Bounty Hunter Law and Dispute Resolution

 Bounty Hunters have a pretty bad reputation around the Galaxy--the term "scum" is a commonly used descriptor of those in the profession.  However, the perception of Bounty Hunters as lawless criminals untethered by rules is largely misplaced.  The truth is, the Bounty Hunters' Guild is a licensed and sanctioned organization that has various  rules and regulations that it requires its members to uphold.  This post offers a quick summary of the law that governs Bounty Hunters and procedures to resolve disputes.

There are actually two sets of regulations that Bounty Hunters are subject to--The Bounty Hunters' Creed and Guild Rules.  The Creed is a strict code of conduct that binds all Hunters, and deviation from them is actionable and subject to harsh enforcement. The Guild Rules are more specific guidelines that lay out expected behaviors of its members.

Bounty Hunters' Creed

The Creed is comprised of 6 tenets:

1) People don't have bounties.  Only acquisitions have bounties.

2) Capture by design, kill by necessity

3) No Hunter shall slay another hunter

4) No Hunter shall interfere with another's hunt

5) In the hunt, one captures or kills, but never both

6) No Hunter shall refuse aid to another Hunter

Guild Rules

1) Accept the job your Guild contractor gives you.

2) Don't question your Guild contractor.

3) Never deny aid to a Guildmember.

4) Don't poach in another Hunter's territory.

5) Submit any disputes between Hunter's to the Guild for arbitration.  

Dispute Resolution

It is rule #5 above that governs how to resolve issues between Hunters.  This is done through the convergence of a Hunter's Lodge, a formal hearing where the aggrieved parties argue their cases before as assemblage of at least 6 Hunters.  A majority of the Hunter's Lodge determines the verdict.  For a violation of the Creed, this can result in expulsion from the Guild.  For less serious charges, compensatory or monetary damages will usually resolve the dispute.  

If you are a Bounty Hunter involved in a dispute, it is highly recommended to have appropriate representation to ensure your status as a Guild Member in good standing is preserved and protected.  

May the Law Be With You!

References:

- Star Wars: The Bounty Hunter Code, Daniel Wallace

- Wookiepedia




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