Guide to Space Law

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This page is currently under active development and may be incomplete or subject to revision.

Last Updated: 2025-10-30
Editor: Sima

Jurisdiction

On Space Station 14, stations operate under abbreviated Space Law. All crew and visitors aboard the station are subject to these laws.

• Crew: Individuals employed by Nanotrasen to maintain and operate the station, including command staff, security forces, and departmental personnel. Individuals without current contracts with Nanotrasen are not crew, and do not enjoy the protections of Space Law unless they are Visitors.

• Visitors: Peaceful non-crew personnel with authorized access, such as traders, diplomats, and approved guests who temporarily board the station or its shuttles. Hostile foreigners and entities are not Visitors, and do not enjoy the protections of Space Law.

The station, shuttles, trade station, arrivals, equipment, materials, and any other entity constructed with materials provided by Nanotrasen or its employees, are the property of Nanotrasen. Central Command (CentCom) is Nanotrasen's organizational structure that has jurisdiction over of the operations of Nanotrasen property and personnel in the Omu Sector.

Private shuttles—those not owned by Nanotrasen—fall outside this jurisdiction. Visitor shuttles are explicitly private, and unwarranted searches constitute Secure Trespass unless:

• A pursued criminal has boarded the shuttle, regardless of permission.
• There is reasonable suspicion that the shuttle’s occupants intend harm against the station or its crew.
• A crime onboard the shuttle has been visibly witnessed or reported.
• A warrant has been authorized.

Prisoner Rights

Individuals who fall under the Jurisdiction of Space Law have the following rights while in detainment:

• Prisoners must be granted adequate medical care.
• Prisoners must be allowed access to basic communications equipment so long as they are not abused.
• Prisoners must be granted clothing, food, water, shelter and safety. If the brig is no longer safe, temporary confinement must be established in another location.
• Prisoners must be given access to legal counsel. If no legal counsel is present, a member of the crew must be appointed to serve in that capacity for the prisoner.
• Prisoners must be given a trial for all Capital Punishments.
• Prisoners must be given their shift mandated PDA after confinement has finished, unless there is proof of PDA tampering. In case of tampering, the PDA is to be secured and replaced with a new unit.
• Prisoners must be granted freedom of movement and should not be restrained with handcuffs or other devices after incarceration unless there is an undue risk to life and limb.
• Prisoners should not be confined to a solitary cell unless they pose a risk to others or the security of their confinement
• Prisoners cannot be executed without a trial unless:
  • They repeatedly damage their cell to the point that safe confinement is unreasonable.
  • They repeatedly attack and cause serious injury to other prisoners making the safe confinement of other prisoners unreasonable.
  • They escape confinement while charged with or awaiting trial for a Capital Punishment.
  • They undergo a blood test that proves they are not a member of the Crew or a Visitor.
  • They have illegal implants that are unable to be removed.

Search and Seizure

Personnel Search

A personnel search involves inspecting an individual’s backpack, hands, coat, belt, and pockets for contraband or restricted items. If such items are found, officers should confiscate them and may escalate the search into detainment. All legal items must be returned after the search.

• During Green Alert, personnel searches require probable cause or a warrant, and crew members may legally refuse a search. If contraband or restricted items are in plain sight, officers may conduct a full personnel search, up to and including detainment.

• During Blue Alert or higher, all personnel searches are authorized without requiring consent.

Departmental Search

A departmental search is a thorough sweep of an entire department for contraband, including lockers, storage containers, and personnel. These searches require a warrant signed by the department head or highest-ranking command staff.

Implantation Procedures

Prisoners may undergo implantation or implant removal, so long as it's within reason. Implantation must not extend a detainee’s sentence unless explicitly permitted. Former inmates can be required to undergo implantation procedures if the circumstances during their confinement warranted it. Any implant not listed below may still be applied with proper legal context or voluntary consent.

Implantation

• Tracking Implants: May be applied to prisoners convicted of Major, Extreme, and/or Capital crimes or those charged with or awaiting trial for a Capital Punishment.

• Mind Shields: Administered to prisoners clearly influenced by mind control, exhibiting loss of autonomy, or charged with Rioting, Mutiny, or Rebellion.
  • Unlike standard implantation, prisoners may be held until Mind Shields are issued, provided it's done promptly.
  • Refusal or failure of the implant may result in charges of Refusal of Mental Shielding.

Implant Removal

Prisoners or suspects may be forced to undergo implant removal if strong, reasonable evidence exists, such as:

• An officer directly witnessing implant use
• A hidden device is the only reasonable explanation for something that takes place, such as an item inexplicably disappearing.

