Q: How do I sue another person or organization for something that is not in the San Andreas Penal Code (non-

criminal matter)?
A: You, or your attorney, must file a civil complaint under the Trial Court.

Q: How do I sue another person or organization for a crime that is within the San Andreas Penal Code?
A: You must get in touch with the San Andreas Bureau of Investigation or the San Andreas State Police to report
a crime. Then, if enough evidence is obtained, a prosecutor will file a criminal complaint at no cost to you.

Q: How do I dispute charges set against me by law enforcement?

A: You are advised to contact an attorney of your choosing regarding the matter before filing to the Trial Court. A
directory of public defenders is available here and private attorneys here. If you choose to represent yourself, an
appeal form is made available. NOTE: Even though it is an appeal of charges, it is submitted to the Trial Court
and not the Appellate Court - this is done to ensure the fair ability for disputing the Trial Court verdict.

Q: Do I need to be an attorney to represent someone else?

A: Yes. You may not represent anyone else, including friends and family, without first being a bar-certified
attorney. You may represent yourself in a civil trial provided you are over the age of 18. You may represent
yourself in a criminal trial if a judge deems you competent enough to do so.

Q: Do I need to hire an attorney?

A: Attorneys are not necessary in any case, however, the Court encourages you to hire one. An attorney's
experience may be very beneficial. Additionally, attorneys are exempt from some fees when filing cases, which
could save you money.

Q: How do I hire an attorney?

A: Begin making advertisements saying you wish to hire one, search for attorneys who are advertising their
services, or contact an attorney directly from the Attorney Roster. Please remember that sworn prosecutors and
judges may not serve as your attorney; furthermore sworn police officers or civilian employees of a law
enforcement agency may not represent you in a criminal trial.

Q: What if I cannot afford to hire an attorney?

A: If you are a defendant in a criminal trial, you have a Constitutional right to an attorney - therefore if you are
unable to afford an attorney on your own, a public defender will be appointed to you at no cost to you. ((if you
have the money, please hire someone))
You do not have a Constitutional right to an attorney in a civil trial, however in some circumstances you may be
eligible for Legal Aid.

Q: How do I become an attorney?

A: Becoming an attorney starts with law school, located at the Foerstel Academia of Law. Alternatively, if you
already have a law degree or past experience, you may choose to take the San Andreas BAR exam directly. Once
passed, you are legally allowed to practice law in San Andreas; we will publish your name and email address, and
you may optionally wish to join our public defender register.

Q: How do I become a judge?

A: Judges are legal professionals who have demonstrated a significant knowledge in law and a consistent
commitment to justice. A person may become a judge only after demonstrating these qualities while working as
an attorney; this may be as a private sector attorney but preferably as a public defender or prosecutor.

Q: What if I need something that doesn't involve suing someone or being sued?
A: The Judicial Branch can handle other requests on a case-by-case basis. Such requests can include, but are not
limited to marriage, adoption, divorce, legal name change (when contracts or other legal documentation is
involved), restraining orders, purchasing of land, property ownership enquiries, and other.
This can be achieved via writing a Petition through the form provided. Petitions are public record, as such if you
require that your petition and its contents are not public record, you may send it privately to a judge together with
an argument as to why that is necessary. The default is that petitions shall remain public record without a good
reason for the contrary.

Q: If someone wrongs me, or does something unlawful to me, what can I ask the Court to do for me?
A: The Court has a range of remedies it can prescribe in the event that the judge rules in your favor. These
include, but are not limited to: monetary compensation, returning a non-monetary benefit such as employment or
contract services, returning property.

Q: Does it cost money to bring a case to Court?

A: Yes, however, there are different rates for different people.

For attorneys:
Filing a civil suit on behalf of a client costs exactly of 10 percent of the amount-in-controversy; the amount being
sued for, or the equivalent thereof.
Filing a criminal appeals suit on behalf of a client is free.

For all individuals representing themselves, (including attorneys that wish to represent their own interests):
Filing a civil suit costs 20 percent (%) of the amount-in-controversy (amount being requested).
Filing a criminal appeal is $5,000; regardless of whether successful or unsuccessful.

Q: What are judicial opinions?

A: Opinions are written reasoning, based on logic and discussion of previous cases (collectively known as
precedent) which have the ability to interpret, modify, or nullify errors in the enforcement of penalties that
contradict the doctrines established in common law.

Q: What is a precedent?
A: A precedent is a term used to describe when an existing judicial opinion, made previously by the same or
another court, is relevant to the case at hand and may influence its outcome or even directly dictate it. Judicial
opinions made by a court cannot be overruled by a lesser court (Trial Court <- Appellate Court <- San Andreas
State Supreme Court <- U.S. Federal District Court <- U.S. Federal Appeal Court <- U.S. Supreme Court).
(( San Andreas utilizes the full breadth and depth of precedent set by the real-life U.S. Supreme Court and
occasionally the lower federal courts ))

Q: What is the Trial Court and what does it do?

A: The Trial Court is the lowest level court in San Andreas. It is the first instance for all criminal and civil
matters, and it is where most disputes - civil and criminal - can be resolved.

Q: How do I submit a case to the Trial Court?

A: Usually every new case will be submitted to the Trial Court. There are formats available, and your attorney can
submit these on your behalf and advise you the best way to proceed.

Q: What is the Appellate Court and what does it do?

A: An appellate court is a court that hears cases on appeal from another (lesser) court. A party to a court case who
is unhappy with the result might be able to challenge that result in an appellate court on specific grounds.

Q: How do I submit a case to the Appellate Court?

A: You, or your attorney, will file an appeal on a verdict using the format provided. In criminal cases, only the
defendant may appeal (except when the matter is dismissed without a verdict). In civil cases, both defendenant
and plaintiff may appeal. Matters regarding infractions decided in the Trial Court cannot be appealed.

Q: What is the Supreme Court and what does it do?

A: The Supreme Court is the highest state court in San Andreas. Its opinion holds the highest judicial value within
the state. The Superme Court usually presides when it is necessary to interpret state or federal legislation, or the
Constitution.

Q: How do I submit a case to the Supreme Court?

A: The Supreme Court does not accept cases directly. Cases must ascend from the Trial Court through the
Appellate Court before they can be considered for Supreme Court ruling. Very few Appellate Court cases will
actually be admitted to the Supreme Court.

Q: How do I get in touch?

A: Anyone with the title of Presiding Judge or above shall be able to answer any questions you may have. You
can obtain the current employees and their contact details on the employee directory. You may CC more than one
person if you so wish.