Adrian Empire CHANCELLOR S User Manual

The Adrian Empire, Inc.

CHANCELLOR'S MANUAL

ACCEPTED FOR NOVEMBER 2000 IMPERIAL ESATES MEETING

AMENDED MAY 2002

© 2002 The Adrian Empire Inc., all rights reserved.

Anyone is welcome to point out any error or omission that they may find.

Imperial Chancellor [e-mail]

Empress [e-mail]
Emperor [e-mail]

Page 2 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface................................................................................................................................................................4

I. Purpose ...........................................................................................................................................................4

A. Philosophy.........................................................................................................................................4

B. Construing Law.................................................................................................................................4

II. Meetings.........................................................................................................................................................6

III. Agendas........................................................................................................................................................6

A. Format and Procedure.......................................................................................................................6

B. Preparation and Distribution...............................................................................................................9

IV. Conducting Meetings: General......................................................................................................................10

A. Rules of Order.................................................................................................................................10

B. Consent Calendar............................................................................................................................10

C. Consideration..................................................................................................................................10

D. Voting.............................................................................................................................................11

E. Abstentions .....................................................................................................................................11

F. Upgrading/Downgrading Proposals ..................................................................................................11

G. Withdrawal of Proposals..................................................................................................................11

H. Typos..............................................................................................................................................11

I. Chancellor's Power to Create Language...........................................................................................11

J. Debate............................................................................................................................................11

V. Parliamentary Procedure...............................................................................................................................12

A. Primary Motions..............................................................................................................................12

B. Secondary Motions .........................................................................................................................12

C. Tertiary Motions..............................................................................................................................14

D. Privileged Motions...........................................................................................................................14

VI. Levels of Law..............................................................................................................................................15

A. Imperial Crown Writs......................................................................................................................15

B. Estates Writs...................................................................................................................................15

C. Case Law and Minutes....................................................................................................................15

D. Authorized Deviation From Law ......................................................................................................15

E. Guidelines Not Rising to the Level of Law........................................................................................15

F. Custom and Tradition......................................................................................................................16

G. Precedent........................................................................................................................................16

H. Policies............................................................................................................................................16

I. Intern al Procedure...........................................................................................................................16

VII. Definitions ..................................................................................................................................................16

A. Majority..........................................................................................................................................16

B. Warrants of Appointment.................................................................................................................16

C. Imperial Ministries ...........................................................................................................................16

D. Imperial Candidates.........................................................................................................................16

E. Imperial Charters.............................................................................................................................16

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as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

F. Banishment......................................................................................................................................17

G. Other Sentences..............................................................................................................................17

H. Approval of Expenses......................................................................................................................17

I. Bylaw Changes................................................................................................................................17

J. Resolutions......................................................................................................................................17

K. Commentary ....................................................................................................................................17

L. Appointment of Members for the Order of the Fleur-di -Lis...............................................................18

M. Approval of Reign ...........................................................................................................................18

N. Sovereignty.....................................................................................................................................18

O. Committees.....................................................................................................................................18

P. Lobbying.........................................................................................................................................18

Q. Parliamentary Immunity....................................................................................................................19

Appendix A: Sample Agenda Cover Letter ........................................................................................................20

Appendix B: Concerning Conduct in an Imperial Estates Meeting........................................................................21

Rules Regarding the Meeting.....................................................................................................................21

Appendix C: Advice for Chancellors..................................................................................................................23

Page 4 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

PREFACE

This manual is for the Imperial Chancellor and the Imperial Estates General only. Chartered subdivisions may use any
parliamentary procedure they see fit so long as the fundamental rights of their Estates are conserved. Of course,
anyone may take and use ideas from this manual. Its format is a bit unorthodox, being taken from a series of formally
unrelated writings. Nevertheless, an Imperial Chancellor should find this to be a useful guide.

This manual is in the process of extensive revision. Please do not hesitate to make suggestions to the Imperial
Chancellor. Our thanks to Sir Nikolai Belski for his input on this manual.

Yours in service, Maedb and Karl, Empress and Kaiser

I. PURPOSE

The Empire is vast. At times, as many as one -third (1/3) of all votes cast at a meeting of the Estates may be by proxy.
In order to conserve the rights of all Estates to participate in our democratic process, the following rules are used. As
used below, the "government" refers to the Imperial Crown and its Ministries. The "Estates" refers to the Imperial
Estates General.

A. PHILOSOPHY

It has been pointed out more than once that, by law, it takes a unanimous vote of the Imperial Estate General to
permanently banish a member, but it only takes 2/3 to change that law. In theory, if 2/3 of the members present
wanted to permanently banish a member, they could vote to suspend notice, vote to change the law, and then
vote to waive publication of that law– after which, they could vote to permanently banish the member without
unanimity. In theory. In practice, the law of unanimity is a strong statement of policy, which the Estate Holders
have ALWAYS respected. We all understand the loophole. We have never tried to exploit it. We have all
agreed that we want complete consensus before permanently banishing a member.

Similarly, it has pointed out that the “grandfather clause,” the prohibition on passing a law which affects
anyone’s previously -earned titles and honors, is no protection at all because the “grandfather clause” itself can
be changed just like any other law. Although this is true, it has never happened. The “grandfather clause” has
been in our Bylaws since February 16, 1992, and has never been challenged. It too is a strong statement of our
philosophy that we make no laws which affect the previously -earned rights of our members.

B. CONSTRUING LAW

When interpreting any law, one must use common sense. When a law obligates someone to do something, one
must read into that law, “as far as is feasible” or “to the extenT practicable.”

For example, the site of a meeting of the Imperial Estates General is to be published at least 60 days in advance
of that meeting. What if a host chartered subdivision suddenly backs out? Or what if it is a chartered
subdivision’s turn to host a meeting of the Imperial Estates, and they do not make adequate preparations for the
meeting? Or has made arrangements which are prohibitively expensive? Under such circumstances, we must
all apply the law as best we can, following its intent to the best of our abilities.

Chancellor's Manual Page 5 of 24
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

Also, when interpreting law which requires, for example, certain minimum armor standards, one may read in,
“or equivalent.” (e.g. 14-gauge steel, or equivalent). The idea is that we want items for a specific purpose. The
steel (for example) is not what is important, necessarily, but rather the strength of the protection. Of course,
“equivalent” really has to be “equivalent,” which is what marshals (and other officials, depending on the issue
at hand) are for.

Page 6 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

II. MEETINGS

The rules are designed, among other things, to allow the Estates who cannot attend (often for reasons of geographical
inconvenience) to send their proxies with confidence. Nevertheless, all Estates should be afforded an opportunity to
attend.

