3 ms·
On the issue of the Dwarven Kingdom, the point about choice of law is further complicated by the fact that Thorin, a party to the Contract, is the de jure ruler
by betawolf33 14y ago
On the issue of the Dwarven Kingdom, the point about choice of law is further complicated by the fact that Thorin, a party to the Contract, is the de jure ruler of Erebor (or 'King Under the Mountain'), and, depending on the Folk of Durin's constituional/legal tradition, could be considered a (even the only) judge - or else might issue royal decrees to overturn a ruling.
As the Shire lacks an effective government, and particularly lacks awareness of matters outside its borders, Bilbo could easily be strung up under a foreign legal system if he crossed Thorin.
- tarice 14y agoConcerning your point about Thorin being the only judge: > Disputes arising between the Contract Parties shall be heard and judged by an arbitrator of the Company’s choosing By that clause, the company should be able to choose Thorin as the arbitrator regardless of the fact that he's the King Under the Mountain. That fact alone would put Bilbo in dire straights if, like you said, he ever crossed Thorin.
- pnathan 14y agoActually, the Shire had a mayor & sheriffs.