LAW & ETHICS
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OVERVIEW
Human Space is governed by laws designed to protect life, maintain order, and regulate dangerous technology. While individual governments and corporations enforce their own policies, several principles are recognized almost everywhere.
The further a settlement is from civilization, the more its laws depend upon local leadership.
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Artificial Intelligence is considered property unless officially recognized under a special legal charter.
Most AI systems exist to perform specific tasks and have no legal rights beyond the protections given to valuable equipment.
Creating or modifying self-governing AI without authorization is illegal in most jurisdictions.
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CYBERNETICS
Legal cybernetic augmentation is widely accepted.
Medical implants, prosthetics, and professional enhancements require licensed installation and registration where applicable.
Military-grade implants, experimental augmentations, and stolen cybernetics are heavily regulated or prohibited.
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DATA PRIVACY
Personal records, medical information, financial accounts, and private communications are protected by law.
Unauthorized access, theft, or distribution of personal data is a criminal offense.
Governments and corporations may legally access protected information only under approved legal authority.
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HUMAN EXPERIMENTATION
Medical and scientific research must receive ethical approval before testing on living subjects.
Experimentation without informed consent is illegal throughout Human Space.
Research involving Void anomalies, advanced biotechnology, or artificial intelligence is subject to additional oversight.
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BOUNTY HUNTING
Licensed bounty hunters may pursue wanted criminals only when authorized by the issuing government or organization.
Deadly force is permitted only when necessary or specifically authorized by the warrant.
Unauthorized vigilantism remains a criminal offense.
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CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
Corporations are responsible for the safety of their employees, facilities, and products.
Violations may result in financial penalties, government intervention, criminal prosecution, or the loss of operating privileges.
No corporation is considered above the law.
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GM GUIDANCE
Treat laws as a foundation for storytelling rather than a barrier to adventure.
Different regions may interpret laws differently, but justice should remain understandable and consistent.
Ethical questions should create meaningful choices instead of simple right-or-wrong answers.