Wizarding Law
The Wizarding World is governed by Ministries of Magic, which are regional (e.g., there is a British Ministry of Magic, a French Ministry of Magic, etc.) and were established in the late 17th century by the International Confederation of Wizards. Each Ministry is headed by an elected official known as the Minister of Magic. Ministers of Magic do not have term limits; they can either step down or be removed from office when the time is right. Ministries are divided into multiple departments (the British Ministry has seven) which each create their own regulations and laws regarding their specialization, presumably approved by the Minister.
The International Statute of Secrecy is the most important Wizarding Law. It was passed by the International Confederation of Wizards in 1692, and it mandates behavior that will keep the Wizarding World a secret from the non-magical community. Further restrictions, such as outlawing Dragon Breeding, were added in 1709 by the Warlock's Convention for the same purpose. Another important law (perhaps part of the International Statute of Secrecy) is the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery/Magic, which was written in 1875. This decree bans the use of underage magic outside of the school environment. Witches and wizards are considered underage if they are under the age of seventeen. A spell called "The Trace" tracks these people and alerts the Ministry if they break the decree.
The Wizengamot functions as the high Wizarding Court; they preside over trials and hearings. Punishment for breaking wizarding laws varies. For underaged magical folk, they first get written warnings. If they break the law again they are expelled from school, have their wands broken, and are prohibited from using magic for the rest of their life. Serious crimes committed by adults result in the criminal to be sent to the Wizarding Prison of Azkaban. The most severe form of punishment is execution by a dementor's kiss.
The International Statute of Secrecy is the most important Wizarding Law. It was passed by the International Confederation of Wizards in 1692, and it mandates behavior that will keep the Wizarding World a secret from the non-magical community. Further restrictions, such as outlawing Dragon Breeding, were added in 1709 by the Warlock's Convention for the same purpose. Another important law (perhaps part of the International Statute of Secrecy) is the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery/Magic, which was written in 1875. This decree bans the use of underage magic outside of the school environment. Witches and wizards are considered underage if they are under the age of seventeen. A spell called "The Trace" tracks these people and alerts the Ministry if they break the decree.
The Wizengamot functions as the high Wizarding Court; they preside over trials and hearings. Punishment for breaking wizarding laws varies. For underaged magical folk, they first get written warnings. If they break the law again they are expelled from school, have their wands broken, and are prohibited from using magic for the rest of their life. Serious crimes committed by adults result in the criminal to be sent to the Wizarding Prison of Azkaban. The most severe form of punishment is execution by a dementor's kiss.