Smuggling Is Not Unlawful

[Lonely_Ghost]

While the inRP viability/desirability of lawful smuggling is a different issue, the original topic concerned applying server rules to inRP laws:

4.4 - Every char must have only one type of ID equipped and they must play to that ID. Ship and equipment infocards which specify their use on a specific ID or specific ship must only be used on that ID or ship. In all other cases where these restrictions and allowances conflict with the server rules, the ID overrides the rules (except 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7).

So the question becomes whether carrying what one house considers to be contraband (and others may not or may allow licenses for) is sanctionable. I don't think the server rules are meant to be used to enforce inRP laws for many of the various reasons already pointed out; they vary between houses, they can change, and they have their own player development behind them. Enforcement is also specifically provided for under various IDs in the game for a reason, and it's arguably the most important purpose of police factions, so having the rules take care of an RP issue would be superfluous. The same logic extends to every prohibited action here as they would also be "unlawful" (maybe? it depends? sometimes?), and frankly I think most people would agree that adding 20-some pages of "server rules" to the game would be nuts.

TL;DR - Smuggling is only unlawful according to RP laws, not server rules.

I'd say carrying illegal items for certain groups of ID would be considered against the ID line, stating "Cannot participate in any unlawful action, except described above"
For example, Universal ID ship is allowed to carry one specific cargo, within Liberty. If he caught with this cargo within Bretonia, he is committing unlawful action, which is against the ID. If somebody else, for example, Samura IDed player moving the same cargo in Liberty- he is participating in unlawful action.


Might be to make this particular situation more clear, for every non-corp trading ID, like Freelancer/Zoner, a special line could be added: Can participate in smuggling operations, but could be stopped by lawful forces and be dealt accordingly.

This would mean, that Freelancers are allowed to make an illegal cargo runs inRP, but on their own risk of being caught. Their ship belongs to them, they are independent, and can do whatever they want.

Corporation employees, cannot participate in illegal goods transportation, because inRP they have to follow corporate procedures, which are focused on legal operations.