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::''Looking for [[Law:Organic Law|the current text of the Organic Law]]?''
{{Hatnote|Looking for [[Law:Organic Law|the current text of the Organic Law]]?}}
The '''Organic Law''', in el {{tal}}, '''''Legeu Orgänic''''' (also known as the OrgLaw, LegOrg or Org), is the highest law and the supreme governing document of [[Talossa]]. Its 12 articles broadly establish the boundaries of the nation, the role of the [[Crown]], the functioning of the [[Government]], the nature of the [[Ziu]], and other vital topics.  The eleventh article describes a ''Covenant of Rights and Freedoms'' modeled after the [[wikipedia:Bill of Rights|U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights]], which guarantees a list of rights to the citizens. As the foundation of all law in Talossa, the Organic Law comes under a great deal of scrutiny and has been subject to more than a few amendments.  No law that comes into conflict with it is considered to be valid, and a [[cort]] may rule that the law as a whole is nullified.  This has happened on several occasions.  Similarly, officials of the Kingdom are expected to act according to the guidelines set forth in the Organic Law, and if they fail to do so, they may be sued or censured.  An action or a law that is found to be inconsistent with the Organic Law is said to be ''inorganic'', and is discarded.
The '''Organic Law''', in el {{tal}} '''''Legeu Orgänic''''' (also known as the '''1997 Organic Law'''), is the constitutional law and the supreme governing document of [[Talossa]], that shall not be confused with the [[1985 Organic Law]]. Its 12 articles broadly establish the boundaries of the nation, the role of the [[Crown]], the functioning of the [[Government]], the nature of the [[Ziu]], and other vital topics.  The eleventh article describes a ''Covenant of Rights and Freedoms'' modeled after the [[wikipedia:Bill of Rights|U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights]], which guarantees a list of rights to the citizens. As the foundation of all law in Talossa, the Organic Law comes under a great deal of scrutiny and has been subject to more than a few amendments.  No law that comes into conflict with it is considered to be valid, and a [[cort]] may rule that the law as a whole is nullified.  This has happened on several occasions.  Similarly, officials of the Kingdom are expected to act according to the guidelines set forth in the Organic Law, and if they fail to do so, they may be sued or censured.  An action or a law that is found to be inconsistent with the Organic Law is said to be ''inorganic''.


==History==
==History==
The 1997 Organic Law was approved in a [[1997 July Organic Law Referendum|referendum]] held in July {{year|1997}} by a majority of 93%.
{{main|Organic Law (History)}}
The Organic Law was first approved in a [[1997 July Organic Law Referendum|referendum]] held in July {{year|1997}} by a majority of 93% and was extensively changed when the Ziu approved and the people ratified in a [[December 2019 General Election|referendum]], held in November {{year|2019}}, with a majority of 78%, the [[53RZ18|Still Into This Amendment]] amending the whole text. The new text came into effect the 1st of March {{year|2020}}.


The Organic Law was extensively changed in {{year|2019}} when the Ziu approved and the people ratified in a referendum, held in November {{year|2019}} with a majority of 78% during the [[December 2019 General Election|elections for the 54th {{cos}}]], the [[53RZ18]] "Still Into This Amendment" (based on the text prepared by the [[Committee for Organic and Statutory Reform]]) that amended the whole text. The new text came into effect the '''1st of March {{year|2020}}''' when [[54RZ12]] came into force.
*See [[Law:Organic Law (post-2019 Coordinated text)|here the coordinated current text]] of the Organic Law.
 
*See [[Organic Law (historical texts)|here the historical texts]] of the Organic Law.
*See [[Law:Organic Law (post-2019 Coordinated text)|here the '''coordinated current text''']] of the Organic Law.
*See [[Organic Law (historical texts)|here the '''historical texts''' of the Organic Law]].


==Contents==
==Contents==
Line 66: Line 65:
===Article XII: Amendments to this Organic Law===
===Article XII: Amendments to this Organic Law===
::''Text of {{org|XII|0}}''
::''Text of {{org|XII|0}}''
==Contents of the Pre-{{year|2019}} Organic Law==
===Article I: Declaration of Independence===
This section consists of a single sentence, mimicking the original founding of Talossa by "proclaim[ing] the Kingdom of Talossa to be an independent unit in the master plan of [[World Singular Secession]]."
===Article II: Points of State===
This article establishes the boundaries of Talossa and its capital, [[Abbavilla]].  It also describes some of the most important symbols of the nation, including the flag, national motto, and arms of the state.
===Article III: The King===
The third article declares Talossa to be a "constitutional, hereditary Monarchy," and its second section grants the sovereign specified powers, such as the ability to veto bills and grant pardons.  The bulk of this article, however, concerns the manner in which the monarch is replaced or succeeded.  It details how the crown passes from [[King John]] to his next heir, irrespective of gender, and the implementation of a regency when this is not immediately possible.
The article also specifies how the Ziu may remove an heir from the line of succession, or remove a reigning monarch from his position.  Lastly, Article III requires a new King to establish a [[Privy Council]] of esteemed elder Talossans, to advise him on "matters of grave importance."
===Article IV: Election to the Senäts===
Article IV describes the method of election for members of the [[{{sen}}]], as well as the means by which a Senator can be removed from office (voluntarily, by the [[{{inalt}}]], or by impeachment by the rest of the {{sen}}).
===Article V: Composition of the Senäts===
The main article regarding the functioning and makeup of the {{sen}}, this article lays out much of the scope of that body's power, as well as associated restrictions.  The {{sen}} does not have any say in the monthly vote of confidence undertaken by the [[Cosa]], and no bill that appropriates money may originate in the {{sen}} (although such bills must still acquire the assent of the {{sen}} to pass).  Certain types of amendments to the Organic Law, on the other hand, may only pass with a 2/3 vote of the {{sen}}; bills pertaining to Talossan territorial claims, provincial boundaries, the amendment process, or the {{sen}} itself all require this strength of support.
Two of the more arcane rules of Talossan governance also are delineated in this article:
*The sovereign is prohibited from entering the {{sen}} chamber unless called to testify.  This has in the past combined with statutes that require royal assent to an action of the {{sen}} (such as the awarding of a [[Senatorial Medal of Honour]]) to necessitate a royal messenger.
*If the {{sen}} twice rejects a revenue bill, the sovereign may force both houses of the [[Ziu]] to meet in a single body with him, passing the bill if a majority of that body assent to it.  It is due to this provision and to the ability to veto that the [[Crown]] is considered to be a part of the [[Ziu]].
===Article VI: Political Parties===
This brief section of the OrgLaw specifies the few requirements of political parties in Talossa.  To be recognized as a political party, an organization must register two things with the [[Chancery|Secretary of State]]: the name of their leader and a fifty-word statement describing their "general aims and views."  The Secretary of State is also empowered to require a filing fee.
===Article VII: Elections to the Cosâ===
In language mirroring that of Article IV, this article describes the method by which citizens elect representatives to the [[Cosa]], and the procedure by which the sovereign replaces Members of Cosa who vacate their seats.
===Article VIII: Composition of the Cosâ===
In many ways a continuation of the preceding article, this section of the Organic Law provides more rules by which Members of Cosa receive their seats, and how they may be lost.  Frequently amended, this article represents significant change from the OrgLaw as first drafted, when the "[[Real Cosa]]" of twenty elected representatives constituted the lower house of the [[Ziu]], rather than the current proportionally assigned 200 virtual seats that are distributed according to percentages of the popular vote.
===Article IX: The Secretary of State, the Hopper, and the Clark===
Article IX describes in detail the role of the [[Chancery|Secretary of State]], arguably the most important and one of the most powerful positions in Talossa, and the process by which any proposed bill may become law.
Prospective bills must be presented by a member of the [[Ziu]] for general consideration in a "public venue" called the "Hopper."  Each such bill may be endorsed by any number of legislators, but the individual who first submitted it for consideration is the official "author" (even if they did not write the text of the bill themselves).  In modern practice, this is done on an internet message board dedicated to the purpose.  After at least ten days, a bill can be moved from the Hopper, bound with others in a monthly legislative journal known as the "Clark," and offered for a vote by its primary sponsor.  If the primary sponsor opts not to clark the bill, then after 59 days the Secretary of State may remove the bill from the Hopper anyway, and discard it.
The Secretary of State is given complete discretion to determine whether or not a bill meets certain standards of clarity or that fails to identify the laws which it is amending, and is made fully responsible for the integrity of this legislative process.
===Article X: Passing Legislation===
This section of the OrgLaw continues describing the process by which a bill becomes a law.  Members of the [[Ziu]] must vote one of three ways (për, contrâ, or austanéu) on each bill.  Most bills require only a simple majority of votes in each house of the Ziu to pass.
If the bill passes, it is presented for the sovereign's assent.  If he signs it, it becomes law.  If he vetoes it, then it is returned for further consideration by the Ziu, to be passed over the [[Crown]]'s objections if 2/3 of the [[Cosa]] agree.  Failure to either sign or veto a bill delays the implementation of the law until the end of the current month, at which time it is enacted with or without royal assent.
===Article XI: The Seneschál===
Article XI describes the next stage of Talossan governance: the appointment of a [[Seneschal]] by the [[King]] from the party or coalition that has a majority of [[Cosa]] seats.  The duties of the Seneschal are described: he can dissolve the Cosa, remove members of the [[Cabinet]], issues speeches, declare war, negotiate treaties (subject to the approval of the Cosa), and perhaps most importantly, issue [[Prime Dictates]] that have the force of law when countersigned by the Cosa.
The Seneschal, and thus the entire government, is subject to the majority approval of the Cosa.  This is regularly polled in each Clark, but at any time during a term, the Cosa may petition the King to replace the Seneschal with another person of their choice.
===Article XII: The Government (Cabinet)===
This section of the Organic Law lays out some of the members of the [[Cabinet]], some of whom are mandated here and some of which are mandated in statutes (such as the [[Cabinet Refinishing Act]]).  The Organic Ministers, in order of precedence, are the [[Foreign Minister]], [[Defense Minister]], [[Immigration Minister]], and [[Minister of Stuff]].  The [[Distain]], a deputy Seneschal, is also described in Article XII, as is the ceremonial head of the [[Cosa]], the [[Túischac'h]] (Speaker).
===Article XIII: Duration of the Cosâ and the Government===
As specified in Article XIII, the [[Cosa]] is convened two weeks after the conclusion of the general election.  Its term is six months, although because the [[Seneschal]] can declare an additional no-business month, in practice each Cosa endures for seven months.  The month-long election process ensures, then, that a new Cosa takes their seats every eight months.
The government changes on a similar schedule, but is not dissolved, like the Cosa, during the election period.  Article XIII also specifies that the [[King]] may issue a "[[Warrant of Prorogation]]," which directs the Cosa not to meet for a month out of its term.  While this has never occurred, the possibility then exists that a Cosa might have only five [[Clark]]s during an eight-month period, thanks to a Warrant of Prorogation, a month of no business, and the election period.
The King may also choose to dissolve the Cosa early and call for new elections at any time, or when such action is requested by the Seneschal and a majority of the Cosa, or whenever the government fails the monthly Vote of Confidence.
===Article XIV: Living Cosâ===
The [[Living Cosa]] is described in this article, although it is rarely implemented in a modern era that takes full advantage of electronic media.  These "live parliamentary meetings" are approved by a two-thirds vote of the [[Cosa]], with an exact time and date set by the [[Seneschal]] after consultation with any relevant persons.  The Seneschal may also choose to declare a Living Cosa by the normal [[Prime Dictate]] process, subject to veto.  In both cases, those Members of Cosa who are able will be in physical attendance, and the normal business and voting of the Cosa will occur "live."