Each Kingdom should rotate as host for the meeting of the Imperial Estates General. That means that no Kingdom
should host a meeting before all others have done so at least once since the last meeting held the Kingdom in question.
At the Crown’s discretion (normally exercised through the Chancellor’s office), meetings may be held in other
chartered subdivisions, but rule of seniority applies. No chartered subdivision may host a meeting so long as there is a
greater chartered subdivision which has not done so at least as many times.

In general, areas with a greater cluster of chartered subdivisions will host more me etings than those areas with lesser
clusters. Nevertheless, if the rotation is observed, all such areas should see a meeting with some regularity, if not
frequency.

The place of the meeting should be announced through official Imperial channels, including the newsletter, at least 60
days prior to any meeting, unless the meeting is a special meeting (not a regular date set in the Bylaws) in which case
the place should be announced as soon as is practicable. If it must be less than 60 days in advance, then it should be as
close to 60 days as possible.

Note: Currently, it is the policy of the Government to allow chartered subdivisions to bid for priority with
regard to hosting a meeting of the Imperial Estates General. Also, the Government requires that any hosting
chartered subdivision provide a reasonable budget and event-schedule.

III. AGENDAS

A. FORMAT AND PROCEDURE

The Agenda is the notice to all Estate Holders regarding what is to be discussed at the meeting. The Agenda
should be in enumerated outline for mat for easy reference. The format of the Agenda should be as follows:

1. COVER

This should include the date, time, and place of the meeting, as well as scheduled breaks and available
accomodations. Directions should be given to the location.

This is the page on which the Chancellor should advise the Estates of any special rules which might
apply to the meeting.

Also, the Chancellor should list what is being included in the Agenda packet, including all attachments
and exhibits. A sample cover sheet (from November 1997) is included Appendix A.

2. ROLL CALL

Estates and proxies in attendance are counted. If a quorum is established, the meeting may commence.

Chancellor's Manual Page 7 of 24
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of a given meeting should be officially published in accord with Imperial policy soon after
the meeting is concluded. An example of Imperial Policy regarding publication has been to submit
copies of minutes to all Crowns (for further distribution), either electronically or by hard copy, and by
posting the minutes on the official website. Estate holders are encouraged to submit corrections to the
minutes by the submission deadline for the next agenda. Any corrections submitted by deadline should
be attached to the agenda along with the minutes of the previous meeting. Addit ional corrections, of
course, may be submitted at any time. Any corrections submitted after deadline shall appear on the
agenda for the following meeting. At a given meeting, the minutes of the previous meeting, as well as
any corrections, shall be presented as corrected for approval by majority vote. Corrections to previous
minutes shall become part of the minutes of the current meeting.

4. BANKING AND POST OFFICE RESOLUTIONS

This would be the appropriate time to adopt any resolutions regarding doing busin ess at a bank or
opening a post office box. Any business-related resolutions could be dealt with at this point, so long as
they are outlined in the agenda.

5. GOVERNMENT REPORTS

This is the section in which the various Ministries, the Imperial Crown, and the Churches make their
reports. Within these reports, proposals may be made, including manuals (which may be attached as
appendices). These may be acted upon immediately as if they were old business. (It is often wise to
present manuals in sections rather than having them live or die as a whole.) The agenda should reflect
how a given proposal is being made.

All reports should be made in writing so that proxies may benefit from them. Reports should be
submitted to the Chancery by the same deadline as all other agenda submissions.

Non-budgeted expenditure items shall be presented for approval during the Steward's report. In the
section for the Steward's report, the Agenda shall clearly direct the Estates to official government
sources where any late non-budgeted expenditures (those which were made after the submission
deadline) would be published so that the Estates will be able to vote on their approval even though they
do not appear in the Agenda itself.

6. TRUE EMERGENCY ITEMS

By a thow -thrids (2/3) vote, the Estates may take up an item without prior notice, and without it even
being on the Agenda.

Such an item shall be treated as an action at a meeting at which notice was waived (Bylaws Article

VI.G.). If the item passes, it shall appear as Old Business at the next meeting for reconsideration. If

the item fails, no further action shall be taken.
This is also the section during which the Estates would consider any late non-budgeted expenditures

which were made prior to the meeting but which did not get published in official sources (due to being
made at the last minute). Any expenditures which are approved must still be reconsidered at the next
meeting as part of the Steward's written report. If an expenditure is disapproved, no further action shall
be take n with regard to that expenditure.

Page 8 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

7. WRITS

Imperial Crown Writs are presented for approval. Those Writs which were issued timely prior to the
agenda deadline should be set forth in full (with manuals and lengthy items being attached as
appendices). Since all published Writs must be submitted for approval (unpublished Writs have no
effect), the Agenda shall clearly state in this section that all Estate holders should check official
government publications for any late Writs issued prior to the meeting but after the submission deadline,
so that they may vote on whether to approve them.

The Agenda should give specific information reasonably calculated to direct the reader to where
recently-issued Writs might be found. Late Writs should be assigned titles for easy identification such
that they be clearly designated in proxies.

All Writs shall be submitted for approval as continuing Imperial Crown Writs unless there is notice to
the contrary.

8. CHARTERS

All charters for chartered subdivisions, domains, etc., shall be submitted for approval in the same
manner as Writs (see above).

9. COMMITTEE REPORTS

These are reports by any committees formed by the Estates or the Imperial Crown. Committee reports
shall be dealt with in exactly the same fashion as government reports (above).

10. OLD BUSINESS

Old business is business which was New Business at a previous meeting or which is related to former
New Business (i.e. alternate proposals on the same issue). Old Business also includes items for
reconsideration which had be en acted upon without notice at the previous meeting.

Old Business remains Old Business and will appear on Agendas meeting after meeting until acted
upon. "Acted upon" means that the item of business has passed or failed. If there are alternate
proposals on the same issue, they remain Old Business until they either pass or fail.

The only exception is where the Estates specifically set an item which has been acted upon for review
at a subsequent meeting. In that case the matter remains Old Business until the Estates finally dispose
of it.

All items of New Business, even if considered early (see below) shall appear as Old Business on the
next Agenda. Reconsideration items have priority and should be clearly designated.

11. NEW BUSINESS

New Business refers to items which were not in the last Agenda and which are not identified as items
1-9 above.

They are placed on the Agenda by being sponsored by two members of the Imperial Estates General
(Article VI.F.d.i.). Please do not be lenient in this regard. The agenda can be flooded with items if co­sponsorship is not strictly enforced.

Items of New Business are not to be considered at the meeting at which they appear, but rather are for
the body's review. This allows time for alternate proposals to be made.