• Discarded injectors containing identifying information.

Unlike implantation, detention for Implant Removal may be extended until removal is completed, provided security is actively attempting the procedure. Voluntary consent allows removal without evidence.

• If an implant is discovered and cannot be removed, it may result in charges of Subversion.

Legal Representation and Trials

See Legal Standard Operating Procedure for more information.

Prisoners have a right to legal representation. Prisoners have a right to a trial for all Capital Punishments unless an exception applies. All other trials are held at the discretion of the Judge. Trial results are final.

Lawyers offer legal assistance to those accused of crimes, or to aid Security in the just application of the law. In the event there is no legal representation for a prisoner, they are required to act on their behalf. Lawyers have no authority over the operations of Security or sentencing and may be trespassed from Security if their actions become disruptive to the operations of the department. Lawyers handle the following:

• Advise and assist Security in the sentencing of prisoners.
• Act as legal consultants to the accused.

The Judge acts as the highest legal authority on the station. The Judge ensures all trials are performed according to the Legal Standard Operating Procedures and that any preparations for a safe and efficient trial are carried out. Should the Judge be unavailable, a neutral, impartial member of the crew should be appointed by the Captain to serve in that capacity. To perform their duties, the Judge may:

• Remove, enhance, or otherwise change sentences for prisoners as they see fit.
• Charge individuals with contempt(Failure to Comply) or Perjury during a Trial or during the preparation of a Trial as necessary.
• Expel individuals who disrupt or disgrace the courtroom.
• Nominate individuals to serve as Lawyers for the accused or Prosecutors against the accused if necessary.
• Disqualify or disallow evidence or testimony that is false, misleading, or not germane to the charges alleged.
• Adjust the Legal Standard Operating Procedures due to exigent circumstances.
  • Any changes require documentation with clear and convincing reasoning be sent to Central Command.

Crime Stacking

"Crime Stacking", or the procedure for charging someone with multiple crimes simultaneously, is required when someone violates multiple Laws. Crime Stacking involves:

• Adding the timers for each crime the accused committed. Only the highest relevant crime in a category code (last two digits) should be used.
• Crimes with the same category code cannot be charged together. e.g: 1-02, 2-02, 3-02 do not stack.
  • Otherwise, crimes can be stacked together; the timers are added together for stacking.

For instance, breaking a window to steal something should be charged with 1-04 - Petty Theft, 1-05 - Vandalism, and 1-06 - Trespass. See the Crime Directory for category codes.

Prisoner Escape & Vandalism

Prisoners who escape, attempt to escape, or destroy station property during their confinement face additional punishments:

P-01 - Vandalism: Prisoners destroying station property non-essential to confinement. Examples include:

• Breaking lights and furniture.
• Damaging or destroying equipment in confinement.

P-02 - Attempted Escape: Prisoners attempting to escape confinement. Examples include:

• Breaking or damaging cell windows and walls.
• Attacking an officer inside a cell.
• Conspiring with another party to assist with an escape.

P-03 - Escape: Prisoners leaving or escaping their confinement area without permission from security. Examples include:

• A prisoner leaving or escaping their cell while the timer is running.
• A prisoner escaping custody while being moved.

The punishment for these offenses depends on the status of the Prisoner. The status of the prisoner is always either, Temporary, Permanent, or Isolation.

Temporary: A temporary prisoner is one who has received a sentence that is less than permanent confinement. They may be upgraded to Isolation due to violations of P-01, P-02, or P-03

Permanent: A permanent prisoner is one who has received a sentence of permanent confinement or is awaiting trial for Capital Punishment. They may be upgraded to Isolation due to violations of P-01, P-02, or P-03

Isolation: An isolation prisoner is a temporary or permanent prisoner whose actions have resulted in them being placed in solitary confinement. They will serve out the remainder of their sentence in isolation, at the discretion of Security.

Prisoner Status	P-01 In-Cell Vandalism	P-02 Attempted Escape	P-03 Escape
Temporary	Reset Timer	Reset Timer +/- Isolation (Discretionary)	Reset Timer + 10 Minutes
Permanent	Isolation	Isolation	Re-Detained, Executed, or KoS (Discretionary)
Isolation	Straightjacket	Straightjacket or Execution (Discretionary)	Re-Detained, Executed, or KoS (Discretionary)

