There isn't a Mango Bar anymore so I guess I'll just post this here (the Judex front steps).

Recently, the Baron of Holly established a trust, and it got me thinking about the role of all of these legal concepts in Shireroth. Now, I know there is sometimes some worry about legalism or lawyerism in this nation. I'm not proposing we have a Trusts & Trustees Act. But, would a basic statement of law in the ICOL about the courts honouring contract be amiss? Many deals take place informally (via PM), but what happens if one party refuses to pay, goes bankrupt, or disappears? For economic security and the good of the various artisans and craftsmen and women of the nation, I would at least appreciate a statement from the Arbiter that he would entertain such a claim.

Edit: Seems, if it was a service (could be construed widely) this could come under 'Financial Fraud', Section M, Chap XIII.

Perhaps contracts could be registered with the Judex, or with the a Duke if its a local matter?

The traditional way of making a legal contract in Shireroth is by using the Oaths provision in the ICoL. This can easily be used to make an oath of contract if witnessed by a member of the Judex. I would also consider contracts without an oath to be legal under the common law, depending on the way the parties agreed to it. A case brought before this court would be helpful.

Thanks for the quick reply, milord Arbiter. My chief concern is private arrangements without an official oath. This is because, due to the nature of many individual trader practices, prices are agreed via PM - not fit for public witness. We could have these arrangements forwarded to the Arbiter via PM, I suppose, as the Duke of Goldshire suggests. This has been brought to mind because I'm currently contracting a noble of Shireroth to produe some coats of Arms for Mar Sara, though I'm afraid milord I intend to pay up, so no case for now.

Sorry for the late reply. If you fail to pay up, I would hear any case brought against you under the common law.