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as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

It may be that the Estates will wish to act on an item of New Business immediately. It takes a 2/3 vote
to even consider an item of New Business (being treated like a waiver of notice pursuant to Bylaws

Article VI.G. ).

Items of New Business which are not cons idered automatically become Old Business for the next
meeting. Items of New Business that are considered will also automatically become Old Business for
the next meeting for the purpose of reconsideration in accord with the spirit of Article VI.G.

The net effect of this is that the turnaround on legislation can be a year or more if it is not an
emergency or sponsored by a the government or a committee. This is as it should be. Actions of a non­emergency nature in a functioning organization should be well-considered.

12. APPROVAL ITEMS

This actually may be divided into several sections based on topic. Approval items include approval of:

• The Consent Calendar

• Proposed Protectors of the Dream

• A successful Imperial reign

• Candidates for Imperial Crown

• New ministries (per Bylaws Article VII.A).

• Setting an additional meeting on a date other than those set forth in the Bylaws, etc.

This category is basically a catch-all for things which do not fit anywhere else. Approval of the
Consent Calendar will generally be the last approval item. Approval of candidates for the Imperial
Crown will be conducted at the July Estates Meeting (as the deadline for declaring intent to run is July

1). As July 1 is after the submission deadline, the Agenda should direct the Estates to official
government sources to see who the candidates are and what their platforms are.

13. ANNOUNCEMENTS

This section is for reports from folks other than members of the government or committees. Insofar as
is possible, these should be submitted in writing by the submission deadline, but if there is time, nothing
prevents folks from making appropriate announcements prior to adjournment.

14. ADJOURNMENT

B. PREPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION

Agendas are crucial. Without them, meetings are chaos, and proxies are disenfranchised. It is up to the
Chancery to make sure agendas are comprehensive and well-distributed.

Meetings of the Estates are set on certain dates by the Bylaws. Additional meetings may also be called. As far
as the fixed meetings are concerned, the agenda s should be out thirty days before each meeting. To allow good
preparation of the agenda, submission deadlines for reports, alternative proposals for Old Business, minutes
corrections, announcements, and New Business should be thirty days before that.

With regard to any additional meetings, these are called by the Imperial Crown or members of the Estates for
special purposes on 60 days notice (unless notice is to be waived). The agenda should be limited in
consideration of those special purposes, and the submission deadline should be 45 days before the meeting. In a
meeting where less than 60 days notice is given and notice is proposed to be waived, do the best you can to
establish reasonable deadlines under the conditions.

Page 10 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

You may get some lengthy proposals. For the most part, the agenda should be in enumerated outline form.
Lengthy proposals can be attached as appendices and referenced. Each item should be clearly identified by
type of action being requested (e.g. "Bylaw change," "proposed Writ," etc.) The Chancellor may even indicate
what vote is required to pass the item (majority, 2/3, unanimous, etc.).

Minimum distribution of the agenda is accomplished by transmission to all Crowns of all chartered subdivisions
by any means acceptable to each recipient (including electronic transmission). Agendas should be accompanied
by a written admonition to each Crown to further distribute the agenda to all Imperial Estate Holders in that
Crown's chartered subdivision. The admonition should include an indication that the members of the Imperial
Estates General are set forth in Article VI.A. and include the Imperial Estate, the Estates Royal, the Estates
Major, and the two senior Estates Minor. It is advised that the Imperial Chancery also keep a list of all the
Imperi al Estates General for reference.

While the Bylaws do not require it, the Chancellor should consider posting the Agenda on the web and
electronically distributing it to as many Imperial Estates as possible. The Chancery should further consider
direct mailing of Agendas when it deems it appropriate.

IV. CONDUCTING MEETINGS: GENERAL

A sample letter is included in Appendix A. This letter described conduct at the Imperial Estates Meeting of November
of 1997 (with some editorial changes to make it generic and to put it in compliance with the above rules). It sums things
up nicely. The Chancellor may consider including such a letter in the cover page of the agenda.

A. RULES OF ORDER

We have tended to use a form of Robert's Rules, although what follows is clearly a deviation. Call these rules
the Adrian Expedited Rules of Order. Some changes have been made with regard to majority/supermajority
requirements and debatability.

B. CONSENT CALENDAR

By the time of the meeting, the Chancellor should have prepared a list of items which the Chancellor thinks are
likely to pass unanimously. At the beginning of the meeting, the Chancellor shall communicate the list to
members of the Estates. The Chancellor then shall give the Estates sufficient time to review the list (usually
until after the first lunch break). This is called the review period. During the break, the Estates will come
forward and indicate if they have any objections (or if they carry proxies which have objections) to any items
on the Consent Calendar. One objection is sufficient to remove the item from the Consent Calendar. Once all
objections are in, the revised Consent Calendar will be read to the Estates. If a Consent Calendar item comes
up before the review period is over, the Chancellor will simply solicit objections to that item at that time. If there
are none, the item remains on the Consent Calendar. After the review period, it is not too late to lodge an
objection. As the meeting progresses, Estates may continue to lodge objections as Consent Calendar it ems
come up in the normal course of the Agenda. Those items which receive objections are debated and considered
normally. Those which are not, remain on the Consent Calendar. When the point is reached where it is time to
consider the Consent Calendar itself (usually the last approval item), the list of items remaining on the Consent
Calendar is read. Items to which last-minute objections are raised are debated and considered normally. The
remainder of the items stay on the Consent Calendar and automatically pass.

C. CONSIDERATION

Agenda items are considered without the necessity of "moving and seconding." Other motions require a motion
and a second (except the privileged motions – see below).

Chancellor's Manual Page 11 of 24
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

D. VOTING

Whenever a motion is on the floor, the Chancellor will ask if there is any opposition. If there is none, the motion
passes without a vote or further debate. If there is any opposition, the matter is debated and considered
normally. In general, all motions require a simply majority to pass, unless they implicate the rights of the Estates
(waiving of notice, suspending of rules, amending Bylaws, etc.), in which case they require a supermajority
(2/3).

E. ABSTENTIONS

"Abstaining" from voting means the Estate isn't voting. For the item in question, it is as if the Estate is not
present at all (except for counting quorum). A vote may be unanimous if the only votes cast are "ayes" and
"abstentions."

F. UPGRADING/DOWNGRA DING PROPOSALS

At the discretion of the author, moderated by that of the Chancellor, a proposal may be upgraded/downgraded
in terms of level of law. For example, an Imperial Crown Writ may be presented for approval as an Imperial
Estates Writ (upgrade) or even a Bylaw addition. Conversely, a proposed Bylaw change, which seems to lack
the votes it needs to pass, may be submitted as a "guideline not rising to the level of law," or an "authorized
deviation from the law," or even a non-binding "resolution" (downgrade). Proposals which pass as upgrades or
downgrades from what is set forth in the Agenda shall be reconsidered at the next meeting (since they are
essentially new, non-Agenda items). The way to avoid this is to submit alternate proposals at different levels of
law).

G. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSALS

Proposals may be withdrawn by an author unless there is objection from the Estates. Once the matter is on the
Agenda or on the floor, it belongs to the Estates and may not be withdrawn over objection.

H. TYPOS

Typographical and other clerical errors may be corrected on the floor by the Chancellor or by the author of a
proposal without the necessity of formal amendment.

I. CHANCELLOR'S POWER TO CREATE LANGUAGE

Some proposals use inexact language. The Chancellor has the power to clean up language of proposals to make
it appropriate to the Law.

J. DEBATE

Expedited deba te procedure is described in another section. New Business should not even be read unless it is
certain there is time. The Imperial Crown may exercise its prerogative to speak on any topic at any time.
Where debate is conducted with individual speakers, the Chancellor may choose to recognize speakers in an
order based on the timeliness of their getting the Chancellor's attention (e.g. raising a hand to be put on a
speaker's list). Another method would be to allow all the Estates to speak once in reverse order of precedence.
Only members of the body may address the body, except non-members giving solicited reports, and invited
guests.

Page 12 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

V. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

A. PRIMARY MOTIONS

These are the proposals. If they are on the agenda, they require no moving or seconding. Non-agenda
proposals require a suspension of the rules (2/3 vote) to be considered, but thereafter require no motion or
second (as obviously, a supermajority wishes to consider the matter). Under this system, motions to approve (or
disapprove) ite ms are no longer necessary.

B. SECONDARY MOTIONS

These are the motions which affect primary motions, and therefore have priority. Some motions which are
available from Robert's Rules are specifically disfavored, as indicated below. Some have been modified to a
small degree. In order of priority, the secondary motions are:

1. OBJECTION TO CONSIDERATION OF AN ITEM

This is a motion to not consider an item at all. It is not debatable and requires a 2/3 vote. For our
purposes, it is a useless motion and is usually used for parliamentary power plays. The Chancellor
should simply rule such a motion out of order.

2. MOTION TO END DEBATE

Using expedited debate procedure, this almost never comes up. If the forum has been opened up to
regular debate, it can be a problem. If there is a motion to end debate, the Chancellor should see if
there is objection. If there is (because someone wants to add a point which was not previously raised),
the Chancellor may simply make a quick head count as to how many folks still wish to speak, and then
let them speak (essentially ruling the motion to end debate out of order, but limiting debate to those who
knew they had something to say). Motions to end debate should be extremely disfavored as they are
designed to stifle debate when people still have things to say. Such a motion, if entertained by the
Chancellor over objection requires a 2/3 vote and is undebatable. If such a motion passes, the body
proceeds immediately to vote on the underlying proposal without any further discussion. The Chancellor
has the right to politely interrupt a speaker who is just repeating things.

3. MOTION TO LIMIT DEBATE

Limits on debate may be based on time (total time and time per speaker). Such a motion requires a 2/3
vote, and is undebatable. A motion to extend debate beyond a previously -set limit also requires a 2/3
vote and is undebatable.

4. MOTION TO TABLE INDEFINITELY

This is a motion to put a proposal on the table and keep it there until the body is ready to raise it from
the table. The Chancellor should almost never entertain such a motion. Better to vote on a proposal
now and have it pass or fail than banish it to the table. Since we have the mechanism to refer matters
to committee (which essentially tables the matter to the next meeting anyway), a motion to table
indefinitely is usually superfluous. An exception is a proposal which is not easily subject to a referral to
committee, such as the approval of a retirement title for a member who is currently unavailable and
may be unavailable for some time. In such a rare circumstance, a motion to table indefinitely might
make sense. If entertained, this motion requires a majority vote and is debatable.

Chancellor's Manual Page 13 of 24
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

5. MOTION TO TABLE DEFINITELY

This is a motion to put a proposal on the table for a definite time (usually to the next meeting). The
analysis of this motion is the same as for the motion to table indefinitely.

6. MOTION TO AMEND

As an amendment entails submitting a proposal which is not on the Agenda, it requires a suspension of
the rules (2/3 vote). In gene ral, drafting on the floor is extremely disfavored as it burns up so much
time. Few things are that urgent. A "friendly amendment" is where an Estate Holder suggests to the
author that the proposal be withdrawn and resubmitted with some minor changes. If there is no
objection, this can be allowed, but any amended proposal which passes will be reconsidered at the next
meeting. An amendment which is not accepted as "friendly" simply becomes an alternate proposal. The
proposals are winnowed out using nominatio n procedure.

7. NOMINATION PROCEDURE

Where there are several proposals dealing with the same issue, the Chancellor submits each proposal
to a vote of the body. Each member may vote once. After the votes, all proposals except those two
which received the most votes are eliminated. A run-off is then held between the two proposals, and
the winner is the one which is then considered by the body. It will either pass or fail, and that will
dispose of all proposals on that issue. It is called nomination procedure because a very similar
procedure is used when electing people to an office. Nominations are opened (usually by the
Chancellor, with no motion being necessary), and Estate Holders then make nominations. Nominations
continue until they peter out (at which point, the Chancellor closes nominations, with no motion being
necessary so long as there is no objection). An election is then held among the nominated folks in the
manner indicated earlier in the paragraph. In a given round of votes in elections to a body with more
than one open position, the Estate Holders may vote for as many candidates as there are positions.

8. MOTION TO REFER A MATTER TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Chancery may often decide to do this on its own without the necessity of a motion if a proposal
seems to require extra informal discussion. A Committee of the Whole is an informal rap session
among the Estates. Referral is almost always for a definite period of time. If the motion is entertained,
and there is an objection, the motion requires a majority to pass, but is not debatable.

9. MOTION TO REFER TO COMMITTEE

Since we have an automatic committee referral system, this is almost always out of order. If
entertained, it requires a majority vote to pass and is debatable.

10. DIVISION OF THE HOUSE

This is the motion to have a roll-call vote. This can be requested by anyone. The Chancellor should
accommodate such a request for any vote where a record is desirable (e.g. banishment of a member)
or where the vote count is in doubt. Otherwise, it is a waste of time, and the Chancellor may rule the
request out of order.