Crime Directory Note: Please refer to the links to the full charges for additional information. Code 1-XX - Minor (0–5 minutes) 2-XX - Moderate (5–10 minutes) 3-XX - Major (10–15 minutes) 4-XX - Extreme (Permabrig) 5-XX - Capital (Permabrig/Execution) 00 Failure to Comply Breach of Arrest Breach of Custody 01 Minor Possession Possession 02 Minor Contraband Contraband Seditious Contraband 03 Distribution of Controlled Substances Smuggling Trafficking 04 Petty Theft Theft Robbery Grand Theft 05 Vandalism Damage of Property Sabotage Mass Sabotage Terrorism 06 Trespass Secure Trespass 07 Criminal Harassment Assault Aggravated Assault Attempted Murder Murder 08 Reckless Endangerment Manslaughter 09 Disorderly Conduct Aggravated Disorderly Conduct Rioting Mutiny Rebellion 10 Impersonation and Fraud Bribery Perjury Forgery Subversion 11 Animal Neglect Animal Cruelty Desecration of a Corpse Destruction of a Corpse 12 Unlawful Detainment Kidnapping 13 Vigilantism Unlawful Execution

Modifier Directory Some modifiers have special clauses and conditions. Situation Modifier Situation Modifier Aiding and Abetting Partner's sentence; minimum 5 Refusal to Cooperate 50% addition Brainwashing Deconversion & Release Repeat Offender +10 mins on 2nd same offense Central Command Order Sentence Overridden Resisting Arrest +0-5 mins to sentence Cooperative 50% reduction Self Defense Immediate Release Medical Attention Running Timer Surrender 50% reduction Offense Against an Officer +5 mins to sentence Threat to Prisoner Immediate Release/Relocation Parole Parole Until Release

Crime Register

Minor Crimes

All of these crimes are punishable by a warning or sentence up to 5 minutes at the discretion of Security.

Code	Image	Crime	Description
1-01		Minor Possession	To make, hold, or use restricted equipment without a written permit or authorization.
1-02		Minor Contraband	To make, hold, or use minor contraband without authorization. Authorization may only be granted by the Captain or the Head of Security.
1-04		Petty Theft	To take non-vital or inexpensive property of another individual, organization, or common property, without consent. Theft of safety or medical equipment such as breath masks, air tanks, or necessary mobility aids are considered vital, and exceed petty theft.
1-05		Vandalism	To intentionally deface or superficially damage property. Examples include graffiti, smashing glasses or windows, excessively littering, and excessively producing spills.
1-06		Trespass	To enter a non-secured area without permission, such as climbing over counters to enter employee areas like the Bar or Kitchen.
1-07		Criminal Harassment	To intentionally and repeatedly cause psychological distress in another. This includes but is not limited to unwanted physical contact, spreading false rumors either directly or indirectly about a crew member, continuous targeted pranks or bullying.
1-09		Disorderly Conduct	To cause a public disturbance. This is the catch-all for excessive obnoxious behavior, and includes public nudity, harassment, inciting crime, repeated and intentional misgendering, and disruption of authorities or communications.
1-10		Impersonation and Fraud	To pretend to be someone you are not, or attempting to commit fraud in any fashion. Impersonation may be elevated to a Moderate crime if the perpetrator is impersonating a member of Security, or a Major crime if they are impersonating a member of Command or Central Command.
1-11		Animal Neglect	To inflict unnecessary suffering or harm on a non-sapient being without malicious intent. This does not include legitimate and authorized animal testing, the butchering of livestock for meat, or the removal of vermin, or hostile creatures.

Moderate Crimes

All of these crimes are punishable by a sentence of 5 to 10 minutes at the discretion of Security.

Code	Image	Crime	Description
2-00		Failure to Comply	To resist, refuse, or obstruct lawful orders given by an authority. This includes lawful detainment and authorized searches. Officers are required to warn the individual before resorting to arrest.
2-03		Distribution of Controlled Substances	To make, hold, or use major contraband without authorizations. Only the Captain may authorize individual use of major contraband. Any items restricted to Security or Command are deemed as major contraband.
2-04		Theft	To take, without permission, vital or valuable property of another individual or organization without consent.
2-05		Damage or Destruction of Property	To maliciously damage or deface public or private property or equipment. This includes equipment vendors, drink dispensers, computers, and machinery such as lathes.
2-07		Assault	To assault another without a weapon and without causing serious injury. Serious injury is defined as any life altering injury such as loss of limb, damage to the eyes or ears, or any other damages measured by a Health Analyzer to be exceeding 30 total.
2-09		Aggravated Disorderly Conduct	To intentionally disrupt public order after being warned, during emergencies, or dangerous situations.
2-10		Bribery	To attempt or succeed to bribe officials to be derelict of their duties or commit a crime with any payment including but not limited to; Services, favors, spesos, credits, materials, or items of any kind. This also applies to anyone caught accepting a bribe and is cumulative with whatever crime they were bribed to commit.
2-11		Animal Cruelty	To inflict unnecessary suffering or harm on a non-sapient being with malicious intent. This does not include legitimate and authorized animal testing, the butchering of livestock for meat, or the removal of vermin, or hostile creatures.
2-12		Vigilantism	To attempt to unlawfully enforce Space Law without vested authority. See: Enforcement of the Law.
2-13		Unlawful Detainment	To unlawfully restrain, transport, control, or confine a sapient being against that individual’s will. This is a catchall to cover any form of kidnapping or forced control.

