> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.equinoxroleplay.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Court Policy
> Court policy governing filing deadlines, extensions, contracts, notarization, contract disputes, and enforceability in San Andreas.
The San Andreas Judicial System maintains specific policies regarding **filing deadlines, contracts, and court enforcement**.
These policies are intended to keep cases moving, prevent unnecessary delays, and provide a consistent framework for matters brought before the court.
***
# Filing Deadlines
Court matters must be filed within the applicable time limits.
Missing a deadline may prevent the court from hearing a case unless an exception is granted.
Criminal challenges should be filed immediately when possible. After serving the sentence, the accused generally has **7 days** to seek relief.
Civil claims must generally be filed within **3 days of the incident**.
***
## Criminal Cases
Whenever possible, a criminal challenge should be filed **immediately following the incident or charges**.
If immediate filing is not possible, the accused may serve the sentence associated with the charges.
After completing that sentence, the accused has:
**7 days**
to file a criminal case seeking:
* Expungement
* Restitution
* Other appropriate relief related to the disputed charges
After that period, the court may decline the case unless an extension is granted.
***
## Civil Cases
Civil claims must generally be filed within:
**3 days of the incident**
This may include disputes involving:
* Contracts
* Property
* Financial damages
* Businesses
* Liability
* Other civil claims
***
## Civil Claims Connected to Criminal Cases
If a potential civil claim depends on the outcome of an active criminal case, the normal civil filing period is paused.
Once the criminal case concludes, the applicable civil filing deadline **resets**.
This allows the criminal matter to be resolved before the related civil claim must proceed.
***
# Extensions & Missed Deadlines
Courts may grant additional time when a deadline is missed because of legitimate and exceptional circumstances.
Examples may include:
* Illness
* Incarceration
* Significant technical issues
* Other circumstances that reasonably prevented timely filing
Extensions are granted at the **discretion of the court** and are not automatic.
A request should explain:
* Why the deadline was missed
* What prevented timely filing
* When the party became able to proceed
**An extension is a privilege — not a right.**
Players and attorneys should make every reasonable effort to meet established deadlines.
***
# Contracts
Contracts allow individuals and businesses to create legally enforceable agreements.
However, the existence of a written agreement does not automatically make it enforceable.
The agreement must still be **legal and valid**.
***
# Legal Contracts
San Andreas courts will only enforce contracts containing lawful terms.
Contracts involving illegal conduct, unlawful conditions, or attempts to circumvent the law will not be enforced.
Examples may include agreements involving:
* Illegal transactions
* Fraudulent terms
* Unlawful services
* Attempts to bypass criminal law
* Other prohibited conduct
**Putting something illegal into a contract does not make it legal.**
An illegal contract may also be referred to law enforcement when it provides evidence of criminal activity.
***
# Requirements of a Valid Contract
One party makes a clear proposal with understandable terms.
The other party clearly agrees to those terms.
Something of recognized value is exchanged, such as money, property, goods, or services.
The agreement and its terms comply with San Andreas law and public policy.
The parties reasonably intend for the agreement to create an enforceable legal obligation.
***
# Notarization
A contract may be notarized by a licensed:
* **Attorney**
* **Judge**
Notarization helps confirm the authenticity and validity of an agreement.
An attorney or Judge may charge a fee for notarization services at their discretion.
Notarization does not make an otherwise illegal or invalid contract enforceable.
***
# Digital Contracts
Contracts do not always need to be traditional paper documents.
Digital agreements may be enforceable when properly documented.
Examples may include:
* Email agreements
* Digital signatures
* Electronically signed documents
* Recorded verbal agreements made in the presence of an attorney or Judge
The party seeking enforcement should be able to demonstrate that:
* The agreement is authentic
* The parties actually accepted the terms
* The agreement otherwise satisfies applicable contract requirements
***
# Contracts Involving Minors
Contracts entered into by individuals under:
**18 years old**
are generally considered **voidable** unless properly co-signed by a parent or legal guardian.
A voidable contract is not automatically invalid, but the minor may have the ability to challenge or cancel the agreement.
***
# Unconscionable Contracts
Even when a contract appears technically legal, the court may refuse to enforce terms that are:
* Grossly unfair
* Severely exploitative
* Coercive
* Unreasonably one-sided
These provisions may be considered **unconscionable**.
The court may review the circumstances surrounding the agreement when determining whether enforcement is appropriate.
***
# Contract Disputes
When parties disagree about the meaning, validity, or performance of a contract, either party may bring the dispute before the court through a **civil case**.
Possible remedies may include:
* Enforcement of the agreement
* Financial damages
* Cancellation of the agreement
* Other appropriate relief
***
## Contract Enforcement
A party asking the court to enforce a contract should be prepared to provide:
* The contract
* Evidence both parties agreed
* Evidence of consideration
* Documentation of performance or breach
* Other relevant evidence
The court determines whether the agreement is valid and what remedy, if any, should be granted.
***
## Rescission
A party may ask the court for **rescission**.
Rescission means cancelling the contract and releasing the parties from its obligations.
Whether rescission is appropriate depends on the circumstances of the dispute.
***
# Keep Agreements Clear
Clearly document what each party is agreeing to do.
Make it clear what each party gives and receives.
A court cannot enforce unlawful terms simply because both parties agreed.
Important agreements may be worth having an attorney review or notarize before signing.
Review how civil cases, filings, discovery, motions, trials, and judgments move through the court system.
**Clear agreements create better roleplay and fewer avoidable disputes.**