11. MOTION TO CONSIDER AGENDA ITEM(S) OUT OF ORDER

This only requires a majority vote, but the Chancellor will usually accommodate a reasonable request to
do this without a vote, if there is no objection. This should not be confused with a motion to suspend the
order of the day (which completely trashes the Agenda and allows the proposals to be taken up in any
order, usually at the Chancellor's discretion). This body really doesn't have much use for a motion to

Page 14 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

suspend the entire order, and the Chancellor should simply rule such a motion out of order. In general,
the Chancellor has the power to deviate from the order of the Agenda where the situation and common
sense makes it appropriate, even in the absence of a motion to suspend the order of the day.

C. TERTIARY MOTIONS

These are the motions which have to do with the operation of the meeting itself and thus have priority over
Secondary and Primary Motions. The are presented in Adrian order of priority.

1. MOTION TO APPEAL THE DECISION OF THE CHANCELLOR

Any decision of the Chancellor may be appealed by a majority of the Estates. This is important
because as you have seen above, the Chancellor is encouraged to streamline procedure and rule many
motions out of order if they seem to be superfluous, dilatory, or to be slowing things down. This motion
is debatable.

2. MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES

Requires a 2/3 vote and is not debatable. Basically, it allows 2/3 of the body to suspend the relatively
rigid rules set forth herein.

3. MOTION TO RECESS

As recesses are almost always built into the Agenda, this is almost always out of order, unless there is
real good reason. Passes by majority vote, if entertained. Debatable.

4. MOTION TO ADJOURN

As adjournment is also built into the Agenda, this too is almost always out of order (in direct
contradiction of Robert's Rules). Passes by majority vote, if entertained. Debatable (also in direct
contradiction of Robert's Rules).

D. PRIVILEGED MOTIONS

These motions are personal in nature and involve fundamental rights. They require no vote and take priority
over everything.

1. POINT OF ORDER

The Estate Holder simply gets the Chancellor's attention by saying "point of order." The Chancellor
responds by saying, "State your point." At that point, the Estate Holder explains a point of parliamentary
procedure which is relevant to the proceedings. This is usually used to guide or correct a Chancellor
who is about to make an error, or to assist a Chancellor whose control has slipped. The Chancellor
makes an immediate ruling on the point of order.

2 POINT OF LAW

This is the same as a point of order, except it deals with a point of law instead of parliamentary
procedure.

3. POINT OF CLARIFICATION

No Estate Holder should make a decision without being fully informed. This motion is used to ask a
question, or to correct a misunderstanding regarding the current motion.

Chancellor's Manual Page 15 of 24
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

4. POINT OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE

"Excuse me, I have to go to the rest room."

VI. LEVELS OF LAW

A. IMPERIAL CROWN WRITS

Writs may be made by the Imperial Crown, but they are subject to the approval of the Imperial Estates
General. Without approval, they may not continue. For so long as they continue, they are subject to modification
or cancellation by the Imperial Crown. All Imperial Writs expire at the end of an Imperial Reign, unless the
succeeding Crowns extend those Writs (often done as part of the Coronation Ceremony).

B. ESTATES WRITS

Imperial Estates Writs are Writs passed by a simple majority of the Imperial Estates General. They do not
expire, nor may they be modified or canceled by the Imperial Crown unless the Imperial Estates Writ explicitly
so specifies. They may be modified or canceled by a majority of the Imperial Estates General. Imperial Estates
Writs may not conflict with the Bylaws, of course. The purpose of Imperial Estates Writs is to create a level of
law which is more flexible than the Bylaws to accommodate growth in the game.

Examples of Imperial Estates Writs are appended to your Bylaws (in cluding manuals and the sections on the
Churches of Adria). Incidentally, the Royal Estates of a Chartered Subdivision have the power to enact Royal
Estates Writs as well, so longs as such are not in conflict with the Imperial Bylaws, or the Royal Codicils .
Estates Writs often start life as Crown Writs (Imperial or Royal) and are subsequently elevated by the Estates.

C. CASE LAW AND MINUTES

The Chancellor should be responsible to make sure that all chartered subdivisions have a copy of all the cases
and min utes, with updates as necessary. As of this writing, nearly all cases (excepting for example, the trials of
Sir Knighthawk, et. al) are emergency cases, and have only persuasive (as opposed to binding) effect. In other
words, they represent current customa ry law, subject to being overturned by just about any authority.
Nevertheless, the cases have stood the test of time, for the most part.

D. AUTHORIZED DEVIAT ION FROM LAW

In 1996, the Imperial Estates invented a new concept. We adopted the 1996 Manual of Arts and Sciences as
an authorized deviation from the law for playtest, and it was so reflected as an Imperial Estates Writ appended
to the Bylaws. The 1992 manual remained the law. This legal concept increases our flexibility.

E. GUIDELINES NOT RISING TO THE LEVEL OF LAW

In 1996, the Imperial Estates created another legal concept. The Judges Handbook (incomplete), and the
Herald's Handbook were adopted by Imperial Estates Writ as Imperial Approved Guidelines. They are not law,
which means that no one HAS to do what is suggested in the manuals. On the other hand, the Imperial Estates
determined that if you follow the approved guidelines, you can't go wrong.

Also, the Imperial Estates authorized the publication of those manuals through the Hospitaler's office (although
the copy cost might be charged to the requesting member). Speaking of the Hospitaler, it might be mentioned
that the Hospitaler's office has evolved. The Hospitaler is now responsible for the distribution of Imperial
manuals and official information to all regions and to new members, as well as to the website (and authorized to
charge and collect the reasonable expense of that function to the members who receive service: postage,
copies, etc.).

Page 16 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

F. CUSTOM AND TRADIT ION

Things which have been done before, including previous decisions of Crowns or other officials may be
considered “custom and tradition.” In general, “custom and tradition” are not binding but are very persuasive in
interpreting the status of the law. The decisions of emergency courts, although they are only binding for the day
of the event during which they are decided, may be considered “custom and tradition” insofar as those
decisions were subsequently followed. For more on emergency courts, please consult the Codex Adjudicata.

G. PRECEDENT

A decision of a fully -convened non-emergency court is binding precedent. It is the law until overturned. (This
underscores the importance of publishing case law and minutes.)

H. POLICIES

The Government, from time to time, may articulate “policies.” This is the administrative analogue of the
Estates’ Resolution.

I. INTERNAL PROCEDUR E

The various governing bodies (e.g., the Government and its ministers, or the Imperial Estates General) have
their own procedures of meeting, conducting business, generating reports, etc. Insofar as these things are not
governed by Bylaws, Writs, and Codicils, they are usually governed by internal procedure, which is developed
by the person in charge of the given body, or the body itself.

VII. DEFINITIONS

A. MAJORITY

If it doesn't say otherwise (in our rules or in the Rules of Order we happen to be using), approval of anything
takes a majority vote.

