The Laws of Westeros: Power and Justice in the Game of Thrones (Fiction)

If you’ve ever watched "Game of Thrones," you know that Westeros is a land where the laws of men are as brutal as the weather North of the Wall. The Seven Kingdoms operate under a unique blend of medieval justice, political intrigue, and ruthless power plays. Today, we’ll explore the laws and legal practices of Westeros and compare if these laws ever existed in the real-world (or still exist in some corner of the world, who knows?). So, let's see how the Laws of Westeros shape the epic saga of "Game of Thrones."

The Laws of Westeros: Power and Justice in Game of Thrones

1. Kingship and Feudalism: The Backbone of Westerosi Law

At the heart of Westeros' legal system is Kingship and Feudalism, a hierarchical structure where loyalty and service are exchanged for protection and land. The King (or should I say the Queen, Mother of Dragons) sits at the top of this pyramid, followed by powerful lords, knights, and finally, the smallfolk. This system creates a patchwork of local laws and customs, with each region maintaining its own legal traditions, often enforced at the whim of its ruling lord.

Real-world Comparison: Monarchy has prevailed all over the world for a long time (Imagine if we still had a king). In the real world, these monarchs were addressed by different titles such as Pharaoh (Egypt), Shah (Middle East Asia), Sultan (Middle East Asia and Indian Subcontinent), Raja (India), Queen & King (European Countries) etc.

2. Trial by Combat: Might Makes Right

One of the most dramatic legal practices in Westeros is trial by combat. When accused of a crime, a person can demand a trial by combat, where they either fight or choose a champion to fight on their behalf. The Gods (or just luck and skill) will decide the winner, and thus, the innocent party. Remember Tyrion Lannister’s trial by combat at the Eyrie? It’s a clear example of how this archaic law can dramatically affect one’s fate, often favouring the strong or the lucky over the truly innocent.

Real-World Comparison: Trial by combat also known as the Trial by Battle was indeed a part of medieval European justice (primarily found in Germanic Legal Codes) which gradually came to an end by the 16th Century. It was believed that God would ensure the righteous party's victory. You will be surprised to know that certain fragments of Trial by Combat can be traced in a popular Indian Martial Art form known as Kalaripayattu, wherein, the practitioners were called Chekavar, who would engage in battles and duels, representing their rulers.

3. The King’s Justice: Heads Will Roll

In Westeros, the king’s justice is literal and often brutal. Execution is a common punishment for a variety of crimes, from treason to theft. Executioners like Ser Ilyn Payne carry out these sentences, often with a swing of the sword. In the pilot episode, Ned Stark famously executes a deserter from the Night’s Watch demonstrating the Stark belief that the person who deserts who passes the sentence should swing the sword.

Real-World Comparison: Medieval Europe and the Middle East witnessed public executions to maintain order and deter crime. The manner of execution varied from beheading and hanging to more gruesome methods, depending on the crime and the social status of the criminal.

4. Oaths and Vows: Binding Words

In a land where written contracts are rare; oaths and vows hold immense power. Breaking an oath can led to severe consequences, both legally and socially. The Night’s Watch, for instance, is an institution built entirely on the binding oath taken by its members. Betraying this vow is considered one of the highest forms of treason, punishable by death. (Jon Snow should thank the Gods, that he, himself became the lord commander of the Nights Watch, because I can't recall the number of times, he broke the sacred oath)

Real-World Comparison: Medieval knights and nobles often swore oaths of fealty to their lords, and breaking these oaths could lead to forfeiture of land, titles, and even life. (I sense a flavour of the Law of Contracts here, but I am glad we have different sorts of remedies, can't imagine someone being beheaded for breaching a contract).

5. The Small Council: Politics and Law

The King of Westeros is advised by the Small Council, a group of appointed advisors who help govern the realm. This council includes positions like the Hand of the King, the Master of Laws, and the Master of Coin. They play a crucial role in the creation and enforcement of laws, as well as in the administration of justice.

Real-World Comparison: This mirrors the councils and advisory bodies found in medieval monarchies, where the king relied on trusted nobles and clergy to help manage the kingdom’s affairs. The English Privy Council, for example, served a similar function, by advising the sovereign. The British Colonizers implemented the same in the Indian Governance system as well, which today, is commonly known, as the ‘Council of Ministers’.

6. Speaking against the King amounts to Treason

One of the most honourable men to exist in the seven kingdoms, Ned Stark was beheaded on the grounds of treason, as he had confessed plotting against the throne. (Of course, on the request of his daughter, Sansa Stark, that if admits the scheming, Mercy will be shown)

Real World Comparison: Expressing dissent against the government may be construed as sedition in today's world as well. To be in line with the Ned Stark’s confession, a confession of guilt can actually mitigate the severity of punishment depending upon the nature of the crime in several judicial systems.

A World of Harsh Justice

The Laws of Westeros is as diverse and brutal as the world itself. From trial by combat to the king’s justice, the laws of the land reflect a society where power often trumps fairness, and the strong or cunning survive. While "Game of Thrones" is a work of fiction, its portrayal of medieval-inspired justice gives us a glimpse into the harsh realities of a world where the line between law and chaos is perilously thin.

So, next time you find yourself grumbling about jury duty or a parking ticket, just be thankful you’re not facing a trial by combat or the king’s justice in Westeros! Let me know in the comment box, if you can think of any real-world inspirations of Justice, for the settings or events depicted in Game of Thrones?