 month,
   • Aggravated offence shall carry a minimum term of 1 month and a maximum term of 3 months.

Section 20- Offence of interference and intimidation

1. A person commits an offence where they:
   • Harass or intimidate a party, witness or participant,
   • Attempt to improperly influence proceedings.
2. Levels of severity:
   • Basic offence: limited conduct,
   • Aggravated offence: serious or harmful conduct.
3. Penalties:
   • Basic offence shall carry a minimum term of no penalty and a maximum term of 1 month,
   • Aggravated offence shall carry a minimum term of 1 month and a maximum term of 3 months.

Section 21- Offence of false evidence

1. A person commits an offence where they knowingly provide false or misleading evidence.
2. Levels of severity:
   • Basic offence: minor falsehood,
   • Aggravated offence: serious or outcome affecting deception.
3. Penalties:
   • Basic offence shall carry a minimum term of no penalty and a maximum term of 1 month,
   • Aggravated offence shall carry a minimum term of 1 month and a maximum term of 3 months.

Part IX- Final Provisions

Section 22- Interpretation and application

1. This Act shall be applied in a manner that supports fairness, efficiency and access to justice.
2. Any doubt shall be resolved in favour of proper administration of justice and protection of participants.