B. WARRANTS OF APPOINTMENT

Canton Viceroys are granted their authority through these (Bylaws Article IX.D.11.b. ).

C. IMPERIAL MINISTRIES

Pursuant to Bylaws Article VII.A., the Imperial Crown may create Ministries not set forth in the Bylaws, but
they are subject to approval by the Imperial Estates General.

D. IMPERIAL CANDIDAT ES

Subject to the approval of the Imperial Estates Gene ral.

E. IMPERIAL CHARTERS

Subject to the approval of the Imperial Estates General. Charters are issued by the Imperial Crown for
chartered subdivisions (Bylaws Article VI.F.V.a.4. ) as well as other Imperial Recognized Entities (e.g.
Domains).

In 1996, it was determined that the recognition of Guilds need not be approved by the Imperial Estates General.
If approved, the Charters continue and do not expire at the end of an Imperial Reign; however they may be
modified or canceled at any time by the Imperial Crown.

Chancellor's Manual Page 17 of 24
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

Charters may also be granted by the Imperial Estates General as Imperial Estates Writs. These Charters may
only be modified or canceled by one of two methods (as determined by an Imperial Civil Court, November

2001):

• Two-thirds (2/3) approval of the Estates General of the affected Chartered Subdivisions, and

Majority approval of the Imperial Estates, or

• Majority approval of the Estates General of the affected Chartered Subdivisions, and

Two-thirds (2/3) approval of the Imperial Estates

As of this writing, examples of Domains which charters are Imperial Estates Writs are Blue Rose, Kilshannig,
Kildarn, and Corsairs, all of which were approved at a joint but segregated meeting of the Imperial Estates in

1995. The actual Charters should be in the possession of the Imperial Chancellor, with copies distributed as
appropriate.

F. BANISHMENT

Requires unanimous approval of all voting Imperial Estates General (excluding abstentions), unless the bylaws
are changed with publication waived (which only requires 2/3).

G. OTHER SENTENCES

Normally not subject to the approval of the Estates, but because of the seriousness of the charges against
Phillipe, Chienne and Terrance, the sentences of the defendants were remanded for approval by the Imperial
Estates General as Imperial Estates Writs. Said sentences were approved in November of 1997.

H. APPROVAL OF EXPENSES

By majority vote of the Imperial Estates General.

I. BYLAW CHANGES

Bylaw changes will need to be passed by 2/3 of the Imperial Estates General.

J. RESOLUTIONS

These are simply statements of intent or policy. They have no binding authority at all, but they are often guiding
in that committees and ministers will often look at Imperial Resolutions to see what is expected of them.
Resolutions are useful when we know what we want to do generally, but we aren't ready to hammer out the
specific language yet. This is often the first step in making new law. Any body can pass a resolution, even if it
doesn't have authority to pass the proposed law included in the resolutio n. For example, a Kingdom's Estates
could pass a resolution that the Imperial Crown should give candy to all green members. While the Kingdom
has no right to order the Imperial Crown to do anything, the Imperial Crown would be made aware of the
Kingdom's desires. Furthermore, the Imperial Estates of that Kingdom might be persuaded to vote to pass a
Bylaw in accord with the resolution at a meeting of the Imperial Estates General. So you see, even though
resolutions are non-binding, they are persuasive. They pass by majority vote.

K. COMMENTARY

This is language we put in the minutes of our meetings to help future generations interpret the laws we pass.
By putting in commentary, our successors can understand reasons we did what we did. Any Estate can call for
commentary to be placed in the minutes. Often, we will attribute comments to the author by name.

Page 18 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

L. APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS FOR THE ORDER OF THE FLEUR -DI-LIS

Nomination of members requires approval by a majority of the Imperial Estates General. (The Order of the
Fleur-di-Lis was formerly known as the Order of the Protectors of the Dream.)

M. APPROVAL OF REIGN

Requires a majority of the Imperial Estates General.

N. SOVEREIGNTY

It has often been asked what this means. It is said that Kingdoms have it and othe r chartered subdivisions do
not. It is thought that Shires have less autonomy that Archduchies. The application of the term "sovereignty" is
rooted in common sense. It is created out of tension between the local and Imperial Governments. The more a
chartered subdivision depends on the Imperium for assistance in governance, the less autonomous it is. Even
sovereign Kingdoms depend on the Imperium to some degree. The Imperium also may have a desire to be
involved in a chartered subdivisions affairs. A Kingdom's level of sovereignty is determined by the tension
between its desire and ability to self -govern and its need for Imperial services (as well as any manifested
Imperial desire to get involved in local affairs). It is a concept which arises out of dialog between local and
Imperial governments.

O. COMMITTEES

POWERS

Committees have the powers granted to them by the Imperial Estates. The Board of Directors may be treated
as a committee which may already have some pre-designated powers, and to which additional functions may be
delegated.

USES

Sometimes, if business is taking too long, a committee can be formed to digest the issues and make a report
later – sometimes even later in the same meeting.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Elections will normally take place at the Nove mber meeting. Interested members should submit their
candidacies by the submission deadline.

P. LOBBYING

With all the advance notice afforded by the procedures set forth in this manual, there is ample opportunity to
lobby in advance of the meeting. This saves time and is to be encouraged. Written debate is also helpful. An
author may write points in favor of a proposal in the proposal itself, so that the favorable points actually appear
in the agenda (where proxies may benefit from them). Under our current system, new items appear as New
Business, but are not voted upon until the following meeting, allowing others to submit counter-proposals,
including proposals that nothing be done on a given issue. Authors of such counter-proposals might also write
points in favor of said counter-proposals within the counter-proposals themselves such that they might appear in
the agenda. This sort of written debate saves time on the meeting floor.

Chancellor's Manual Page 19 of 24
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

Q. PARLIAMENTARY IMMUNITY

Parliamentary immunity is intended to protect polit ical speech, and the free exchange of ideas necessary for the
body to do its work. This includes the right of a member to ask pointed questions about business. Protected
language is limited to comments on legislative, judicial or executive proceedings. Parliamentary immunity does
not apply to excessive profanity, malicious character defamation, or deliberate misstatements of fact.

Page 20 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

APPENDIX A: SAMPLE AGENDA COVER LETTER

MARCH 2002 IMPERIAL ESTATES MEETING

MARCH 23-24, 2002

9 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

THE IMPERIAL ESTATES MEETING

Old World Village Catering & Banquets
7561 Center Ave., # 68
Huntington Beach, Ca. 92647

Refreshments: We are allowed to bring in our own soft drinks. We may bring coolers or use the facilities on site to keep

drinks cold. Lunch will not be provided, but there are many restaurants and fast food places nearby.

