How a case works
The stages of a case, from grievance to reconciliation, and the deadline at each step.
The Soteria Tribunal follows a structured process called GRADMEJFAR: each letter represents a stage in the accountability journey. Whether you're holding a government accountable for treaty violations, a corporation for breach of fiduciary duty, a trustee for self-dealing, or any party for failing their obligations, every case follows the same rigorous process. We apply both domestic and international law to make breach of trust costly.
The stages of a case
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Grievance
The process begins when an individual, community, or organization files a grievance: a formal complaint documenting the harm caused by a government, corporation, or institution. This includes details about the violation, the responsible party, and the remedy sought.
The Tribunal reviews the grievance to determine jurisdiction based on applicable treaties, human rights frameworks, and agreements.
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Response
Once jurisdiction is accepted, the Tribunal formally notifies the respondent, whether a government agency, corporation, or institution. They receive full details of the grievance and must respond.
This begins the clock on important deadlines. Powerful entities cannot simply ignore the process.
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Acknowledgment
The respondent has a window to acknowledge the grievance. Acknowledging doesn't mean admitting fault: it means agreeing to participate in the process.
Deadline: 21-day deadline (2 days for emergencies)
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Default
If the respondent does not acknowledge
If the respondent (government, corporation, or institution) refuses to acknowledge or participate, the case proceeds by default. The Tribunal issues judgment based on the evidence presented.
Powerful entities often believe they can ignore accountability processes. Default judgment ensures that silence is not a shield: the record is made regardless.
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Mediation
If the respondent acknowledges
When the respondent acknowledges, both parties attempt mediation, a facilitated negotiation to resolve the dispute. Many cases settle at this stage.
If mediation succeeds, the agreed terms become the judgment. If it fails, the case proceeds to evidence.
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Evidence
If mediation does not settle the case
Both parties submit their evidence: documents, statements, records, expert opinions. Everything goes on the record, and both sides can see what the other submits.
Counter-claims can be filed at this stage.
Deadline: 45-day submission window
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Judgment
The adjudicator reviews all evidence and issues a binding decision. The judgment specifies who owes what, in what amount, and on what terms.
Deadline: 30-day issuance window
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Formalization
The judgment is formalized: made public, cryptographically sealed, and registered. An appeal window opens during which either party may challenge the decision.
Deadline: 90-day appeal window
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Application (Enforcement)
After the appeal window closes, enforcement begins. The debtor is listed in the Lex Nigra registry. Liens can be registered. The judgment can be transferred to professional collectors.
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Reconciliation
The case concludes when the debt is satisfied, whether through full payment, negotiated settlement, or other resolution. The record is updated to reflect the final outcome.
Two possible paths
Fast Track
When the respondent doesn't acknowledge, the case follows the Fast Track:
G → R → A → D → F → A → R
The case proceeds by default, typically resulting in judgment for the claimant based on uncontested evidence.
Full Track
When the respondent acknowledges, the case follows the Full Track:
G → R → A → M → E → J → F → A → R
Both parties participate fully in mediation and evidence stages before judgment is rendered.
Deadlines and the public record
- Strict deadlines prevent powerful respondents from using delay tactics to exhaust claimants.
- Every violation is documented. The record cannot be buried, sealed, or erased.
- Judgments are cryptographically sealed. No institution can alter or deny the findings.
- Final judgments become public record. Wrongdoing by governments and corporations is exposed.
Before you file
What to know and have ready before you open the grievance form.
Who can file
Any individual, community or organization may file a grievance. Communities and organized groups may file on behalf of their members.
Who you can file against
Anyone who holds a position of trust and breaches it. We make no discrimination based on size or power: breach of trust has consequences regardless of who commits it.
What you will need
- Claimant Information
- Your full name, email address, street address and city. These details are required even if you seal your identity.
- Respondent Information
- The full legal name or organization name of each respondent. Add a known email address and street address if you have them.
- Description of Grievance
- Provide a detailed description of the dispute, including dates, events, and relevant background. Minimum 50 characters. Be thorough but concise.
- Supporting Documents
- PDF, Word, images, spreadsheets or text. Up to 10 MB per file and 100 MB in total.
- Claimed Amount (if monetary)
- Leave blank if not a monetary dispute.
- Jurisdiction of Dispute
- Where the dispute occurred or where relief is sought.
Sealed Identity
When "Seal Claimant Identity" is checked, your name and address are redacted from all public records, case search results, and Observer-visible documents.
The Tribunal retains your full identity for proper service, proceedings, and enforcement. Full claimant details are always required.
Filing Fees
| Filing type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard Filing | $150.00 |
| Emergency Filing | $300.00 |
Emergency filing fee is 2x standard rate. Use only for urgent matters.
Payment by invoice. BTC accepted. Fee waivers available for hardship.