Sanctuary Councilman/Councilwoman,

I am requesting the addition of two new laws to our books. These two laws are essential in keeping our city safe.

The First Law: Conspiracy. Currently, if an individual conspires with another to commit a crime that person is innocent. If someone hires an assassin to kill someone, only the assassin may be charged under the law.

Conspiracy should be defined as when two or more individuals agree to commit a crime, and then take some action toward its completion. In order to be proven it must be indicated that the individuals involved in the conspiracy knew of the plan and intended to break the law. One person should be able to be charged with and convicted of both conspiracy and the underlying crime based on the same circumstances.

For example, Vikthor, Borag, and Persa plan to murder a councilor. They 1) Stalk the councilor first to assess his usual locations and his typical level of security, 2) Pool their money and buy potions and other trinkets to assist in the battle, and 3) Buy disguises so that they will not be recognized. All three should be able to be charged with conspiracy to commit murder, regardless of whether the murder itself is actually attempted or completed.

The Second Law: Aiding and Abetting. Under our current law it is perfectly legal to assist a wanted criminal. If someone wishes to assist a criminal in escaping the Watch it is perfectly legal for them to do so.

Aiding and Abetting should be defined as an individual who helps in the commission of a crime. A person charged with aiding and abetting need not be present when the crime itself is committed, but he or she must have knowledge of the crime before or after the fact, and must assist in its commission through advice, actions, or some form of support.

For example, Vikthor draws a map of the Sanctuary Town Hall, knowing that Borag intends to assassinate a Councilor. After Borag commits the murder, Persa agrees to let him hide out in her home. Both Vikthor and Persa can be charged with aiding and abetting, or acting as accessories to the murder.

I am sure we can all agree that these laws must be on our books in order to ensure that our settlement can properly be protected. I felt it was important that you be made aware of their absence and their negative impact on our ability to ensure that justice may be served.

If you would like a meeting with me to discuss things further, or if I can somehow be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Private Dedrick of the Sanctuary Watch

Recieved

Esteemed Councilors,

I am requesting information on how proceedings are going dealing with these issues. If there is anything I can do to help assist or speed things along please notify me. Thank you.

Private Dedrick

[Resent.]

Private Dedrick,

This is indeed a reasonable law, and one that we will no doubt vote on in the not too distant future. At the moment we are snowed under with new legislation, legal clarifications and treaties. I will make sure I put these laws up for review this term, I just have not the time to draft them at this very moment.

- A. Y.

[This letter is sent to Councilor Yhaunn but a direct copy is also sent to Hikaru Ayumi.]

Councilor Yhaunn,

While I understand the Council is busy, and you in particular, I cannot stress enough the importance of this being done immediately. Even though there is a precedent in place by Councilor's of convicting criminals of these crimes, there is no law on the books. Until these laws are passed, the Watch cannot legally arrest individuals who are in the process of or who have assisted in the commission of a crime.

I hope I am not being forward, but since you have indicated that you are busy I have taken the liberty of drafting the two proposed laws. They should be voted on separately to increase the chances for them being passed. I am sending a copy to Councilor Ayumi so that either one of you, but preferably both of you, shall come forward and show your immediate support.

Private Dedrick

Proposed Sanctuary Law: Conspiracy

Any citizen of Sanctuary shall henceforth be charged with the crime of Conspiracy that shall be defined as: the willful act of planning to break the law. The accused need not succeed in breaking the law or be present at the time it is broken. However, in order to be charged the accused must have taken a step toward breaking the law.

Punishment: Varies, but is equal to the crime that the accused conspired to commit.

Proposed Sanctuary Law: Aiding and Abetting

Any citizen of Sanctuary shall henceforth be charged with the crime of Aiding and Abetting that shall be defined as: the willful act of assisting in the commission or cover-up of a crime. The accused need not be present when the crime is committed, but must have knowledge of the crime either before or after the fact.

Assistance shall be defined as giving aid through advice, actions or support. Cover-up shall be defined as withholding evidence or knowledge of a crime.

Punishment: Varies, but is equal to the crime committed.