Accommodations: There are several motels in the area, some are within 10 minutes of Old World.

Motel 6 Goldenwest , 13100 Goldenwest St, Westminster, CA 92683, [phone]

$45.35 King bed, $51.83 for two Queen beds
Super 8 Motel Beach, 15559 Beach Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683, [phone]

$55 King bed, $59 for two Queen beds
Best Western Westminster, 5755 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683, [phone]

$55 King bed, $59 for two Queen beds
Huntington Beach Hotel, 7667 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, [phone]

Special weekend rate on March 23 & 24 is $95 a night. The normal room rate is $130.00 a night. There are further
discounts if you are a member of AAA or AARP. (Th is hotel is located directly across the street from Old World ­within walking distance.)

GENERAL MEETING INFORMATION

As per the Adrian Empire, Inc. Imperial Bylaws (2001) the following requirements pertain to this meeting:
Article VI. E. 4. Disqualificat ion.
Members entitled to a seat by virtue of rank or office whose dues are not current, are under judicial ban, or have not

attended at least (2) two official events in any subdivision within the previous (6) six months will be denied seat. The
membership entitled to a vote at a meeting of a given body is fixed as of the SUMMONING of the meeting and may not be
subsequently altered by any means, including expiration of dues, nonparticipation, formation of new Estates, or change in
Estates held by a given member, until the meeting is concluded. The only exceptions are resignation of a given member,
judicial ban, or creation of a greater estate that does not reduce another greater estate below minimum membership. A
meeting is deemed summoned at the point of minimum notice. The point of minimum notice is defined as thirty days for
the Estates General of the chartered subdivision or sixty days for any body of Imperial Estates, unless a waiver of such
notice is granted by the summoned body, in which case the point of minimum notice shall be the date of actual notice.
The Crown, if available will convene the summoned Estates at the appointed time and place, and the meeting will be
presided over by the Chancellor, if available.

Note: past practice has permitted these estates, created after the notice period, to be seated (notice waived) when no
objection is made. Examples: Count or Countess Royal, a new March, Third Level Knighthood.

Article VI. F. 1. e. i.
Any two members (of the Imperial Estates): may put a proposal on the agenda before the Imperial Estates General.

Note: where only one sponsor's name appears, Their Imperial Majesties have directed Their Chancellor to
serve as co-sponsor to satisfy the procedural requirement.

Chancellor's Manual Page 21 of 24
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

APPENDIX B: CONCERNING CONDUCT IN AN IMPERIAL
ESTATES MEETING

RULES REGARDING THE MEETING

The agenda is large, but with a degree of professionalism, and efficiency, we shall get through:

1. COME IN GARB

This is a serious meeting. Any weapons must be checked with the Sergeant at Arms, who shall be
appointed by the Chancellor.

2. ONLY AGENDA ITEMS WILL BE CONSIDERED

This includes late -published Writs and non-budgeted expenses. New Business will not be considered,
only reviewed. This rule may be suspended for a given item by 2/3 vote, but any item which is
considered by suspension of this rule, and which is approved by the Estates, shall be reconsidered at
the next Estates Meeting as Old Business.

3. DEBATE WILL BE HANDLED IN AN EXPEDITED MANNER

The author will present his/her proposal. If any are opposed, they shall caucus for two (2) minutes. A
spokesperson for the opposition will summarize the points against. The author, or volunteer designated
by the author, shall rebut. Where there are multiple proposals on the same issue, each proposal will
have its turn at the debate procedure before we vote on any of them. After debate is concluded, we
shall proceed immediately to a vote.

The author, in the initial presentation, may present all of the proposal at once, or may present it in bits
and pieces. For example, a manual may be proposed in sections. This is at the author's discretion,
moderated by the discretion of the Chancellor.

As action items are published well in advance, it is expected that lobbying and debate has already
occurred prior to the me eting. Nevertheless, in the rare cases where certain items seem to need
additional debate, those items shall be moved to the end of Old Business to be addressed with longer
caucuses, individual speakers, or a committee of the whole as seems appropriate to the Chancellor.

4. THE AGENDA IS CLOSED

No amendments will be allowed. Counterproposals/amendments may be submitted for the next meeting
in accord with the procedure outlined in #6. No tabling will be allowed either; however, failed items
may be referred to committee for redrafting and resubmission at some later point. This rule may be
suspended by 2/3 vote, but any amendments will be treated as non-agenda proposals (see #2 above)
and will be subject to reconsideration as Old Business at the next Estates Me eting.

5. VOTING

Items on the agenda need not be moved and seconded. They are on the agenda because they were
placed there by the government, a committee of the Estates, or by two members of the Estates. This is
sufficient sponsorship, and no time need be wasted on the formality of moving and seconding. Each
agenda item will be automatically dealt with in turn. Alternative proposals on the same issue will be
taken up together. After debate, each proposal or set of proposals may be subject to up to three votes:

Page 22 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

First Vote

If there are multiple proposals on the same issue, the Chancellor shall narrow the proposals
down to one using nomination procedure. Voting in favor of a proposal at this point does not
mean you like the proposal. It could mean that you only dislike it less than any of the others. Of
course, if you truly hate them all, you can abstain.

Second Vote

Once the issue is narrowed down to one proposal, the Estates vote on that proposal. The vote
is yes, no, or abstain. If the proposal passes, there is no further voting.

Third Vote

If the proposal fails, the body votes as to whether to refer the issue to committee for
redrafting. This is done by majority vote, and is called a "resolution." The Estates "resolve" that
they like what the proposal was trying to do, even though they didn't like the proposal. The
committee will be composed of the author, the opposition spokesperson, and/or any volunteers.
A proposal which is withdrawn by the author may be presented for "resolution" and referral to
committee at the author's discretion moderated by that of the Chancellor.

There will be no roll call votes, unless the body demands it by acclamation.

6. THE PROCEDURE IS RIGID

The prcedure, outlined above, may be more rigid than is comfortable. It is to ensure tha t we get through
all the business in the short time allotted. It is also to ensure that we don't switch the ball on those
sending proxies. On the other hand, there may be some important items requiring less stringent
application of the above rules. Suspens ion of the rules may be called for at any time by 2/3 vote or by
acclamation of the body.

7. PROXIES

Proxies must be carried by a live person in attendance at the meeting. Written proxies are preferred,
but are not required.

Any means may be used to manif est the intent of an Estate Holder to have a proxy held by a person in
attendance, so long as those means are clear and unequivocal. Proxies may be open (allowing the
holder to vote your vote freely) or specific. Specific proxies should refer to each proposal by number
and show whether you wish to vote yes, no, or abstain. For proposals on which you would vote no,
indicate whether you would like the matter to go to committee if the proposal fails. With regard to,
manuals, Bylaw proposal packages, or other lengthy proposals, you can vote on each of them as a
whole, or by section. It is even ok to say, "I like the whole manual except for section 2.a." Whatever is
easiest, as long as it is clear. If sending proxies by courier, you may even wish to mark right on the
agenda and the proposed manuals and bylaw packages. Any questions? I can be reached at [number].
At the meeting, I can be reached at [number].

Chancellor's Manual Page 23 of 24
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

APPENDIX C: ADVICE FOR CHANCELLORS

Excerpts from correspondence between an outgoing Chancellor and his incoming counterpart):

GOOD INCOMING CHANCELLOR:

Congratulations. You will probably be the busiest Chancellor in the history of the Game! Fortunately, your labor should
mostly be pretty positive. Instead of doing court cases, and issuing opinions, your time will probably be taken up mostly
with revising the Bylaws and manuals, and distributing official manuals, records, charters, cases, etc. to those who need
them. You should probably start working on next year's agenda at the same time as you work on this year's minutes.
They usually closely parallel. The more you do early, the less you have to do at the last minute.

You may wish to consider starting a Chancellor's manual. I have put a lot of stuff in the agenda, coverletter, and
supplement which would help you start. At the meeting, I will give you, in text form on disk, just about everything you
need to get started: minutes, agendas, manuals, etc. In reading the minutes and Bylaws, you will note that the
Chancellor is responsible for a lot each year. You may wish to put it all in an easy-to-read handbook so future
Chancellors can see at a glance what is expected of them each year. A time -table is always helpful.

In dealing with the law, I have some advice. Be minimalistic. Give no advice to anyone unless the question is formally
before you in writing. Even then, make no opinion unless there is no way to refer it to a lower court in a Chartered
Subdivision. If there is no way out, issue your opinion. This sort of reluctance is good for everyone. It causes the
populace to respect the chain of command. If you are too free with your opinion, pretty soon, everyone will skip the
middle-man and simply call you every time. Your phone will NEVER stop ringing. Also, you will step on the toes of
chartered subdivisions. You should avoid that. Whenever possible, allow court cases to be handled locally, and deal only
with appeals if they come. Exceptions might be court cases where multiple chartered subdivisions are involved, or
where a Crown is a defendant.

In Adria, a complainant requires "standing" to complain. That means that the act complained of must have injured the
complainant (or the person the complainant represents, such as a squire) in some direct way. The rule is "no harm, no
foul." If no one complains, there is no violation of law. It's like the tree in the forest. Predictably, this leads to a lot of
local variation in interpretation of law. That's fine. For example, in some regions, the Chancellor cannot vote except in
the event of a true tie, even if that Chancellor has a vote apart from his/her office (such as being a Sire). In other
regions, the Chancellor has a vote in a tie AS A CHANCELLOR, even if the Chancellor has no vote normally, but if
the Chancellor has a vote for a reason other than being the Chancellor , the Chancellor may vote freely! At the Imperial
level, Chancellors have been allowed to vote proxies. Also, Chancellors have been allowed to give their proxy (based on
a right to vote independent of the Chancery, e.g. due to being a Marquis) to one of the body to vote FOR them. This
split in authority is fine until it actually causes a problem.

The corollary of this is that if all interested parties agree, there is o problem, even if the Bylaws are technically violated.
The Bylaws are what we use when we can't agree.

Sometimes, the Estates and the Crown might be in conflict. The question might arise, if a power is not specifically
enumerated, is it reserved to the Estates, the populace, or the Crown. Use common sense. The Crown is the executive
and deals with exigencies and administration. The Estates deal with long-term law and policy. The populace must be
served in any event.

Our honeymoon is coming to an end. Get ready!

Page 24 of 24 Chancellor's Manual
as adopted November 2000, amended May 2002

GOOD CHANCELLOR:

Here is another operational tidbit. The Statute of Limitations is 30 days from the alleged offense. This is usually
construed to mean 30 days after the complainant discovers the offense or should reasonably have discovered the
offense. This interpretation is to protect us from the person who secretly uses his position to steal thousands without our
knowledge (hypothetically, of course), or some other crime which might not be revealed until later.

Folks often file charges within the statutory time to protect their rights, but delay prosecution for purposes of attempting
to reach an amicable resolution. Nothing wrong with that, unless the defendant demands immediate justice.

In the last reign [of Dame Isabeau and Sir Mathghamhain], Sir Jehan ruled that the right to immediate justice was
absolute, even if the defendant was not under judicial ban. You may or may not agree.

Judicial ban should almost never be used prior to trial. It is only for defendants who allegedly would use their position to
destroy evidence or otherwise create irreversible abuses which must be prevented pending trial.

Just sharing some tidbits as I think of them. I am sure a lot of this is familiar as you are already a Chancellor.

GOOD CHANCELLOR:

It is appropriate that the outgoing Chancellor to transmit all relevant materials to the incoming counterpart. To that end,
I hope you will soon receive the most up-to-date stuff, including Bylaws, manuals, cases, and Estates Minutes. If you do
not already have a current set of Bylaws, once you have obtained them, I would suggest that you review the
requirements of the Chancellor. There is a section devoted solely to that office. Also, Article VI sets forth the minimum
number of meetings per year of the Imperial Estates General, and the notice requirements. The Imperial Chancellor is
also involved in pre-Imperial War/Civil War procedure. Finally, of course, the Chancellor is involved in our justice
system which is described in the Bylaws, Codex, and in case law. You've a lot of reading.

You will find that the archives include legal precedents and case law. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with
published cases, and to make sure that those cases are well-distributed to Chancellors throughout the Empire. During
your term, I am sure you will be adding published cases to the archives. The Sovereign of Arms will help you with that.

You will also be updating the Bylaws (and other manuals under your jurisdiction) as they change.
The Imperium needs to appear responsive. On the other hand, the Imperium should not appear impulsive or biased.

While you review the charges for legal validity, perhaps the mediation process could begin forthwith. Usually, it starts
with each side choosing a representative and proposing three candidates for mediator in order of preference. If a
candidate is proposed by both sides, then mediation can commence with that mediator. Otherwise, the Chancellor needs
to pick one (in consultation with both sides). Picking a mediator is usually a rapid process. Mediation can usually
proceed unsupervised.

Mediation has some advantages. Often, issue s which are not delineated in the charges are resolved. Also, during the
mediation process, the Chancery has time to review the charges and prepare for trial if necessary. Thus, the Imperium
can act quickly without seeming impulsive. No precipitous action is taken.