The Law reigns supreme within the Therian nation. None shall reign higher than the First Laws.
Only the Alpha may Decree a law, but the citizens may express themselves to the Alpha their displeasure. They will do this by voting on any proposed law before it is Decreed, in the manner set forth in this Code..
Any citizen may suggest or propose a Law, to the Alpha directly, at any public meeting, or by appointment to the Alpha. The Alpha is obliged to bring this proposed law to the people, who will then express their approval or disapproval by the vote taken.
There shall be a meeting of the Pack, in person or by electronic means, at least twice a year, for the purpose of issuing Decrees, to suggest or vote on any proposed law, and to express agreement or disagreement to the Alpha.
These meetings may also be called when ten or more citizens desire it, or when the Alpha has need to do so, or for any emergency situation which affects the Pack. Also: the meeting my be called to settle a dispute, or bring business before the Pack.
Again, in honor of our role models, the wolf, this meeting shall be called the Howl.
All are equal before the Howl, and may speak openly, on any subject Every citizen at or above the age of adulthood may speak and vote in the Howl, unless forcibly removed from that Howl for dishonorable actions before that meeting.
To change the Law, or to veto a proposed Law before it is Decreed, at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the citizenry must vote to do so (the same as to elect a new Alpha). If at least seventy five percent (75%) do not do so, then the Law may be Decreed by the Alpha, although the Pack-Leader may certainly be swayed by a percentage that is so very near a consensus of the Pack. In addition, an Alpha, during the process of the vote, may decide, at his or her own discretion, to withdraw his or her decree, if so moved.
The Howl will take place in whatever fashion is possible: by writing, or by appearing in person, or by any sort of electronic correspondence shall discussion and voting take place. When in-person appearances become possible, an email or public showing of that person's speech will be sent to each person unable to hear it (in some sort of digital recording, when possible).
As for the Alpha's vote, discussion shall take place for one week, unless the Alpha says it should be longer, or unless any one person expresses their wish to extend such discussion. Each time this is requested, the time before the vote shall be lengthened for another week, for a maximum of three (3) weeks, to prevent filibuster.
Once the vote has been taken, then the Alpha is obliged to abide by the unanimous veto of the Howl. This shall not, however, prevent the Howl from presenting the proposal to the Howl again at a later date, but the Apha may not do so for a minimum of three months.
Any citizen who desires to may sit on the Howl; all are free and equal in the Howl. No one person is more important than any other person. Even the Guardian and the Alpha may sit on the Howl; the responsibilities and rights they have been reserved are so that they serve the Law and the nation, and nothing more than that.
The qualification for attending the Howl is that they must be a Therian. When voting, let it be known that any citizen may send a proxy vote, or a proxy with his or her vote, in the times when (s)he cannot attend to vote.
Except as otherwise provided in this Code, every citizen, including the Alpha and the Guardian, has one vote.
The only other vote any may have is the clan or tribes leaders, who may have additional votes according to the size of their clan or tribe, in units of eight [8 clan members=one (1) additional vote; 16 clan member==two (2) additional votes, etc.]. Also: Clan leaders may not cast these additional votes during the election of a new Alpha.
Although no one need be elected to the Howl, one may be appointed to serve as an official of the Howl, or be removed for dishonor. Such must be provable by a preponderance of evidence, as presented by an impartial Judge.
Please note: although every citizen should sit on the Howl, or send a proxy vote if needed, it is not required.
If one does not attend, however, no penalty shall occur, except that the citizen is still bound by the Laws passed or Decreed during that Howl.