Those who are unable to attend the Living Cosa, for whatever reason, are able to give other members their proxy, or may communicate their desired votes to the [[Secretary of State]], to be announced at the meeting.  New bills may not be presented at a Living Cosa, and while members of the [[{{sen}}]] may participate in debate, they have no vote.
===Article XV: Amendments to the Organic Law===
This article lays out the most common process by which the Organic Law may be amended.  With the approval of two-thirds of both chambers of the [[Ziu]] and a plurality of the citizenry, an amendment may be made.  There are some exceptions to this general rule, however: any amendment to the territory of a province or change in its representation also requires a specific majority of the citizens of that province.  Further, the Covenant of Rights and Freedoms ([[Organic Law#Article XIX: Covenant of Rights and Freedoms|see below]]) may only be amended with the agreement of two-thirds of all voters.
Another method by which the Organic Law might be amended is by popular referendum, detailed in [[Organic Law#20.1|Article XX]].
===Article XVI: The Courts===
This article of the Organic Law lays out the nature and functioning of the judiciary of [[Talossa]], most especially the [[Cort pü Inalt]].  This body of three justices hear all civil and criminal cases in the Kingdom, except those that proceed no further than the lower court of the [[Magistracy]].  Justices must be apolitical, and so cannot be either royalty nor a sitting member of a legislative office.  In most other ways, the Cort functions in the manner of most other judicial bodies, ruling based on precedent and law, except that the Cort pü Inalt is required to wear official wigs while doing so.
===Article XVII: Territorial Subdivisions===
One of the most important parts of the OrgLaw, Article XVII defines the manner in which [[Talossa]] is subdivided (into provinces, territories, and cantons), describes the manner in which provinces govern themselves, establishes the scope of the [[Ziu]]'s power to legislate, and reserves all other power to the provinces.  Almost all sections of this article are relatively simple, except for the very complex {{org|17|6}} and {{org|17|9}}, which respectively govern the limits of the Ziu's power and provincial governance.
Other items of particular interest in this article are the {{org|17|3}} rule which makes it impossible for a citizen to be "reassigned" to a different province without his consent, even if provincial boundaries change, and the ironclad language of {{org|17|12}}, which prohibits secession of any kind.
===Article XVIII: Citizenship and Rights===
This section concerns the manner a person acquires and may lose their Talossan citizenship.  The latter may occur voluntarily, through renunciation, or involuntarily, through inaction or penalty of law.  It describes the methods of which native-born citizens, or [[Dandelions]], are formally inducted into the nation.
===Article XIX: Covenant of Rights and Freedoms===
The seventeen covenants of the Covenant of Rights and Freedoms enforce a special list of rights to which all Talossan citizens are guaranteed.  This section of the Organic Law is subject to a more difficult amendment process, reflecting the essential and enduring nature of the rights of which it speaks.  These rights include free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom from discrimination, and freedom of religion, as well as rights to privacy and a fair trial.  Many of these rights reflect the formative influence of the U.S. Constitution's [[wikipedia:Bill of Rights|Bill of Rights]], as well as the [[wikipedia:Declaration of the Rights of Man|Declaration of the Rights of Man]].  More unusual, however, are the Organic guarantees to marriage equality, assisted suicide, and the right to an abortion prior to the fifth month of pregnancy.  These latter covenants are extremely progressive for any country, particularly for the period in which they were enacted ({{year|1997}}).
===Article XX: Referenda===
The twentieth article consists of only a single section, declaring the method of referenda by which the citizenry may amend the OrgLaw, bypassing the legislature's approval.  After the Ziu has prepared a proposed change, it takes effect upon approval by a majority of Talossans.
===Article XXI: Status of the Organic Law===
The final article of the OrgLaw establishes its supremacy as the supreme law of [[Talossa]].  All laws previously extant and any future laws are declared null and void to whatever extent they conflict with any provisions within this document.  Brief but sweeping, this article makes the democratically-enacted Organic Law the ultimate authority within the nation, putting all citizens - including the [[King]] under the rule of law.


