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Section 2 - Organizational Structure

2.1 Overview​

The Department of Justice is composed of several division which serve a vital role in the administration of law and justice throughout the State of San Andreas. Together, they form a balanced system designed to ensure fair prosecution, dedicated defense, and impartial judgement.

The Department of Justice operates under the leadership of the Chief Justice. When absent, a Justice. The Chief Justice serves as the head of the department and the highest authority within the State's judicial system.

The Chief Justice provides oversight, ensures ethical conduct, and maintains integrity within the courts, attorneys, and all legal operations.

2.2 Department of Justice Divisions and Their Roles​

2.2A - Chief Justice​

The Chief Justice is assigned to the San Andreas Supreme Court. They're the head of the Department of Justice. The Chief Justice ensures fairness, impartiality in all cases, integrity and the overall function of the Department of Justice.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Setting and enforcing judicial policy and professional standards.
  • Overseeing the operations of all Department of Justice divisions and courts.
  • Conducting disciplinary reviews and ethical investigations when required.
  • Appointing justices, judges, magistrates, and other divisional members.
  • Modification of penal code, SOP's, and standards.
  • Presiding over appeal cases or lower court cases when needed.

2.2B - Justice​

Justices are assigned to the San Andreas Appellate Court. They assist the Chief Justice, serves as a supervisor to Judges and Magistrates, and ensures consistency in lower court rulings.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Ensuring fairness is lower court cases.
  • Presides over appellate hearings.
  • Assists the Chief Justice in administrative settings when required.
  • Presides over lower court cases when required.
  • May issue ethical violations to bar licenses or conduct investigations when required.

2.2C - Judge​

Judges are assigned to the State District Court. They preside over courtroom proceedings, interpret the law, and deliver rulings that shape the course of justice across the state. They maintain order, ensure due process, and protect the rights of all parties involved.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Preside over criminal and civil cases assigned to the State District Court.
  • Ensure proceedings adhere to the rules of evidence and procedural fairness.
  • Issue rulings, verdicts, and sentencing in accordance with the Penal Code and Constitution.
  • Manage pre-trial motions.
  • Maintaining order and decorum in all courtroom proceedings.
  • Reporting judicial misconduct or procedural violations to the Chief Justice.

2.2D - Magistrate​

Magistrates serve as judicial officers who handle preliminary and procedural matters to keep the justice system efficient and accessible. They act as the first point of contact in most criminal cases and assist in managing the court's workload under the supervision of the Presiding Judge.

  • Conducting arraignments and initial hearings following arrest.
  • Setting or reviewing bail and bond conditions.
  • Issuing search, arrest, and bench warrants with probable cause.
  • Reviewing criminal complaints and confirming legal sufficiency.
  • Presiding over civil matters or traffic court.

2.2E - District Attorney's Office​

The District Attorney's Office is one of many divisions within the Department of Justice. They're responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the State of San Andreas and its government bodies. The District Attorneys office holds a District Attorney, Assistant District Attorney and Prosecutors.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Reviewing criminal complaints and evidence for probable cause.
  • Filing and pursuing criminal charges consistent with the Penal Code.
  • Conducting trials, plea negotiations, and sentencing recommendations.
  • Upholding fairness and constitutional rights during prosecution.

2.2F - Public Defender's Office​

The Public Defender's Office represents individuals charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford private counsel or when private counsel isn't available. It's mission is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure every person receives a fair trial.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Providing legal advice and representation throughout assigned court proceedings.
  • Challenging improper procedures or unlawful evidence submitted by the state.
  • Fighting for fairness and proportionality in sentencing.
  • Handles representation for civil proceedings.

2.2G - Judicial Branch​

The Judicial Branch makes up the courts of San Andreas. They form the foundation of the Department of Justice where justice is interpreted, debated, and delivered.

Divisions:

  • San Andreas Supreme Court - The highest judicial authority, led by the Chief Justice, responsible for constitutional interpretation, and disciplinary oversight.
  • San Andreas Appellate Court - The Appellate Court is led by the assigned Justice, overseen by the Chief Justice. They're responsible for reviewing of proceedings or hearings brought forward as an appeal by lower courts.
  • San Andreas District Court - This is where all criminal and civil cases will begin. This court handles criminal cases and civil suits.

2.2H - San Andreas Bar Administration (DISCONTINUED)​

The San Andreas Bar Administration is led by the Chief Justice. They ensure professional and ethical regulation of all licensed attorneys within the Department of Justice.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Managing attorney admissions, testing and licensing.
  • Investigating misconduct and enforcing disciplinary action.
  • Hosting training, and continuing legal education programs.
  • Upholding integrity and professionalism across the legal community.

2.3 - Chain of Command​

RoleOfficeNotes
Chief JusticeSan Andreas Supreme Court / DOJ LeadershipHead of Department; Final authority on all judicial and legal operations.
JusticeSan Andreas Appellate Court / DOJ LeadershipAssists the Chief Justice, handles appeals and judicial oversight.
JudgeSan Andreas District CourtManages lower court operations, fairness, and due process.
MagistrateSan Andreas District CourtAssists Judges and court operations.
District Attorney / Chief Public DefenderDAO / PDOOversees prosecution or defense within their respective offices. Handles assignment to cases and alike.
Assistant District Attorney / Deputy Chief Public DefenderDAO / PDOAssists the head of their division with tasks
Prosecutor / Public DefenderDAO / PDOWorks with the Chief of Division, provides legal advice, manages cases and court appearances.
ParalegalDAO / PDOProvides legal research, documentation, and filing assistance; prepares exhibits, case files, and supports attorneys during proceedings.
Court ClerkJudicial BranchMaintains court dockets, evidence logs, exhibits, and filings; records hearings, manages scheduling, and ensures procedural accuracy.