Shihōin

The Shihōin (Shirakawan Yashiman: 司法院, lit: 'Justice Commission') is the of the Government of Chisei.

It's highest level is the Supreme Constitutional Court (最高憲法裁判所 Saikō kenpō saibansho), consisting of 20 Grand Justices, charged with interpreting the Chiseian constitution. The justices serve for 16 years, and are appointed by the Chancellor of Chisei with the confirmation of the Heavenly Assembly. Every eight years, the Grand Justices elect a President and Vice-President from among their number to administer and represent the Shihōin, as well as a Lord-Justiciar to serve as the chief of the SCC.

The Shihōin also supervises the Palatial Court, the high courts, the state & local courts, the administrative court and the Commission on Public Discipline.

Functions
The major functions of the Shihōin are as follows:
 * To interpret the Constitution of Chisei and to unify the interpretation of laws and orders;
 * To impeach officials censured by the Tosatsuin and to adjudicate cases concerning the dissolution of political parties that violate the constitutional order;
 * To adjudicate civil and criminal cases;
 * To adjudicate administrative cases;
 * To adjudicate cases concerning disciplinary measures with respect to public functionaries; and
 * To interpret whether state-level laws or ordinances conflict with federal laws or the Constitution.
 * Judicial Administrative Power of the Constitutional Court.

Judges
Judges in Chisei are expected to be above partisanship and must be able to hold trials independently and free from any interference, in accordance with the law. Article 301 of the Third Grand Law states that Judges shall hold offices for life, and no judge shall be removed from office unless guilty of a criminal offence or subjected to disciplinary measures, or declared to be under interdiction. No judge shall, except in accordance with the law, be suspended or transferred or have his salary reduced. Judges shall be appointed from those persons who have passed the Examination of Judicial Officials, completed the Training Course for Judicial Officials and possessed distinguished records after a term of practice.