The judiciary in Schwerdt is multi-tiered and multi-echeloned. The military judiciary applies only to personnel and locations under the jurisdiction of the Military Services. The Ministry for Justice and Security administers the civil and criminal judiciaries. Matters regarding administrative regulations and other civil transgressions fall to the civil judiciary while violations of laws are criminal matters.
Categories of Crimes
The severity of law violations categorise crimes as low, medium, high, or capital offenses. Low crimes are those of a less serious nature such as traffic offenses or curfew violations. The more serious middle crimes include such offenses as crimes against property. Most, though not all, high crimes involve crimes against persons. Capital crimes, the most serious, involve such matters as terrorism, treason, and homicide.
Judicial Process
The court of first instance is the Magistrate's Court which determines the merits of cases. Cases bound over for trial are heard in the District Court. Either party may appeal the decision of the District Court to the Superior Court.
Court of the Realm
Separate from all other governmental entities, the Court of the Realm has sole jurisdiction in matters of international law or involving the Basic Law. The Court of the Realm may also choose or decline to review proceedings of a Superior Court.
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The Justizpalais, seat of Schwerdt's Court of the Realm.