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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BluSponge" data-source="post: 2955340" data-attributes="member: 916">It does strike me as being unrealistic and unbelievable.  However, lets step back a bit and examine a few things.First of all, local law enforcement bodies will no doubt employ a priest of the god of justice (assuming there is one in your world) as a consultant, especially in cases such as treason.  "Do you have any accomplices?  Who are they?"  That sort of thing.  They wouldn't take the PCs' word for any of it.  It would have to be confirmed through their own agencies.  So if the party's cleric whipped out a zone of truth spell, well la-dee-dah.  How does your generic judge know he's on the up and up?  Furthermore, if a member of the party is the son of a traitor, how do we know they aren't collaborators?  Maybe we should just lock them all up.Secondly, who is to say the guy ISN'T guilty (or at least believes he is).  There are plenty of mind altering spells available (charm, suggestion, etc.), and thus he could very well have done the deed.  Even under duress, would a zone of truth detect this?  I don't believe so (I could be wrong on this count).  Detect charm would, but only if the charm is still under effect.  If it isn't (and why would it be), then the players are back at square one.  That same dominate will spell that the wizard can use to wrest the truth from someone could also be used to make them an (un)willing accomplice.Furthermore, a charge of treason is a pretty hefty thing, and can bring a real stain to the family's honor.  If found guilty, he is probably doomed to the gallows (followed by drawing and quartering the body).  If he's an accessory to treason, he's got a date with the headsman.  Is the man of noble standing?  If not, I would say giving the man a chance to prove his innocence is being quite generous in a medieval fantasy setting.  If he is of noble birth, and you are feeling generous, he could be exciled, his lands and holdings seized by the crown.  This all depends on your campaign, naturally.As for why there would be trials when these spells are available?  Because law enforcement isn't going to expend these resources on minor infractions.  They are not going to interrogate every pick pocket in the city to track down a stolen locket.  In fact, unless the pick pocket was caught in the act, they might not do anything at all.  (Not so different from law enforcement today.  Ever had your car broken into?)  Most courts are going to be handling civil disputes, and if a known assassin is caught, the chances of him getting a trial are pretty slim.  Don't put the laws in the context of today, with jurisprudence, the ACLU, and Maranda rights.  The PCs are going to have to prove the man was not guilty without a shadow of doubt, not the other way around.Anyway, I hope some of that helps.Tom</blockquote>

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