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Organic Law (text)|The text of the Organic Law]]
*[[Organic Law (text)|The text of the Organic Law]]
*[[Organic Law (history)|The history of the Organic Law]]
*[[Organic Law (historical texts)|The historical texts of the Organic Law]]
*[[Organic Law (historical texts)|The historical texts of the Organic Law]]


[[Category:Law]]
[[Category:Law]][[Category:Organic Law]]

Latest revision as of 02:27, 19 April 2023

Governing Documents
of the
Kingdom of Talossa
1979/I
The 1979 Declaration
The 1979 Constitution
1985/VI
The 1985 Organic Law
1988/IX
The 1988 Constituziun
1997/XVIII & 2019/XL
The Organic Law
Looking for the current text of the Organic Law?

The Organic Law, in el glheþ Legeu Orgänic (also known as the 1997 Organic Law), is the constitutional law and the supreme governing document of Talossa, that shall not be confused with the 1985 Organic Law. Its 12 articles broadly establish the boundaries of the nation, the role of the Crown, the functioning of the Government, the nature of the Ziu, and other vital topics. The eleventh article describes a Covenant of Rights and Freedoms modeled after the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights, which guarantees a list of rights to the citizens. As the foundation of all law in Talossa, the Organic Law comes under a great deal of scrutiny and has been subject to more than a few amendments. No law that comes into conflict with it is considered to be valid, and a cort may rule that the law as a whole is nullified. This has happened on several occasions. Similarly, officials of the Kingdom are expected to act according to the guidelines set forth in the Organic Law, and if they fail to do so, they may be sued or censured. An action or a law that is found to be inconsistent with the Organic Law is said to be inorganic.

History

See our main article on this subject at Organic Law (History).

The Organic Law was first approved in a referendum held in July 1997/XVIII by a majority of 93% and was extensively changed when the Ziu approved and the people ratified in a referendum, held in November 2019/XL, with a majority of 78%, the Still Into This Amendment amending the whole text. The new text came into effect the 1st of March 2020/XLI.

Contents

Article I: Points of State

Text of Org.I.0.

Article II: The King

Text of Org.II.0.
See our main article on this subject at Crown.

Article III: The Senäts

Text of Org.III.0.
See our main article on this subject at Senäts.

Article IV: The Cosă

Text of Org.IV.0.
See our main article on this subject at Cosa.

Article V: Elections

Text of Org.V.0.
See our main article on this subject at General Election.

Article VI: The Government

Text of Org.VI.0.
See our main article on this subject at Government.

Article VII: Legislation

Text of Org.VII.0.

Article VIII: The Courts

Text of Org.VIII.0.
See our main article on this subject at Judiciary.

This article of the Organic Law lays out the nature and functioning of the judiciary of Talossa, most especially the Cort pü Inalt. This body of three justices hear all civil and criminal cases in the Kingdom, except those that proceed no further than the lower courts. In most other ways, the Cort functions in the manner of most other judicial bodies, ruling based on precedent and law, except that the Cort pü Inalt is required to wear official wigs while doing so.

Article IX: Territorial Subdivisions

Text of Org.IX.0.
See our main article on this subject at Realm.

One of the most important parts of the OrgLaw, Article XVII defines the manner in which Talossa is subdivided (into provinces, territories, and cantons), describes the manner in which provinces govern themselves, establishes the scope of the Ziu's power to legislate, and reserves all other power to the provinces. Almost all sections of this article are relatively simple, except for the very complex Org.9.4. which respectively govern the limits of the Ziu's power and provincial governance.

Other items of particular interest in this article are the Org.IX.8. rule which makes it impossible for a citizen to be "reassigned" to a different province without his consent, even if provincial boundaries change, and the ironclad language of Org.IX.10., which prohibits secession of any kind.

Article X: Citizenship and Rights

Text of Org.X.0.

This section concerns the manner a person acquires and may lose their Talossan citizenship. The latter may occur voluntarily, through renunciation, or involuntarily, through inaction or penalty of law. It describes the methods of which native-born citizens, or Dandelions, are formally inducted into the nation.

Article XI: Covenant of Rights and Freedoms

Text of Org.XI.0.
See our main article on this subject at Covenant of Rights and Freedoms.

The seventeen covenants of the Covenant of Rights and Freedoms enforce a special list of rights to which all Talossan citizens are guaranteed. This section of the Organic Law is subject to a more difficult amendment process, reflecting the essential and enduring nature of the rights of which it speaks. These rights include free speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom from discrimination, and freedom of religion, as well as rights to privacy and a fair trial. Many of these rights reflect the formative influence of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights, as well as the Declaration of the Rights of Man. More unusual, however, are the Organic guarantees to marriage equality, assisted suicide, and the right to an abortion prior to the fifth month of pregnancy. These latter covenants are extremely progressive for any country, particularly for the period in which they were enacted (1997/XVIII).

Article XII: Amendments to this Organic Law

Text of Org.XII.0.

See also

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