Laws

Universal Laws of the Unified Star Federation

1. Sentient Rights

1. Right to Life and Liberty
   No sentient being shall be deprived of life or freedom without due process of law.

2. Prohibition of Exploitation
   Slavery, trafficking, and forced labor of sentient beings are strictly forbidden.

3. Cultural and Religious Freedom
   Every sentient being and civilization has the right to practice their culture and beliefs without persecution, provided these practices do not violate universal laws.

4. Equal Protection
   All sentient beings, regardless of species, origin, or genetic modifications, are entitled to equal protection under Federation laws.

2. Non-Aggression

1. Prohibition of Warfare
   Acts of aggression, invasion, or conquest against any Federation member or pre-contact civilization are strictly banned.

2. Weapons Regulation
   Development, storage, or deployment of galaxy-threatening weapons (e.g., planet-destroying devices, uncontrolled AI, bio-weapons) is prohibited.

3. Peaceful Resolution of Disputes
   All conflicts between members must be resolved through Federation-approved diplomatic or judicial processes.

3. Environmental Stewardship

1. Preservation of Ecosystems
   Activities causing large-scale destruction of planetary ecosystems, such as strip mining or deforestation, are forbidden.

2. Prohibition of Star and Planetary Manipulation
   Unauthorized stellar engineering, terraforming, or destabilization of celestial bodies is strictly regulated.

3. Sustainable Resource Use
   Members must ensure the sustainable extraction and use of resources within their jurisdictions.

4. Prime Directive

1. Non-Interference with Developing Civilizations
   Interference in the natural development of pre-contact civilizations is prohibited, including cultural, technological, or biological interventions.

2. Emergency Exceptions
   Limited intervention is permitted only to prevent imminent extinction or catastrophic harm, with approval from the High Council.

3. Cultural Respect
   Contact with newly discovered civilizations must prioritize mutual respect and non-imposition of values.

5. Scientific Ethics

1. Ethical Experimentation
   Research involving sentient beings must obtain informed consent and adhere to ethical guidelines.

2. Prohibition of Rogue AI
   Development of artificial intelligence systems must include safeguards to prevent harm to sentient life or loss of control.

3. Knowledge Sharing
   Scientific discoveries related to public safety, such as cures for diseases or disaster prevention, must be shared within the Federation.

6. Trade and Economics

1. Fair Trade Practices
   Exploitation or manipulation of economically weaker civilizations is prohibited.

2. Resource Equity
   Critical resources, such as energy or food, must be distributed equitably in times of crisis.

3. Anti-Piracy
   Smuggling, piracy, and illegal trade are punishable offenses under Federation law.

7. Security and Defense

1. Prohibition of Terrorism
   Acts of terrorism, including sabotage, biological attacks, and mass targeting of civilians, are punishable by the highest penalties.

2. Mutual Defense
   All members must contribute to the collective defense of the Federation in the event of an external threat.

3. Criminal Accountability
   Those engaging in interstellar crimes such as espionage, trafficking, or genocide will be tried in the Interstellar Tribunal.

8. Governance and Compliance

1. Respect for Federation Institutions
   All members must adhere to the rulings of the High Council and Interstellar Tribunal.

2. Transparency in Governance
   Member civilizations must maintain transparency in their dealings with the Federation.

3. Universal Enforcement
   Federation peacekeepers are authorized to enforce these laws across all member territories.

9. Technology and Communication

1. Prohibition of Weaponized Communication
   The use of communication technologies for hostile purposes, such as psychological warfare or viral transmissions, is banned.

2. Universal Access
   Members are required to contribute to maintaining interstellar communication networks accessible to all.

3. Technological Responsibility
   Members introducing new technologies must assess their potential societal and environmental impacts.

10. Amendments and Exceptions

1. Living Framework
   Universal laws may be amended by a three-fourths majority vote in the High Council.

2. Emergency Powers
   Temporary suspensions of specific laws may be granted by the Executive Command in extreme crises, subject to High Council review.

3. Cultural Exemptions
   Practices unique to certain civilizations may be exempt from some laws, provided they are non-threatening and pre-approved by the Federation.