Sovereign Court (Articles 12-15)

Article 12 - Judicial Authority

Judicial power is vested in the Sovereign Court of the State.

The judiciary shall be independent and free from political influence in the exercise of its functions.

Article 13 - Judicial Independence and Limits

The Sovereign Court shall not inquire into or question the validity of proceedings in Parliament, except where explicitly permitted by this Constitution or law.

Parliamentary Sovereignty is upheld, no court shall strike down Acts of Parliament, except:

• Where two or more statutes are in irreconcilable conflict, in which case the Sovereign Court may determine which prevails according to rules of statutory interpretation.

• Where interpretation is required to resolve ambiguity or determine scope and intent.

• Where a law infringes a provision of this Constitution.

In cases where a statute is ambiguous or silent, the Sovereign Court may interpret it in a manner consistent with the intent of Parliament and the principles of justice.

Article 14 - Constitutional Interpretation

The Sovereign Court may rule on the constitutionality of laws only upon application, and its decision shall guide future application, but not invalidate past Acts of Parliament unless clearly unlawful.

Constitutional Review shall respect the primacy of Parliament while protecting fundamental rights and Constitutional coherence.

Article 15 - Appointment

Justices and the Chief Justice of the Sovereign Court shall be appointed by the Governor-General, on the advice of the Prime Minister, and confirmed by the House of Steam.

A 2/3rds vote confirms the permanent appointment. A 1/2 vote confirms the temporary appointment for a week.

Justices shall serve without fear of political impeachment and may only be removed for misconduct, incapacity, or breach of judicial ethics by a 2/3rds vote in Parliament.