(Note: This post will look very similar when compared to the others in the Judicial Nominations posts)
The reasons to choose me for this Judicial Position are numerous. I have been playing Civ3 since October 28, 2001, and have experience in both PTW and C3C. I know the value of the game, and everything there is to know about it. As far as reviewing rules and cases, I have been one of 3 judges on a local traffic court for teenagers here in Oz. I have experience reviewing facts and making quick yet educated decisions. I also have the practice of reviewing rules set in stone (laws or the Constitution for this game) and deciding if any new action violates the documents. I am also new to the DemoGame system, so I will not be restricted by events of the past games. I will be free to interpret this position and the Constitution with a new freshness to hopefully pump new life into the Game.
Now, to answer all of these questions:
Cyc asks:
What principle would you use for a basis in determining whether an investigation had "No Merit"?
No Merit accusations are by far the easiest decisions that could be proposed. If the outcome of an investigation would not affect the game, Citizens, or the Constitution no matter the verdict, the investigation is without merit. Also, If the subject matter at hand is a constitutional matter, my interpretation of the Constituion would be somewhat strict, with a little room for open interpretation. If there is anything that comes up to which no law or document refers to, I feel the only option available would be to assign an investigation with a "No Merit" label, and suggest the other branches of government deal with a solution for any future issues of the same type with a law or amendment.
DaveShack asks:
1. For Judicial Reviews, what facts will you use to interpret the laws? If you have contradicting pieces of information from different sources, how do you reconcile the differences?
2. In PI / CC proceedings, does the motive of the complaintant have any bearing on how you decide if the case has merit.
1. Judicial Reviews will require using a conjuction of the Constitution and other laws/documents to decide if:
A. There is any contradiction without replacement of the contradicted law.
B. There is no infringement on any goals set forth in the Constitution.
or
C. The law at hand is a blatant attempt to undermine the game, the Demogame community or the citizens themselves.
For the most part this would be a straightforward job. Because this is the first term, I hope contradictions will be kept to a minimum right from the bat. in the case there is some disagreement, the best way i have found to solve problems is an open discussion with all parties involved to find out what each side or judge feels. Then you can begin to piece together a solution using information of what each party is comfortable agreeing to.
2. In my opinion, motive means nothing. Whether someone is trying to make a point, or gain something personally, the LAW is LAW. There should be no difference in a case simply because of the motive for the complaint. If I am elected to the court, frivolous suits will never have merit. And serious concerns presented to the court will always be considered, no matter what state the complaintant will end up in after the verdict. Facts presented by the complaintant, the Constitution and laws will be the only consideration in making a fair judgement.
Bootstoots asks:
1. Are you running for multiple positions?
2. If you answered yes to the above question, what positions are you running for, and in what order would you accept them if you win multiple elections?
3. If this position is not your first choice as answered in question 2, why should we vote for you here, knowing that our vote may be wasted if you win another election?
1.Yes.
2. Chief Justice, Public Defender and Judge's Advocate. Cheif Justice would be first, then I would try to reach an agreement with a second place finisher if i had to choose between Public Defender and Judge's Advocate to ensure the best candidates fill both positions.
3. Your vote would not be wasted, because votes are never wasted when you vote for the best candidate. But I would say that Having me in any judicial position, since they are all very similar would be a huge benefit to the game, and it would not make too much difference which position I accept.
Thanks everyone!