Major Crimes

All of these crimes are punishable by a sentence of 10 to 15 minutes at the discretion of Security.

Code	Image	Crime	Description
3-00		Breach of Arrest	To intentionally resist and flee arrest or detainment by an authorized staff. This only applies if someone is actively being physically arrested. People uncuffing or assisting others out of an arrest can also be charged with this. Breach of custody is a separate crime.
3-01		Possession
3-02		Contraband	To make, hold, or use Syndicate contraband. Syndicate contraband may only be used in emergencies, and only to prevent death or gross bodily harm.
3-03		Smuggling
3-04		Robbery	To steal something with the threat of violence using anything that can be considered a weapon, whether or not the weapon is contraband or not. This can include knives, toolboxes, crowbars, or any number of other improvised weaponry. There must be an active threat of violence, or the implication of violence if the victim does not comply, in order to be considered armed robbery.
3-05		Sabotage
3-06		Secure Trespass	To enter a secured area without permission. If the area is behind a locked door, it is secure trespass. This includes telecomms, department head offices, command areas, the vault, and the armory.
3-07		Aggravated Assault	To assault another with a weapon or unarmed assault resulting in serious injury. Serious injury is defined as any life altering injury such as loss of limb, damage to the eyes or ears, or any other damages measured by a Health Analyzer to be exceeding 30 total.
3-08		Reckless Endangerment	To recklessly put yourself or others in danger, either through direct action or failure to act. This includes negligence, accidents, medical malpractice, destruction or impairment of safety features such as firelocks and exterior windows, and reckless piloting of shuttles.
3-09		Rioting	To participate in a large group of personnel creating an unlawful public disturbance. Leaders of a riot may be charged with all the crimes committed under their lead, plus sedition.
3-10		Perjury	To intentionally lie under oath or make a false statement in a written document.
3-11		Desecration of a Corpse	To mutilate, disfigure, or otherwise violate an individual's remains. This includes the desecration of graves or burial sites.
3-12		Kidnapping

Extreme Crimes

All of these crimes can result in Permanent Confinement.

• Only the Judge, Captain, Head of Security, or Warden can authorize a Permanent Sentence.

• If a prisoner requests an Execution or Cyborgization, they may be given one.

Code	Image	Crime	Description
4-00		Breach of Custody	To break out of a cell or custody with the intention of escaping. This applies to people breaking others out. Repeat offenses may have this charge increased to permanent confinement and later elevated to an execution with the Captain’s authority only if the suspect has repeatedly committed breach of custody. Breach of custody for the preservation of life, not including to escape execution, such as to vacate a location made dangerous due to gunfire, fire, spacing, or lack of oxygen- may be reduced or ignored at the Warden or Head of Security’s discretion.
4-02		Seditious Contraband
4-03		Trafficking
4-04		Grand Theft	To take critical or irreplaceable property of another individual or organization without consent. This includes command items such as door remotes, hardsuits, machine parts, and hijacking a department shuttle.
4-05		Mass Sabotage	To cause massive damage to an area or major station system. This includes major bombings and sabotage of critical station systems like power, medical, chemistry, substations, and atmospherics.
4-07		Attempted Murder	To make an attempt to end someone’s life, using physical force or otherwise. Proof that action was taken with the intent to kill is necessary, such as a lethal weapon being used.
4-08		Manslaughter	To incidentally kill a sapient being without intent. This includes manslaughter in self-defense and negligent manslaughter.
4-09		Mutiny
4-10		Forgery	To forge a written document through illicit means, such as rewriting a stamped document, unauthorized use of an official stamp, or any other means.

Capital Crimes

All of these crimes can result in Execution, Permanent Confinement, or Cyborgization.

• Only the Judge, Captain, Head of Security, or Warden can authorize a Permanent Sentence.

• Only the Judge or Captain can authorize an Execution or Forced Cyborgization.

• If a prisoner requests an Execution or Cyborgization, they may be given one.

