Juristic Persons

Juristic persons are autonomous constructs within the world of Thelema, mirrored after the legal concept of the same name in law. They are artificial beings treated as living beings, given sentience and limited rights like a human being - referred to in contrast as natural persons. Juristic persons are legally classified as persons but are not people in a strict sense. They are generally treated as objects subordinate to humans and require human beings to create them through the use of the Thelemic arts.

One process for creating a juristic person is demonstrated Docket #063 - The Scrivener.

Juristic persons often take on the physical shape of animals, plants, artificial constructs, and sometimes even humans. Their physiology varies between types and is altogether different from living organisms. They are made almost entirely of Thelemite and liquid gold, which serves as their life force in place of blood. Their size, strength, and abilities are influenced by the amount of commercial assets they store, as well as the intent and skill of their creators.

Human will is an important component of the creation process and is responsible for the limited autonomy that juristic persons possess. Unlike robots, juristic persons can be said to have something akin to a soul, which is derived from that of their creator.

Juristic persons fall into one of four subcategories as outlined #Docket #020 - Juristic Person. Those categories are as follows:
 * 1) Corporations
 * 2) Companies
 * 3) Trusts
 * 4) Offices

Early in the timeline of Thelema, juristic persons are granted the right to trial by combat by Justices Dean Maynard and Jane Stewart in the landmark Samuel Forest case. Prior to this decision, the invocation of trial by combat was a right reserved solely for human defendants, owning to the disproportionate power juristic persons had over their human counterparts. This decision has led to tremendous political controversy within Severa, including fear of exploitation and enslavement.

Humans with sufficient skill and willpower have been shown to outcompete juristic persons in trials, whereas those weaker have fallen prey to serious injury.