Emyn Engrin laws

Barazahar is devoid of the complex, cumbersome and often contradictory lists of laws so common in the cities of the unruly race of Men. Instead, most grievances are handled by Dwarven society itself, more specifically the Dwarf's clan, whose elders generally decide guilt or innocence and mete out suitable punishment in the case of conviction. This is done in the case of clan matters.

In the case of matters that the Stewards feel are the provision of the entire hold, another system is used. For minor offences, such as fistfighting/brawling, fees are relatively low and can often be collected on the spot by the Baraz Burk sergeant (assuming the participants are caught!). In the case of more serious offences, however, a convening of the Courts is called for.

The Third Court consists of a panel of five judges, one elder from each of the four great clans, and two from the clan that the accused Dwarf has given his allegiance. Evidence and witnesses in favor of both sides may be called up; this court is generally reserved for offences such as minor property destruction and the like. It is the most widely used of the three.

The Second Court consists of the same five-judge system, though it consists of the four Thanes, the fifth member being either a clan elder or one of the Ruling Stewards, depending on the seriousness of the offence. This court is generally reserved for major offences such as serious property destruction, arson, or the attacking and injuring of a guest of the hold.

The First Court is reserved for the most serious of events, such as the killing of a guest or ally, or taking up arms against a fellow Dwarf. It is comprised of four hand-picked members from the Ruling Council, and headed up by the Lord Steward Thorin himself.

Though this court system might seem a bit unjust to humans, thousands of years of Dwarven clan society have ensured that those in the positions to decide these matters are generally just and fair, and rare is the time that Dwarves (aside from the accused) have complained of a judgement or sentence that is unjust, too harsh, or too hastily made. The nature of the Dwarves, especially their leaders, has made sure that this system works, which it has for hundreds of years.