Houses have jurisdiction over internal house matters.
Houses Have Jurisdiction Over Internal House Matters
Category: Tsm’syen Law Page status: Working
Purpose
This entry affirms that houses (wilp / waap) hold primary jurisdiction over matters internal to the house. Responsibility, authority, and restoration begin at the house level unless lawful conditions require movement to another level.
Core Principle
Houses have jurisdiction over internal house matters.
Meaning
Internal house matters include issues that arise from:
- Conduct of house members
- Responsibilities carried by house names or crests
- Internal relationships, obligations, and accountability
- Matters whose effects are contained within the house
Such matters are properly addressed by the house itself.
Basis of House Jurisdiction
House jurisdiction is grounded in:
- Ayaawx governing house responsibility
- Relationship among house members
- Knowledge of house history and adaawk
- Capacity to witness, repair, and restore balance internally
Jurisdiction arises from responsibility, not preference.
Limits of House Jurisdiction
House jurisdiction is limited when:
- Harm extends beyond the house
- Inter-house relationships are affected
- Restoration cannot be achieved internally
- Persistent refusal undermines lawful resolution
In such cases, the matter may move to a broader level.
Relationship to Elders
Elders may:
- Offer guidance
- Assist in interpretation
- Support restoration
Elders do not replace house responsibility or assume house jurisdiction.
Relationship to Witnessing
House jurisdiction includes the duty to ensure:
- Acknowledgment of harm
- Acceptance of responsibility
- Appropriate witnessing
- Preservation of public memory where required
Private handling that avoids witnessing may be incomplete.
Continuity
By recognizing house jurisdiction over internal matters, Tsm’syen law preserves responsibility at its proper level and strengthens continuity through lived accountability.
See also: