5. In-Game Dispute Procedures

This Chapter contains rules for the formal dispute proceedings that take place to assess the culpability of the accused.

5.1 Initiating A Dispute
When an investigation moves to a formal dispute, the Player Admin will post a new thread in the Dispute Forum, summing up the main evidence found in the investigation.

5.2 Access To A Dispute
ALFA DMs enjoy read-only access to the Dispute Forum. The complainant and the accused enjoy posting access, which may be substituted for read-only access if the Player Admin or Infra Admin determines that this access is being abused. Admin and ALFA Representatives may also post.

5.3 Dispute Time Limits
From the time when the thread is made in the Dispute Forum and the complainant and the accused have been given posting access, the dispute must remain open for 7 days. After that time the Player Admin may determine when the dispute proceedings are over and a verdict can be reached. The Player Admin will make every effort to ensure that all parties
get to plead their case.

5.3.1 Exception From Time Limit
In cases where the evidence is overwhelming or where the accused has confessed, the Player Admin may announce a verdict immediately, without waiting 7 days. This measure is reserved for exceptional circumstances. If the Player Admin does not announce the verdict immediately the thread must always run for 7 days.

5.4 Dispute Verdict
At any point after the initial 7 days the Player Admin may lock the thread and declare the verdict. The verdict is effective immediately, unless stated otherwise.

5.5 Appeals
Only verdicts that find wrongdoing may be appealed against. Such appeals must be made to the Lead Admin within 30 days of the verdict, as per Section 3.6 of the ALFA Charter.

5.6 Informal Dispute Resolution
Informal dispute resolutions rely on the consent of the accused, the complainant, and the Player Admin. If any of these parties disagree with the informal dispute resolution, the case must proceed to formal dispute procedures.

5.7 Removal Of Illegal Gains
The Player Admin may decide that in addition to or instead of any other formal censure, a player who is subject to censure through the formal dispute procedure will also lose any gains made from the offence. This can include the loss of XP, wealth and in extreme cases forced retirement of the player character.