Capital Crimes

Code	Image	Crime	Description
5-05		Terrorism	To engage in malicious destructive actions which threaten to destroy or successfully destroy a vessel, habitat, or station. This includes extreme sabotage of station systems or setting off the self-destruction systems.
5-07		Murder	To kill a sapient being with malicious intent. If the victim must be revived, it is murder and not attempted murder.
5-09		Rebellion
5-10		Subversion	To refuse to comply with a reasonable Mind Shielding procedure. Applies if the suspect is excessively uncooperative or the implant fails to function due to the mental state of the prisoner being too far gone. If the implant fails, execution is heavily recommended.
5-11		Destruction of a Corpse	To destroy, consume, space, or otherwise permanently remove an individual's remains.
5-13		Unlawful Execution	To unlawfully execute an individual without authorization or outside of Standard Operating Procedure. This law is distinct from murder, and applies primarily to Security, Command, and Central Command forces such as Emergency Response.

Modifier Register

Situation	Description	Notes	Modifier
Aiding and Abetting	To knowingly assist a criminal.	Knowingly assisting a criminal is a crime. This includes but is not limited to: interfering with an arrest, stealing a prisoner in transit, breaking a prisoner out of the brig/prison, hiding a fugitive, and willingly rendering medical aid. If the aided prisoner ends up receiving no charges, apply five minutes to the offender.	The original criminal's sentence; 5 minute minimum
Brainwashing	To be under the mind control of a Cult, Head Revolutionary, Vampire, or other mind-controlling circumstances.	Any brainwashed person is to be detained, non-lethally when reasonable, and deconverted or dethralled. Deconverted/dethralled persons are to be immediately pardoned of their crimes and released. Any contraband or dangerous items found at the time of deconversion are to be confiscated without punishment.	Deconversion & Release
Central Command Order	To be issued a pardon/sentence modification by Central Command.	Central Command may waive sections of Space Law. Irrespective of the original crime, if a pardon or modification to a sentence is issued it is to be followed immediately.	Immediate Release/Modification
Cooperation	Being helpful to the members of security, revealing things during questioning.	Note that the information must be true in order for this modifier to apply. Prisoners giving false information to officers should not be awarded time off.	50% reduction
Medical Attention	A sick or injured prisoner requires medical aid.	Prisoners are entitled to medical aid if injured or sick. In cases of self-harm, aid may be rendered at the discretion of Security. The timer continues to run during this time.	Running Timer
Offense Against an Officer	To batter, assault or kidnap an Officer.	An Officer is defined as any member of Security, Command, or of Dignitary status (Judge, Blueshield, Representative). This modifier is specific to the charges of Battery, Assault, Aggravated Assault, and Kidnapping.	+5 Minutes to Sentence
Parole	To be released, under parole, before the allotted sentence for a crime is up.	Several requirements must be met in order for parole to be granted. See: Legal SOP, Parole Section	Parole Until Release
Refusal to Cooperate	Non-cooperative behaviour	While already detained inside the brig and awaiting a sentence, acting in a manner which makes security waste time processing you. Fleeing from processing also counts as refusal to cooperate.	50% addition
Repeat Offender	To be brigged for the same offense more than once.	Offenses must not be committed as part of one crime spree, and must be separate repeat offenses. Upon the second sentencing for the same crime, ten minutes is to be added. An additional ten minutes is to be added for every successive imprisonment. After two applications of this modifier (on their fourth same-crime offense), the perpetrator is to be permabrigged.	10 minute cumulative addition on 2nd/3rd offense Permabrig on 4th offense.
Resisting Arrest	To resist or impede an officer legally arresting or searching you.	Non-combative action such as fleeing, blocking access, or slipping is considered resisting. Minor combative actions, such as repeated shoving or disarming, should be charged as 1-02 - Battery in addition to this modifier. Resisting Arrest can be applied independent of other offenses: even if no crime was committed, the modifier still applies.	+0-5 Minutes to Sentence
Self Defence	Acting to protect one's self, coworkers, or workplace.	Persons intentionally getting involved in fights which occur in a department that isn't theirs is an act of vigilantism, not self-defence. Self-defence typically involves attempts to disarm or disengage, beating someone while they're down should be considered Assault unless the defender's life was in danger.	Immediate Release
Surrender	Willfully surrendering to Security.	Coming to the brig, confessing what you've done, and taking the punishment. Getting arrested without a fuss is not surrender.	50% reduction
Threat to Prisoner	A severe threat to a prisoner's safety.	The singularity eats something near the brig, an explosion goes off, etc. Officers must relocate the prisoner(s) to a safe location or otherwise immediately release them.	Immediate Release/Relocation